Back to Ngororero

Hi all,

I’m sorry it’s been so long.  Since last writing I’ve been home to Ireland and I spent a fortnight in Kigali.  I just arrived back in Ngororero last Sunday night.  I was met with a great welcome.  Here when you haven’t seen someone in a long time you greet them by pressing your temples against theirs.  I was a bit thrown the first time but now I’ve got it figured out.  Also, because of all the rain recently there are lots of flowers in bloom in my garden.  I will try to post a photo!  I was given a present of solar powered fairy light so once I get them up I will have the prettiest garden in Ngororero. 

Since I left there have been a lot of changes here.  There is a hotel being built, it is going up very quickly!  I reckon soon Ngororero will be added to the guidebooks as one of the most beautiful places in Rwanda!   Also there is an extension being added to the district office.  Things change very quickly here.

It was lovely being at home for Christmas.  I was especially happy to be able to visit all the pupils in Aston Village!  It was great to meet the teachers, parents, old pupils, new pupils, future pupils and of course Santa!  I got a great welcome!  I look forward to being back there in September! 

Because of the bad weather, I didn’t make it to see the girls in Room 26, St. Mary’s NS but I hope they liked the gift I sent them.   

It was also really nice to see my family and friends.  It was really lovely to be at home in Mayo for Christmas.  It was lovely to experience some winter weather after what feels like months and months of summer.  I was sad to leave Ireland behind but I am happy to be back in Rwanda to continue my work here.

I have spent the past 2 weeks in Kigali helping out with a research project.  The research will examine early grade reading and maths skills in Rwanda.  3000 pupils will be tested in 50 schools.  It was very exciting to be involved in this project.  Before Christmas, I was involved in adapting the assessments for Rwanda and the past two weeks I was training people to carry out the assessments.  It was a very exciting time.  The highlight for me was visiting schools in Kigali and supervising the assessors carrying out the assessments.  The results of the research will be used to help decide on future spending in education.    

Yesterday was a bank holiday.  It was the Heroes’ day.  There were celebrations held in the village.  I spent the day collecting my suitcase from Gitarama.  It took 2 motorbikes (one for me and one for the suitcase) to get them up the hill to my house.

This morning on the way to work I was asked to be a bridesmaid! I’m thrilled.  I’m not sure yet what will be involved but I’m sure I’ll have to lots to write about it in my next blog.  In Rwanda before the religious ceremony there is a dowry ceremony.    I’m not sure exactly what happens but I do know that there is a cow involved!  I’ll be sure to gather all the information I can so I can describe what happens to you all!

That’s all for now!

All the best,

Pauline

PS Rory is keeping well but I’ve been advised he needs another rabbit to keep him company!