Thursday, 26 July 2012
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Lee's View of Rwanda ...
I asked my travel companions if they would like to put pen to paper and sum up what they felt they got from our trip to Rwanda, this is what Lee had to say ...
"My trip to Rwanda was an experience I will never forget, it was exactly as it was advertised as "discover Rwanda". The experiences we had were educational and moving, from the highs of meeting dignitaries and visiting parliament to the very shocking visit to the memorial centre at Murumbi Hill. I have returned with a much clearer insight into why and how the genocide happened, and a high level of respect for the people who deal with the aftermath on a daily basis.
I am still thinking about which causes to support and how my school can establish a meaningful link with a school in Rwanda but I will definitely do something to try and help".
Lee Batchford
"My trip to Rwanda was an experience I will never forget, it was exactly as it was advertised as "discover Rwanda". The experiences we had were educational and moving, from the highs of meeting dignitaries and visiting parliament to the very shocking visit to the memorial centre at Murumbi Hill. I have returned with a much clearer insight into why and how the genocide happened, and a high level of respect for the people who deal with the aftermath on a daily basis.
I am still thinking about which causes to support and how my school can establish a meaningful link with a school in Rwanda but I will definitely do something to try and help".
Lee Batchford
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Day 2 Revisitied
Kigali Memorial Centre was opened to mark the tenth anniversary commemoration of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. The Centre is situated in the district of Gisozi, the site chosen for mass burial of the 250,000 victims of genocide in Kigali.
The site is the final resting place and Memorial to all those who were murdered in Kigali. To the surviving family members it is the place they come to remember their loved ones. It is also a place of reflection and learning for the rest of Rwanda and its visitors.
The Centre comprises of three permanent exhibitions. The largest of these documents the genocide in 1994; there is also a children's memorial, and an exhibition on the history of genocidal violence around the world. Memorial gardens, the National Documentation Centre of the Genocide an the Kigali Memorial Centre education centre all contribute to a sincere meaningful tribute to the victims of the past and education of future generations.
Taken from: Jenoside - Kigali Memorial Centre
To sit here and explain what each section of the exhibition was about is a very difficult thing to do as it was a very personal journey to go on. I gained a deeper understanding of Rwanda's history, how 1994 wasn't the first time that genocide had taken place in Rwanda, how the disgusting use of propaganda conditioned the majority of the Hutu population to see neighbours, friends and even members of their own family as the enemy. When President Juvenal Habyarimana's plane was shot down whilst flying in to Kigali on the 6th April, 1994 it was genocide from the first day. Death lists had been pre-prepared in advance, no Tutsi was exempt. In 100 days more than 1,000,000 people were murdered, 10,000 each day, 400 each hour, 7 each minute. Those that weren't killed were tortured, mutilated and raped. There were over 300,000 orphans with over 85,000 children left as heads of their households. There were thousands of widows, many had victim of rape and sexual abuse. The streets were littered with corpses ......... Rwanda was dead.
I had taken photo's whilst walking round the exhibition but I've decided not to publish them on here, merely out of respect to those who lost their lives. The exhibition has been sensitively put together but with the hard hitting visual aids needed to put everything you read into perspective. It's not just reams of facts and figures but a personal insite into the lives of Rwandans during before, during and after the 100 days of mass slaughter.
Kigali Memorial Centre Education Programme
The Rwandan children of today have many different perspectives of the genocide, that of a perpetrators view, a survivors view or from an exiled point of view. Each depending on their personal families history. The Education programme run at the centre has an ethos of "learning from the past - building a future". With the help of Councillor who supports the children during the one day workshops the Centre hopes to teach the children what lessons can be learnt from the past, help them to understand how genocide happens in the first place, helps the youngsters develop active and enquiring minds and to promote the idea of a common future. To achieve these objectives they look at Rwandan History, 1994 Tutsi genocide, definitions of genocide, other world genocides, the different stages of genocide and critical thinking and problem solving. During the days process, if the councillor feels at any point that the children aren't coping she stops the workshop. It's monitored closely with regular follow ups after the workshop has taken place. The aim isn't to traumatise but to educate to ensure that it never happens again.
At the moment those who are benefiting from the programme include students, youth clubs, local communities to Kigali and the International Community. As mentioned in my previous blog, in the 3 years that the programme has been running they have had just under 9000 participants attend the programme. One of the biggest challenges they have is that many schools in the urban areas of Rwanda can't afford to get the students to the centre. For one child to attend a days workshop, including travel and teaching materials is $25, not much really!
A new project currently in the development stages is a mobile exhibition which has the main aim of reaching families outside of Kigali. This may help with the issue of schools not being able to afford to sent their students to the Centre, it will also take the re-education to the heart of the community.
Social Fund
The Social Fund is basically a "rebuilding lives programme". It primarily supports survivors by supporting household income, surgeries that need to be done overseas, school tuition fees, school uniforms and much more. There are currently 140 people supported through the programme. Needs assessments are done on all people who approach the Social fund programme, if they cant help they will point them in the direction of an agency who can.
Current Income Generation
Social Enterprises currently generating an income that can be fed back into the Education Programmes and Social Fund include the gift shop at the Memorial Centre which only sells goods produces by Survivors the Cafe at the Centre and the Youth Hostel (which I will go into more details about in a later blog)
Monday, 2 April 2012
Day 2
Kigali memorial centre - first full day in rwanda. I have seen, read and listened to so much information today I'm not going to be able to do it full justice In a nightly blog which is being written when really l need to sleep. So, to quickly run through what I've seen with a view to writing a much detailed blog from all my notes when l get home here goes:-
The morning was spent with a guided tour of the Kigali memorial centre. We were taken around the gardens which incorporated three large enclosed concrete graves which were quite haunting with single red roses laying on the top where people had wanted to pay their respects. There was also an open grave where many victims of the genocide are still being laid to rest today, and in fact will be on Saturday (memorial day). We were also told that fresh graves were being dug in the grounds beyond the centre which just shows that even now remains are still being found.
We then moved on to the exhibition inside which gives a detailed account of Rwanda's history, the genocides that took place before 1994, the political propaganda machine that actively promoted the most effective way of removing tutsis from existence, the abandonment of survivors by agencies such as the red cross to the re-education programmes currently run by Aegis to ensure that it never happens again. Again this is very brief and l'll explain more on my return.
This afternoon we looked in detailed at the the Aegis trusts education programme and social programmes.
Just a few statistics for now regarding the education programme:-
To date over 8800 Rwandan children have sat through the day workshops run by the aegis trust which is in total 214 groups of children. To put them through this programme costs $25 per child. Why do they go to the centre to learn about the genocide .... Because the teachers in the schools try their best to avoid the subject, they don't know how to tackle it. Tomorrow I'll write in detail how the programme works (please bear with me, I'm still trying to process everything I've learnt today!!)
The final section concentrated on the social fund programme which helps
Primarily widows and orphans turn their lives around, from the restructuring of their homes, to school tuition fees and for the younger children essentials such as school uniforms. We will be looking at this in much more detail tomorrow.
This is just a very brief overview and l promise to pad it out much more on my return including all the photos I've taken.
Will update tomorrow. X
The morning was spent with a guided tour of the Kigali memorial centre. We were taken around the gardens which incorporated three large enclosed concrete graves which were quite haunting with single red roses laying on the top where people had wanted to pay their respects. There was also an open grave where many victims of the genocide are still being laid to rest today, and in fact will be on Saturday (memorial day). We were also told that fresh graves were being dug in the grounds beyond the centre which just shows that even now remains are still being found.
We then moved on to the exhibition inside which gives a detailed account of Rwanda's history, the genocides that took place before 1994, the political propaganda machine that actively promoted the most effective way of removing tutsis from existence, the abandonment of survivors by agencies such as the red cross to the re-education programmes currently run by Aegis to ensure that it never happens again. Again this is very brief and l'll explain more on my return.
This afternoon we looked in detailed at the the Aegis trusts education programme and social programmes.
Just a few statistics for now regarding the education programme:-
To date over 8800 Rwandan children have sat through the day workshops run by the aegis trust which is in total 214 groups of children. To put them through this programme costs $25 per child. Why do they go to the centre to learn about the genocide .... Because the teachers in the schools try their best to avoid the subject, they don't know how to tackle it. Tomorrow I'll write in detail how the programme works (please bear with me, I'm still trying to process everything I've learnt today!!)
The final section concentrated on the social fund programme which helps
Primarily widows and orphans turn their lives around, from the restructuring of their homes, to school tuition fees and for the younger children essentials such as school uniforms. We will be looking at this in much more detail tomorrow.
This is just a very brief overview and l promise to pad it out much more on my return including all the photos I've taken.
Will update tomorrow. X
Sunday, 1 April 2012
Day 1
Just a very quick blog tonight I'm afraid on the basis that I'm completely shattered after an unbelievably long day travelling. Was up at 4.15am for a 6.00am flight to Amsterdam. A three hour stop over followed by an 8hr flight to Kigali. Finally landed at 7.15pm this evening. A quick unpack at the hotel followed by a very late evening meal has left me so ready for bed. It's 12.30am now and l know l'm going to sleep well. I can't wait to see what Rwanda looks like when l wake up, certainly from a night time perspective it looks beautiful. Will post more tomorrow.
Sunday, 4 March 2012
Thank You
A huge thank you to everyone who has donated over the last 5 months. I'm pleased to say that I've reached my official total which means I'll definitely be on the plane to Rwanda, the remaining amount and any donations I receive from now on will be going to one of the many causes out in Rwanda. Hopefully once I return I'll have a more specific project to raise funds for and I'll start fundraising all over again when I get back.
Today is official count down day with just 4 weeks to go before our departure.
Thank You x
Today is official count down day with just 4 weeks to go before our departure.
Thank You x
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Race Night & Auction - 3rd February 2012
I've organised quite a few events through my role as Development Worker but never one on a personal level. I still needed to raise £1400 and what better way to do it than through a huge fundraising event. A colleague at work came up with the idea of a Race Night, we then included an Auction and then thought we'd go all the way with a raffle too.
Preparations started just before Christmas, we only had 6 weeks to organise everything, I love a challenge! Lincoln City Football Club donated the venue for free which was fantastic, and we also started the process of obtaining Auction and Raffle prizes.This was by far the hardest part of the whole event planning. About 60 leters and emails were written asking organisations for donations towards the Auction but in the end most offers of help came from friends.
New Year arrived and posters went up advertising the event and tickets went on sale. Once again colleagues came to the rescue with the designing of the tickets (they looked fab James, thank you). They went on sale at £5 each. The target was to sell 100 tickets ... we managed about 80 which was amazing. Gemma, my partner in crime, and whose support made the whole event possible became my catering partner ... we decided a buffet would probably be best. Never actually prepared a buffet for 100, I have now! Entertainment for the evening came in the form of a disco, again free of charge, I would, at this point like to thank Chris for helping out at the last minute.
Steve Robinson from the Aegis Trust very kindly offered to come along on the evening and with him he bought the Rwandan section of a brand new mobile exhibition that is currently making its way around the Lincoln area. This gave everyone at the event a chance to see and read a little about Rwanda.
The 3rd February arrived and I have to be honest, I was so nervous. Knowing that so many people had bought tickets and were coming with high expectations of a good night out is quite a responsibility. Worst of all I also new that I would have to say a few words to start the whole event off. Oh my goodness, I so prefer being behind the scenes ... thank god I was stood next to a table, I needed it to put my notes on as I was shaking so much. Of course once that bit was over I was fine ... just as everyone said I would be!
Gemma's friend Jo very kindly offered to run the Race Night section of the evening as well as the Auction, and after a slightly worrying start where we thought we were paying out more than we were taking, everything started to settle down and the pennies started to mount.
We had five Auction prizes on offer. A day at the races for 2, and Executive Box for 10 at LCFC, a long weekend break in a cottage in Derbyshire, a Climbing Wall experience and a weeks stay in a Villa in the South of France. All items were successfully purchased which was amazing. Once the raffle was drawn the fundraising part of the evening was over. Now it was disco time, a chance for everyone to relax and have a bit of a dance.
I am completely overwhelmed at how successful the evening went. Everyone had a great time and went home happy. Through the genorosity of everyone who attended I raised a massive £1220.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who attended, and in particular to Gemma, Jo, James and Chris whose valued help made the event possible.
Preparations started just before Christmas, we only had 6 weeks to organise everything, I love a challenge! Lincoln City Football Club donated the venue for free which was fantastic, and we also started the process of obtaining Auction and Raffle prizes.This was by far the hardest part of the whole event planning. About 60 leters and emails were written asking organisations for donations towards the Auction but in the end most offers of help came from friends.
New Year arrived and posters went up advertising the event and tickets went on sale. Once again colleagues came to the rescue with the designing of the tickets (they looked fab James, thank you). They went on sale at £5 each. The target was to sell 100 tickets ... we managed about 80 which was amazing. Gemma, my partner in crime, and whose support made the whole event possible became my catering partner ... we decided a buffet would probably be best. Never actually prepared a buffet for 100, I have now! Entertainment for the evening came in the form of a disco, again free of charge, I would, at this point like to thank Chris for helping out at the last minute.
Steve Robinson from the Aegis Trust very kindly offered to come along on the evening and with him he bought the Rwandan section of a brand new mobile exhibition that is currently making its way around the Lincoln area. This gave everyone at the event a chance to see and read a little about Rwanda.
The 3rd February arrived and I have to be honest, I was so nervous. Knowing that so many people had bought tickets and were coming with high expectations of a good night out is quite a responsibility. Worst of all I also new that I would have to say a few words to start the whole event off. Oh my goodness, I so prefer being behind the scenes ... thank god I was stood next to a table, I needed it to put my notes on as I was shaking so much. Of course once that bit was over I was fine ... just as everyone said I would be!
Gemma's friend Jo very kindly offered to run the Race Night section of the evening as well as the Auction, and after a slightly worrying start where we thought we were paying out more than we were taking, everything started to settle down and the pennies started to mount.
We had five Auction prizes on offer. A day at the races for 2, and Executive Box for 10 at LCFC, a long weekend break in a cottage in Derbyshire, a Climbing Wall experience and a weeks stay in a Villa in the South of France. All items were successfully purchased which was amazing. Once the raffle was drawn the fundraising part of the evening was over. Now it was disco time, a chance for everyone to relax and have a bit of a dance.
I am completely overwhelmed at how successful the evening went. Everyone had a great time and went home happy. Through the genorosity of everyone who attended I raised a massive £1220.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who attended, and in particular to Gemma, Jo, James and Chris whose valued help made the event possible.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Newspaper Article
Next Thursday I get to have my five minutes of fame by having the below article published in the Lincolnshire Echo, heres a sneak peek for everyone who follows my blog ....... let me know what you think !!
Hi, my name is Lynsey Collinson and l’ve worked as a Development Worker for developmentplus (formally LCDP) for 5½years. My post is currently funded through the Migration Impact Fund of which it’s main focus is to create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to meet and get to know each other though Community Events, I also support Community Groups within the Abbey Ward Area of Lincoln. It was through this work that l met Steve Robinson of the Aegis Trust who in turn introduced me to the work they do in re-educating the Rwandans following the Genocide of 1994.
In 1994, the genocide that devastated Rwanda claimed the lives of over 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus in a 100 day slaughter. Although it will take decades, the people of Rwanda are determined to rebuild their society.
Naively perhaps, I hadn’t realized that there had been a genocide of this size within my life time, I’d studied A-Level History which covered the Second World War, ironically at the time that the genocide was taking place in Rwanda and yet I had no recollection of it. The more I read about the atrocities that took place in 1994 and the remarkable re-education programme that is taking place now so that it never happens again the more interested I became in learning more.
In 2003, the Aegis Trust was invited to build the first national Rwanda Memorial and Education Centre in Kigali and to advise on rebuilding the community, specifically using commemoration. The Centre’s groundbreaking programmes challenge divisive ideology in schools and the Community, document the genocide and provide practical support for orphans and widows. Its programmes help to build community cohesion and encourage work experience and employment.
I have been given the opportunity to go on a one-week field trip to learn more about the genocide and its effects on Rwanda and its people. I will have the opportunity to engage with leading women in Rwanda, visit Memorial sites and hear from and share experiences with genocide survivors. Engage with Rwandan Educators and students, and discuss the role they are playing to help shape their Country, gain a deeper understanding about the Rwandan genocide and its relevance to community cohesion and integration in British Communities today. I will also have the opportunity of visiting Gisimba Orphanage, which sadly still homes some of those children orphaned during the genocide to see how their lives have changed since 1994. The field trip will fall between the 1st and 9th April, a period of which will includes 2 days of Rwanda’s national week of mourning,
On my return I want to be able to share the stories that I hear and the culture that I’ve experienced. To show what people can achieve, even after facing unimaginable horror and hatred. To show how people can learn to look beyond the past and move towards a better future together.
To enable me to go to Rwanda I have to fundraise much of the money myself. Amazingly I've already raised £700 but I still have a little way to go.
On the 3rd February I will be hosting a charity/fundraising Race Night and Auction in Lincoln. Tickets will be available during January at £5 each. If you would like to purchase a ticket you can e-mail me at lynseycollinson@gmail.com
I am also looking for raffle and auction prizes so if there are any organisations that would be willing to donate please get in touch.
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Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Sunday, 1 January 2012
Happy New Year
I would just like to take this opportunity to wish all my followers a very Happy New Year. I've still got a little way to go over the next few months to be able to achieve my goal of going to Rwanda on the 1st April but I know that with the support of all my family and friends I will achieve this. I can't wait to share my journey with you all.
Thank you for all you support
Lynsey x
Thank you for all you support
Lynsey x
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Preparing for the next Fundraising Event
Charity/Fundraising Race Night/Auction
3rd February 2012
7pm - 12pm
The Trust Suite, Lincoln City Football Ground
Tickets £5 each
On sale in the New Year
For more information please get in touch
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Fundraising Update 2
I've just about collected all my sponsorship money from my first fundraising event at the beginning of October. I'm completely overwhelmed and proud to announce that the first event raised £730.00. Thank you so so much for all your support. Unfortunately I still have a little way to go but this was definitely an amazing start.
I'm finding it really difficult to update my blog at the minute, writing about a place you haven't visited yet is really hard. I've just started reading a book called "A People Betrayed" by Linda Melvern in preparation for my visit. It has an amazing write up and as I make my way through it I'd really like to share a little of what I read with yourselves.
Once again thank you for your continued support.
I'm finding it really difficult to update my blog at the minute, writing about a place you haven't visited yet is really hard. I've just started reading a book called "A People Betrayed" by Linda Melvern in preparation for my visit. It has an amazing write up and as I make my way through it I'd really like to share a little of what I read with yourselves.
Once again thank you for your continued support.
Monday, 3 October 2011
WE DID IT - 25 Mile Sponsored Walk
At 9.30am on what turned out to be the hottest October day on record, myself and an amazing group of friends embarked on my first fundraising event for Rwanda, a 25 mile sponsored walk around Rutland Water.
During the week leading up to the day we agreed on the route we would take and plotted stop off points around the map. Rutland Water runs in a circuit so at the end of the day there were only two directions we could go in. We all agreed to leave the peninsular section until the end just incase people wanted to leave that bit out.
We all headed off eager and looking forward to the day ahead .... it soon became apparent that out of the only two directions we could go in .... we started off in the opposite direction than originally planned ... oops ... this meant we walked the peninsular section first which in the end proved to be the best route to take, it was one of the hardest sections and we were all relieved that we did that be first.
After the initial blip and a quick re-arrange of stop off points we settled comfortably into the walk and started to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The heat was a problem and we all had to keep reminding ourselves to drink plenty of water. Unfortunately after about 14 miles the heat became too much for Annie and sadly she retired at that point along with her daughter Joanna. A huge well done and thank you to both of you, your support was hugely appreciated. The remaining seven had a well deserved half hour lunch break and then continued with the walk.
The last 4-5 hrs of the walk was definitely the toughest. Feet were hurting, joints were aching and the sun was still pounding down on us all. Despite all of this we kept going, stop offs for some became shorter through fear of not starting again, for others they were relished and a chance to take on extra fluid and a fifteen minute break. For the last four miles we had separated into two groups, both determined to finish but at their own paces. Discussions had become one worded sentences and at times not even words just grunts. Every walk up and descent of a hill became a mini challenge in itself, especially when every muscle in your body is fighting against you.
I would like to mention at this point that the final sign to the Horse & Jockey Inn (our finish line) which stated "one mile to go" was quite clearly a blatant lie and should have read "at least two miles to go" .... nuff said.
At 6.30pm, nine hours after we started the first group which included myself, Martin & Tracey reached the finish line and a well deserved pint. Every muscle and bone in our bodies hurt and we weren't entirely sure how we were going to sit down and drink our pint but the sense of achievement was overwhelming. At 7.15pm Jo, Jeanne, George & Johntie finished and were more than ready for their celebration drink too.
Writing this one day on from the walk, how am I feeling? Well, apart from the fact that every muscle in my body still hurts and walking around is proving to be an issue ..... I am also feeling an immense sense of achievement and pride, not just for myself but for everyone who walked with me. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined me, despite the heat and pain it was a fantastic day and its all down to an amazing group of friends and their support. Thank you & well done x
During the week leading up to the day we agreed on the route we would take and plotted stop off points around the map. Rutland Water runs in a circuit so at the end of the day there were only two directions we could go in. We all agreed to leave the peninsular section until the end just incase people wanted to leave that bit out.
We all headed off eager and looking forward to the day ahead .... it soon became apparent that out of the only two directions we could go in .... we started off in the opposite direction than originally planned ... oops ... this meant we walked the peninsular section first which in the end proved to be the best route to take, it was one of the hardest sections and we were all relieved that we did that be first.
After the initial blip and a quick re-arrange of stop off points we settled comfortably into the walk and started to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The heat was a problem and we all had to keep reminding ourselves to drink plenty of water. Unfortunately after about 14 miles the heat became too much for Annie and sadly she retired at that point along with her daughter Joanna. A huge well done and thank you to both of you, your support was hugely appreciated. The remaining seven had a well deserved half hour lunch break and then continued with the walk.
The last 4-5 hrs of the walk was definitely the toughest. Feet were hurting, joints were aching and the sun was still pounding down on us all. Despite all of this we kept going, stop offs for some became shorter through fear of not starting again, for others they were relished and a chance to take on extra fluid and a fifteen minute break. For the last four miles we had separated into two groups, both determined to finish but at their own paces. Discussions had become one worded sentences and at times not even words just grunts. Every walk up and descent of a hill became a mini challenge in itself, especially when every muscle in your body is fighting against you.
I would like to mention at this point that the final sign to the Horse & Jockey Inn (our finish line) which stated "one mile to go" was quite clearly a blatant lie and should have read "at least two miles to go" .... nuff said.
At 6.30pm, nine hours after we started the first group which included myself, Martin & Tracey reached the finish line and a well deserved pint. Every muscle and bone in our bodies hurt and we weren't entirely sure how we were going to sit down and drink our pint but the sense of achievement was overwhelming. At 7.15pm Jo, Jeanne, George & Johntie finished and were more than ready for their celebration drink too.
Writing this one day on from the walk, how am I feeling? Well, apart from the fact that every muscle in my body still hurts and walking around is proving to be an issue ..... I am also feeling an immense sense of achievement and pride, not just for myself but for everyone who walked with me. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined me, despite the heat and pain it was a fantastic day and its all down to an amazing group of friends and their support. Thank you & well done x
Sunday, 25 September 2011
Gisimba Orphanage
When we go out to Rwanda next April, one of the places we are due to visit is Gisimba Orphanage.
In 1994, the Gisimba Memorial Centre had approximately 60 orphans. During the genocide as Rwandans fled for their safety, the Gisimba family opened the orphanage doors to protect and shelter over 400 people. After a harrowing couple of months surviving for long periods without food and water these people were eventually saved with the help from an American Aid Worker called Carl Wilkens.
After the genocide in 1994, the majority of the children that came to Gisimba were orphaned as a result of the genocide, however, today many of the children who have more recently come to live as Gisimba have been orphaned by AIDS and issues related to poverty.
Presently Gisimba is home to approximately 150 children and youths between the ages of 2 and 22. These kids and youths are bright, warm and have a curiosity for life. While their situation is tough, these children are resilient and you can't help but feel and sense a strong feeling of support and love within the walls of the Gisimba orphanage. Older children pitch in and act as older "brothers and sisters" to the younger children. Soccer and games fill the yard when school is out and children support day-to-day life doing chores and helping out.
The leadership and staff at Gisimba are committed and play a key role in providing a nurturing, supportive and safe place for these children to grow. While they are provided for in many ways—there is a great need for better food, programs of support for development, health and education.
In spite of great challenges, there is a sense of hope and community that has been built at Gisimba. One that, given the support needed, will continue to flourish and grow providing for the children and youth there, but also to the community.
In spite of great challenges, there is a sense of hope and community that has been built at Gisimba. One that, given the support needed, will continue to flourish and grow providing for the children and youth there, but also to the community.
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Fundraising Update 1
I am overwhelmed by the amount of support I'm getting for my first fundraising event on the 1st October. Not just with the sponsors and donations that are coming in but also with the offers of support in joining me on the walk, thank you everyone. So far there are 9 of us planning to walk the 25miles around Rutland Water. If anyone else fancies joining us for the day let me know, you would be more than welcome.
Thursday, 8 September 2011
First Fundraising Event - 1st October 2011
25 MILE SPONSORED WALK
RUTLAND WATER
1ST OCTOBER 2011
On the 1st October I will be walking 25 miles (supported by some good friends) around Rutland Water Lakes. Although I am hoping to fund as much of the trip as possible l do need to do a bit of fundraising along the way too.
To sponsor me you can either e-mail me your details at lynseycollinson@googlemail.com along with the amount per mile/total amount you are willing to donate or alternatively you can sponsor me straight away using the link at the side of this blog.
To sponsor me you can either e-mail me your details at lynseycollinson@googlemail.com along with the amount per mile/total amount you are willing to donate or alternatively you can sponsor me straight away using the link at the side of this blog.
Friday, 2 September 2011
The Aegis Trust and Rwanda
Education:-
Memorials:-
Aegis has been working with the Rwandan Government to develop and deliver a national genocide education programme which was launched in June 2008. The programme not only teaches the youth of Rwanda, but will eventually reach out to the African region and around the world, next April l will have the opportunity to witness the education programme in action with a group of students visiting Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre.
Memorials:-
In April 2004, on the 10th anniversary of the genocide which tore Rwanda apart in 1994, the Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre was opened. The Memorial Centre is an international Centre, dealing with a topic of international importance, with far-reaching significance. The Centre is designed to engage and challenge the hearts and minds of its visitors.
Following a visit by members of the Rwandan Government to the UK’s Holocaust Memorial Centre and Aegis Trust, founded and managed by Dr’s James and Stephen Smith, Aegis was invited to build the Centre in partnership with the Kigali City Council.
The Memorial Centre is a place where the bereaved can bury their families and friends – the human remains of over 250,000 victims of the genocide are buried at the site – a clear reminder of the cost of failure to protect people at risk of genocide.
Burials continue to take place at the Centre - the city is developing and during this development human remains are still discovered. Also, the Gacaca trials are just coming to an end - during these trials, leniency has been offered to perpetrators on condition that they provide information about where victims are buried. (The Gacaca trials are part of a system of community justice inspired by tradition and established in 2001 in the wake of the genocide).
Aegis has managed the Centre since its opening, and on 16th August, 2011, agreed to continue to manage the Centre in partnership with the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG) for a further 10 years.
The Aegis Trust has helped support other memorials around the country. The church at Ntarama and the memorial at Nyarubuye still house remains of the dead and remain a testimony to the devastation that affected every community in the country. Aegis also created the Memorial and Exhibition at Murambi – a school where over 40,000 were slaughtered. In another attack, people fled to another school at ETO (Ecole Technique Officielle) as it housed 90 Belgian Troops serving with UNAMIR (United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda). But following the death of 10 Belgian Troops the rest of the troops were withdrawn. Each Memorial has its own tragic story.
As you can see this is just a very brief overview of what the Aegis Trust do in Rwanda, in the coming months leading up to next April l hope to share with you more detailed information as l learn more myself.
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