Rwanda-Village tour

When we reached the Kinigi guest house there were multiple activities on offer. We could choose to hike volcanoes, see a banana beer brewery or do a village tour. Although I have been on many a village tour, I decided that the history here in Rwanda might shape their village life in a way that is different to other parts of Africa. I set out with three others to tour a small village near the Gorilla conservation offices. We started off with a stop off to the weaving and carving cooperative. Here, men and women work together to fuel the economy of the village. The men carve walking sticks and statues, and the women weave baskets, table centers and wall hangings. The men have started a one sheep per household initiative and have managed to buy 73 sheep for local families. When we arrived they welcomed us openly, asking our names and where we came from. They thanked us for coming to see the Gorillas and never once asked us to buy anything! Of course...we did! We continued through the village through the farmlands where they grow Irish potatoes. Then we saw how the farmers make charcoal. Our guide explained that a huge tree could last one family for two months. By turning the wood into charcoal the same tree would last the family 4 months. This helps avoid depleting the forests and ensures smaller trees will have time to grow taller and stronger. We visited the family of a local bee keeper who used to be head of this cooperative. He showed us how he takes the honey from the bee hives and invited us into his yard to see his tools and meet his family. We stayed and talked with them for over half an hour! He was very careful to explain to us that his children all attend school and that his main goal is to see them all finish so they can advance in this modern society. After this visit, we headed off to the local school where hundreds of children swarmed us! The head teacher had the kids sing for us and welcomed us officially. The kids in secondary school here use the Internet at school and are eager to share with you about their studies. This school receives funding from the Rwandan development board who manage the Gorilla permits.