Camp: Rwandan style

This past week I had the opportunity to be a part of one of CHFs initiatives for orphans and vulnerable children, vacation camps. These camps are set up all over Rwanda in order to bring together secondary students who are supported through the Higa Ubeho program.

The week started off like any other program in Africa, late and slightly unorganized, though all the students eventually arrived and the camp officially began, with the loads of forms, paperwork, and checklists. Each 'counselor' was assigned around 30 students for their group with 14 groups in total, around 500 kids ranging in age from 13-20. The mornings were spent in a large assembly where groups were encouraged to show what they had done the previous day, which involved a lot of singing and dancing as well as some skits. From there the kids went off to their own groups where they worked their way through the camp workbook, focused on determining goals, personal strengths, and hopes for the future. I felt like I had been transported back 5 years ago to Camp Wapo. The students also managed to inject some of their personality with impromptu song and dance sessions. The theme of the camp was to help the children realize the philosophy of the Higa Ubeho project, "Be determined and live" which on paper is an admirable goal.

I was confronted with one of the biggest truths these kids face. Though they have these hopes and dreams, such as to become a journalist, the reality is that the majority of them will never see these dreams fulfilled. The heart-wrenching thing about it however, is that it won't be from lack of trying. Talking to one young man, he confided that his goal was to continue his studies. He wanted to finish secondary school and go to university because he explained, those who finished university made more money and were able to find good jobs. Then he turned to me and asked me how he could do that. When, in the entire country, only 18% of students with top marks are admitted to further education, how was it possible for this boy to fulfill his dream of learning? Needless to say I was stumped. In all honesty, what options are there for a boy who doesn't get top marks, doesn't have money or ability to leave his home, and doesn't have any opportunities to train in any other profession other than shop keeper or farmer. When the educational opportunities in Rwanda as well as surrounding countries are so limited, what do you tell an eager face looking for answers?