I arrived in Rwanda 6 days ago. After 3 airplanes, 2 seasons of in-flight Yellowstone, and way too many packs of Delta Biscoff cookies I finally made it! A lot of people have been asking me, “Why Rwanda?” So, I thought I could share a little Carlee-tale about “Why Rwanda?”
When I was 15 years old, I started a new school. I scored a scholarship to attend a highly esteemed Preparatory school in Winter Park, Florida mid sophomore year and quickly became the new girl. I would be lying if I said it was an easy transition but that is a story for another day-maybe. During history class on one of the first days, we had a substitute teacher (to this day I wish I could remember her name!) It was decided to watch Hotel Rwanda for class that day-as one does as a substitute teacher. I remember this day like it just happened! I was appalled at the horrific events that took place during this genocide. If you do not know about this event here is a brief recap (you can skip this part if you are up to date):
It was during colonial rule that Rwanda’s ethnic groups: Hutu, Tutsi, and Twa became racialized. The rigidification of these identities and their relationship with political power laid foundation for genocidal violence. In 1962, Rwanda gained independence from colonial powers and Hutu’s were left in power. This led to Tutsi discrimination and separation of ethnic groups that had previously been co-existing. During this time, there was also an existing Rwandan civil war between government armies and rebels led by Tutsi exiles from Uganda. All of this uproar led to anti-Tutsi propaganda and the Rwandan President’s plane to be shot down in 1994. The genocide began, in which 800,000 Tutsi and many moderate Hutus were massacred. The violence caused a major humanitarian crisis and the international community’s failure to intervene and stop the violence continues to leave a stain on the reputation of UN Peacekeeping today.
Beginning in 1994 and lasting only 100 days, the Rwandan Genocide is one of the most notorious modern genocides. During this 100 day period between April and July 1994, nearly one million ethnic Tutsi and moderate Hutu were killed as the international community and UN peacekeepers stood by.
The movie goes into great detail about these events and highlights happenings that I could not forget. At 15 years old, and without any “worldly-view,” I cried for days trying to understand how an event like this, a mere 20 years ago (at that time), could possible come to fruition-AND how no one came to the aid of these people, especially the children! So many children were left orphaned or were massacred also. I think that was the moment that I knew I wanted to help children all around the world suffering. I wanted to travel the world and see what small mark I could make globally.
17 years later, I find myself in Kigali, Rwanda. I just left the Pediatric Emergency Department at one of the referral (larger) pediatric centers here in the capital. I’m drinking some coffee and having banana bread after a morning of teaching and rounding with residents and attendings. It’s raining and peaceful-
it is so peaceful here in Rwanda. There are no more orphanages. People are thriving, always smiling at me and waving back. They are soft spoken and have kind eyes. Plastic bags are illegal in an attempt and huge effort by the government towards sustainability. Medicine is advancing. I even met a Canadian and a dutch man who work with electric motobikes for the taxi drivers! They call it the cleanest and safest city in all of Africa and I can see why.
Rwanda has impressed me immensely. I find myself thinking often of younger Carlee and how she had no idea I would be sitting where I am right now in this moment. It makes me smile knowing that I have that- as silly as it may be to other people. I am excited to be here and to be a small part of this big change for Rwanda. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Keep adventuring!
-Carlee