By rohitaj
This is Rohita Javangula speaking from Kigali, Rwanda. I'm currently studying Post-Genocide Restoration and Peace Building through SIT. This weekend we were introduced to our host family. Mine consists of two parents (Agnes and Claude) and their five kids ranging in age from 5-21. Yesterday, Saturday August 31st was Umuganda. The Kinyarwandan word for community, Umuganda takes place on the last Saturday of each month. Every citizen over the age of 18 participates in community service, cleaning up the city or building roads and such. This concept is so novel to me. I'm blown away by the willingness of every individual, with no incentive or fear of punishment, to commit their Saturday mornings to the betterment of the community. ...continue reading "My First Umuganda"