Teaching in Rwanda: 'Every time I see my friend, my hand says, "Hello"'

Nkombo Island was our destination today. It started with a trip across the lake in a traditional Rwandan dugout. We were met at the island by many local children of all ages who escorted us to the nursery.

On the trip to Nkombo some of the group went to the Vocational training centre, which had been built with Rwanda Aid money and it was an interesting fact finding mission. The centre is working really well with the building and sowing apprenticeships full, the electrical and welding courses are beginning to flourish. Time was spent with Thomas and Vincent and the other instructors. They are very keen to develop the centre further with extra classrooms and a workshop.

At the nursery we were greeted by the singing of the welcome song and then the fun began.

There was painting and glitter on a grand scale. We had a fantastic game with the parachute and how the children loved the bubbles!

However let’s not forget there were many children who could not be part of the nursery and simply watched from the sidelines because there are not enough spaces for all the children on the island. We taught colours and numbers alongside the teacher and then, sadly, it was time to leave.

On the long walk back to the boat we were, once again, escorted by the children.

We were amazed by the inventiveness of some of the older children who were sledding down a steep hill on an improvised 'sledge' made from a water canister.

Our afternoon was spent with the street children at Baho Neza Mwana, Laurie trained the staff in basic St John Ambulance first aid, with a little trouble finding the translation into Kinyarwandan for the Heimlich Manoeuvre!

There were final touches made to the wall paintings and the opportunity to share our last evening with these very special children playing board games, football and flying kites.