Summary Article

Here is a copy of an article I wrote for the Xtending Hope newsletter. I hope it does a nice job of summarizing my experience thus far.

(NOTE: It has not been edited by Xtending Hope yet... so still all my own ideas and non of theirs)

Rwanda’s nickname, the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ is justified by the hills and valleys of Kigali that stretch far into the haze from cooking fires. Unfortunately, it is also known for the 1994 genocide, which, as a result of failures of humanity as a whole, led to the destruction of families, homes, and an entire country. Since then, the country has overcome incredible challenges to rebuild, forgive, and remember, but always move forward towards a future of peace and growth. Through my Coady Youth In Partnership / Xtending Hope placement I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to witness the astounding efforts and determination of this country, and see first-hand the power of forgiveness.

Following the genocide, the health needs of the population were compounded by increasing rates of HIV/AIDS. Reliable statistics are difficult to find, but it is evident that the disease has a profound impact on not only the health care system but the social capacity of the country. Many children have been orphaned by HIV, and child-headed households are not uncommon. Although preventative programs are increasing and ARV medications are more readily available, the truth is that HIV/AIDS causes suffering: suffering to patients, suffering to families, and suffering to the growth and well being of a country desperate to seek a new future. HIV is social disease that still spreads because of the stigma that remains attached to it.

In response to these health care needs, the Kigali Health Institute (KHI) was established in 1996 to increase the number of health care professionals in the country, and conduct scholarly based health research in Rwanda. A large educational institute, KHI is continually developing curriculum so that the health-care available in Rwanda meets international standards. As a new Registered Nurse, I feel very privileged to be in a position to learn about the process of educating health care professionals. My first task was to provide lectures for a nursing course in adult health, one that gave me valuable teaching experience and that I enjoyed thoroughly. I was able to lead a frank and honest discussion about the social stigma surrounding HIV, and provide information to nursing students on how to teach youth safer sex techniques.

The commitment and perseverance of my students with their desire to succeed was inspiring. Each and every one of them wanted to be a nurse to help others, care for others, or contribute to the well being of their country. These admirable goals, I know, will stay with me throughout my own nursing career. As my passion for and interest in education grows, I am increasingly convinced in its ability to enhance capacity, empower people, and ultimately lead to personal development. The sharing of knowledge and ideas has the power to achieve sustainable growth, and, as one student pointed out to me, is of utmost value because it can never be taken away. The education that I am giving, though, barely balances everything that I am learning about Rwanda, culture, others, and myself. It is a thrilling process that I am very grateful to be part of.