Status Updates From Road Trip Rwanda: A Journey...

It's a hard read about the history of Rwanda. I felt like crying at some point on the injustices.

19

“No one is exempt. On the last Saturday of the month, everyone-government officials, judges, the prime minister, the president, teachers, students, shop owners, day labourers-is expected to show up at their local umuganda project to help out. You will be fined for not taking part, and if you want to receive certain government services, you may be asked to submit a card, signed and stamped, showing you did.” P.289

“Another word, umuganda, focuses this idea at the local level. Translated as "communal work," umuganda might involve planting res, repairing school playgrounds, building terraces to stop erosion.” P.289

“Rwanda … has been calling on all African states to eliminate barriers to trade, study, and travel in order to encourage the open exchange of goods, people, and ideas. Randa has led by example, with an open-door visa policy for all Africans, not just members of the EAC. Rwanda today is one of the only countries in the world that issues automatic visas to all African nationals at point of entry.” P.166