helen weld public health

Settling in…

I have finally had the planets align for getting this first Rwandan posting off; time, internet connectivity, electricity and a functioning computer! As I write there are flocks of lovely, colorful finches feasting on a myriad of dead flying termites. These termites are also harvested by local people for delectable treats and extra protein.

This first week has really been a process of getting acquainted, oriented and settled to the people, place and routine of Gardens for Health International (GHI). Unfortunately, I managed to be struck with a cold/flu from travel which kept me in a bit of a fog bound state for a couple of days, but it is great to be feeling well again. As a result of spending a little more time horizontal than usual, I read Left to Tell: Discovering God amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculee Ilibagiza, which is a very compelling survival story and gave me further insights into the atrocities of the genocide.

I arrived in Kigali October 6th (on time!) and was met by the fantastic welcoming committee comprised of Brad (nursing colleague/friend from time in Burundi), Aaron a Global Health Fellow here for the year), Solange ( translator), Sunday (translator) and Emmanuel (driver). They were heroic making it, considering a simultaneous hailstorm resulting in local flooding and gridlock traffic. The general chaos was exacerbated by this also being moving day to the new residence. After walking the final mile due to the very boggy and slippery road, it was wonderful to be welcomed by Julie, the country director, who had been preparing and “cozying” the house.

The new residence is a lovely 35 minute walk from the Gardens office/house, a good chance to get a bit of exercise, contemplate the day ahead and practice my very limited abilities of Kinyarwanda. Upon arrival at the gardens, it is wonderful to be greeted by the staff. The place really has the atmosphere of a large harmonious and loving family. Everyone seems very happy and dedicated to their work. Lunchtime is a highlight with a large plate of fresh food for all the workers.

We have been going out into the community to do malnutrition assessments on children. The really severe cases get referred to the district hospital, otherwise they get referred into the government program to receive Plumpy Nut supplementation and then get enrolled into GHI. GHI provides agricultural support with plants and fruit trees, as well as home visits by agricultural field officers. There is a also a four month health education program for the parents (99% mamas) which is taught by three GHI staff (Claire, Naomi and Anunciata, known affectionately as the “Three Mamas”, trained and taught by Brad).

The trainings for the community mamas coincide with their weekly visits to the local health centers to pick up their Plumpy Nut. It is truly wonderful to see the “Three Mamas” interact with the community mamas and share their personal testimonials, illustrating the concept of empowerment at its best. The trainings (designed by Brad) are excellent; beginning with yoga breathing and stretching, followed by terrific skits which personify the lesson (family planning this week). They captivate their audience and prompt many questions and general discussion amongst the mamas. Part of my work here will be to help Brad develop these trainings.

Alli (another volunteer) and I are also working together on psychosocial aspects of care and support/trainings. I feel very fortunate to be working and living with such a motivated and dynamic group of ‘twenty-somethings’ from the USA. It gives me hope for the future of humanity and the planet. There is much more to write, but I will sign off for now.

Hopefully the accompanying photos will give more of a sense of the goings on here. Helen