Lessons learned....

Met with the Minister of youth today.

Photo: Later we joined the best and brightest of Kigali at the Bridge2Rwanda. These amazing students are headed to Dartmouth in the fall. I have a hunch you're looking at the future leaders of Africa!

Packed for the bush...

Contents: Headlamp, DEET 100%, sleeping bag, malaria pills, electrolyte powder, mag light, 30 letters from home, UV water purification, and tons of PEANUT BUTTER!

another day closer..

This video has been on repeat all day as I pack my NorthFace Terra 60L Hiking backpack with 9 weeks worth of African necessities (+ a few for Portugal too.) Take a peak and get a glance of what exactly life in Africa will be like. I can't wait to see those smiling faces!

Mammoth Films - Rwanda Reel 

the beginnings...

This blog has been a long time coming. Those close to me know I am very much fascinated by travel, world politics, fashion, environmentalism, photography, sustainable development, art, and social entrepreneurship. In due time, this blog will become a reflection of all of those interest. However, for now it will focus on my latest grand adventure to the continent of Africa. 

                                

I will spend the summer of 2013 in the Rwamagana District of Rwanda - a tiny Central African nation wedged between the Congo, Kenya, and Tanzania. There I will join the Think Impact Institute in a remote rural village. We will be collaborating with local community members, brining together both their skills and assets, to create high impact projects. It’s our goal to leave Rwanda having developed self sustaining small business that will thrive in the communities for years to come. To be entirely honest, I have a hunch the people of Rwamagana are going to teach me far more about life then I could ever teach them about business.

So, why Rwanda? 

As an international relations major, Rwanda has alway been of interest to me, unfortunately due to the tragedies of the early 1990's. As an undergraduate, I spent some time studying the genocide and all the dark that occurred in this beautiful little nation. What always struck me was the nation's drive to not only rebuild, but to progress at a staggering rate, amidst the hatred, strife, and agonizing loss. Rwanda now has one of the strongest development rate of any nation in the world at just over 8%. Post genocide reconstruction has been a ground up endeavor and President Kagame's Kigali 2020 plans seem to include great efforts in improving education and healthcare, not just infrastructure. I find this unique.
Take a peak at this CNN video on Kigali2020 http://business.blogs.cnn.com/2011/04/05/kigalis-bold-vision-for-2020/

With no running water or electricity this blog will be my main form of communication with the States. I look forward to keeping you update on the many adventures ahead!