New Clinic in Mudende

The new clinic in Mudende, next to the Imbabazi

 Madame Carr spent the last years of her life creating a permanent home for her children on her farm. This included building dorms, a kitchen, a dining hall, showers, toilets and a clinic. The clinic at the Imbabazi Orphanage closed when the government built a community clinic next door. The orphanage helped the community clinic open by donating money to build the toilets and donating medical supplies. Now the government has greatly expanded health care in Rwanda. They have built a larger and more advanced clinic in our community.

Once again, the Imbabazi was there to help. We donated over 1,000 items, including hospital beds, exam gloves, stethoscopes, medicine and first aid supplies, to help stock the new clinic. These items were donated by the Dallaire Foundation and the many visitors we receive at the Imbabazi. The new clinic has a laboratory, maternity ward, rooms for admitted patients and nutrition program.

When we arrived with the items, women were there being trained as community health workers. Community health workers are responsible for visiting villagers at their homes to resolve small medical issues and to teach about health and wellness. These women helped us move the items into the clinic and were very delighted about the donation. The head nurse who is responsible for the clinic thanked us many times for being a good neighbor.

Welcome Ashley!

I'm happy to announce the arrival of Ashley Burke our new Peace Corps volunteer.

Ashley arrived in Rwanda at the beginning of February following the program’s evacuation from Niger, where she had been serving as a Community Youth & Education volunteer since July 2010. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, she is off to a great start and loving life in this beautiful country. After one month of technical and language training in Nyanza, she arrived at Imbabazi on March 5^th to begin her new assignment working with us. Ashley’s work will focus mainly on the academic and professional development of the kids and local staff at Imbabazi through such activities as teaching English, health & life skills, and computer classes. She also hopes to conduct small workshops at the local primary school and health clinic.

Ashley is originally from Monterey, California. She has a BA from the University of California San Diego in International Studies (focusing on political science and African studies) and an MA from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in International Policy Studies (focusing on human rights and justice). Before joining Peace Corps, Ashley worked at such organizations as the Asia Foundation’s conflict and governance unit in Bangkok, Thailand and Amnesty International’s Southern regional office in Atlanta, Georgia. She enjoys traveling, animals, playing volleyball, and spending time at the beach.

Ashley will be at the Imbabazi until November 2010.

School Success

This past November we had 10 children complete their last year of secondary school (S 6). This is memorable not only for the record number of children graduating but something else very exciting. In February, we got news that all 10 children passed the national exam! This is a huge accomplishment especially because our children had interruption in their schooling when they were young due to civil conflict. Over the years, they worked very hard studying and have overcome many obstacles. They are very proud of themselves as are we. We had cupcakes to celebrate the occasion.

The National Exam is a very challenging exam and many children do not pass. Passing the exam does not guarantee a child can go onto university but it’s a great milestone in their lives. In July, we will find out which children are eligible for university. Unfortunately, the Imbabazi does not have the resources to pay university tuition. Our children are able to continue on to university through generous sponsorships from people like you. For more information on sponsoring university tuition for one of our children please contact Jeff Ramsey. jefframsey@imbabazi.org

Get to know some of our graduates….

Claudine

My name is INGABIRE Claudine. I am 22 years old. In secondary school I studied electronics and informatics. In the future, I would like to be a business woman. I like singing Gospel songs. I am in the church choir at the Baptist church.

Vestine

My name is UWAMAHORO Vestine. I am 22 years old. In secondary school I studied electronics and informatics. I would like to study more about telecommunication.

Mussa

My name is UWITONZE Samuel known as Mussa. I am 20 years old. In secondary school I studied languages and literature. I deeply felt very happy when I got my S6 exam results. I did very well. This pushed me to thank my Lord in front of the Baptist church. I played the piano while Betty and Claudine sang. I also thank the Imbabazi because through the orphanage I was able to go to school. In the future, I would like to become a television journalist. My wish is to continue to university versity next year in journalism. My favorite skills are playing piano and taking photographs. Added to journalism, I am also interested in tourism, especially traveling and guiding. These activities are a very good way for me to practice my English and photography skills.

Betty

I am MUKABERA Betty. I am 21 years old. In secondary school I studied mathematics, biology and chemistry. I want to continue my studies and become a nurse. I like to crochet and help in the flower garden.

Gadi

My name is HABUMUGISHA Gadi. I am 19 years old. In secondary school I studied mathematics, physics and geography. In university I would like to study architecture. I like playing the guitar.

Umuhoza

My name is UMUHOZA Epiphanie. I am 20 years old. I studied geography, history and economics in secondary school. Now I am taking a 3 month training to learn about computers. I want to continue my studies in Tourism.