Olivia Ishimwe, 3rd year, International Development and Globalization
Country of internship: Rwanda
Canadian NGO: Centre for International Studies and Cooperation(CECI)
Local NGO: FAWE Rwanda Chapter (Forum of African Women educationalists)
In the summer of 2024, I embarked on an incredible journey that took me to the heart of Rwanda, a country known for its landscape of breathtaking hills and resilient people. This trip wasn't just about exploring a new culture, but immersing myself in a world of unforgettable learning, encounters and discoveries. When I arrived in Kigali, I didn't expect the first few weeks to be so demanding, both personally and in terms of relationships. Every day, I found myself confronted with new ways of handling situations, new methods of time management, a different work rhythm, and ways of interacting that were previously unknown to me. I had to adapt to this new routine, this new way of living and being, in order to integrate harmoniously into my new environment. This period of adaptation was, frankly, a period of personal growth. It taught me patience and showed me that there's no one way of doing things. When you're in a new country, it's essential to be open to differences and to immerse yourself in the local culture to truly integrate. I've learned to put things into perspective and understand that each culture has its own ways of dealing with everyday life. Whether at work, in social interactions or in time management, there's a richness in this diversity that has deeply enriched me. Instead of resisting change, I chose to welcome these new experiences as learning opportunities, and to adopt local customs and habits by making them part of myself.
During this period of adaptation, I joined FAWE, The Forum of African Women Educationalists, an organization dedicated to transforming the educational landscape for girls in Rwanda, as a CECI academic volunteer. I was introduced to what FAWE Rwanda is really about and discovered the incredible work they undertake, as well as their unwavering commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all. Being at FAWE opened my eyes to the real impact this organization has on girls' education in Rwanda. Seeing up close the work and efforts made by FAWE to give a chance or a second chance to those who had lost all hope touched me deeply. The stories and testimonies of the girls I read and sometimes even met, their struggles and triumphs, inspired me beyond words. I witnessed the transformation FAWE brings to their lives, not only by giving them the tools they need to succeed and reach their full potential. FAWE is not just an organization; on the contrary, through my lenses, I see FAWE as a family, a supportive community that believes in the enormous potential of every girl.
I had a short but incredibly moving experience during my visit to the University of Rwanda's College of Science and Technology, when I had the opportunity to go and talk and follow up with the students of the college's Tuseme club. Tuseme means "Let's talk about it", and is an empowerment program designed to enable girls to understand the gender structure of society, identify and analyze emerging issues, and then act to resolve them. The same process is used to make boys aware of their unequal position and the need to support gender equality as a human right. What touched me deeply was the unity and solidarity of these students. They take initiative and show real leadership in working together to improve campus life. They see FAWE as their family, to the point of organizing a birthday surprise for program manager Tuseme, whom they affectionately call "Auntie". They see her not only as their mentor, but also as their aunt, a caring and inspiring figure.
FAWE's approach is multifaceted. They influence education policies to ensure gender sensitivity and demonstrate, through practical interventions, how to improve access, retention and performance for disadvantaged girls. I've been lucky enough to witness first-hand their resilience-building and leadership programs, which enable girls to overcome cultural norms and societal barriers. My experience at FAWE Rwanda is turning into a formative period as I saw how education can change lives and how an organization's dedication can pave the way for a better future.
FAWE Rwanda's programs such as Centers of Excellence, Girls' Empowerment through Education, STEM Career Promotion and Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) for Girls, Scholarship Programs, Tuseme Clubs, Career Guidance and Counseling Programs, Gender Responsive Pedagogy and Mentoring not only improve access to education, but also foster academic excellence and community development. They instill hope and resilience in young girls, enabling them to overcome obstacles and realize their dreams.
I truly believe that the best thing you can offer a person is the chance to become what they want to be. It's that encouragement, that ability to see beyond the obstacles, to give a teenage mother the courage to believe in herself and know that she's capable of achieving her dreams, despite the circumstances. It also means reaching out to bright girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them access and complete secondary education, and then making the transition to higher education. FAWE Rwanda doesn't just support girls' education, they change lives, communities, and build a more inclusive and equitable future. My experience with them has shown me that education can be the key that unlocks closed doors and gives every girl the opportunity to become everything she dreams of being.