We’re several days post-Rwanda and pleased to report that we achieved almost all of the set objectives.  In the last stretch of our trip, we had a great meeting with SELF to discuss an energy monitoring system for the Nyange Health Clinic; we had an informative viewing of Manna Energy’s water treatment testing system as well as a look at their fuel-efficient cook stoves for secondary schools; and we completed a small-scale solar panel installation at the Minazi Health Post.  I toured hardware stores, health clinics, secondary schools, documented trips to the local water source, and even had some time to get a Rwandan dress made by Mama Fuga’s cooperative in Ruli.

In truth, I tried not to create too many expectations for this trip – because I figured most things would be out of my control and that I would have to roll with the punches.  But there were still a few unexpected things.

1.  First and foremost, I expected more cell phone ubiquity.  It’s not that they didn’t exist, but many people just didn’t have them.  At a minimum of $10, they’re still pricey for many rural communities.  500RWF ($.87) is the minimum to make a few calls.  If that doesn’t sound like a lot of money, know that the average rural Rwandan earns less than $1 a day and has an average family size of five.

2.  I‘d read the New York Times article that states hospital equipment donated to developing countries is rarely used.  We even found some collecting dust in the Ruli Hospital – an infant incubator, an operating table, and two ultrasound machines.  But the unexpectedness came from what was being used.  Like, for example, the equipment from World War II powering the lighting in the operating room.  Ironic that the latest and greatest technology is in storage while 60-yr-old technology is still being relied upon.

3.  I’m a vegetarian and anticipated a nutrition struggle.   But the Ruli parish we stayed had a talented cook who performed daily miracles with plantains, cassava, beans, eggs, mystery greens, and potatoes.   (My favorite dish was “spaghetti omelet” – eggs cooked with spaghetti noodles and onions.)  All of our meals were prepared with fresh ingredients – I’ve never had a more healthy and balanced diet in my life than during my 2.5-week stay in the Rwandan countryside.  To deepen the irony, the only time I fell ill during this trip was after eating at a popular, American-style restaurant in Kigali.

4.  The people surrounding me on a day-to-day basis had little to no income, lost parents in the genocide, or were infected with HIV.  They had everyone reason to be angry at the world for their situation, yet they were some of the most generous and forgiving people I’ve ever met.  Some examples:  On my last day in Ruli we visited a women’s basket weaving cooperative to pick up some gifts for friends back home.  The women surprised us with a feast and dances prepared in our honor, and gifted us each with a traditional basket full of fruit.   Foster, a 56-year-old army veteran who lives off of the generosity of the community, acted as my translator during trips to the hardware stores and shared stories of his life in the military and in exile.  Yvonna, a young orphan infected with HIV, corrected my Kenyarwanda translations and taught me new words.  Ngarambe arranged our meetings, sent text messages (that I only ever half understood) and phone calls, arranged transport to Kigali, and picked us up at the airport.

These are just a few of the wonderful, unexpected things that you can only experience from in-country travel.  More importantly, these are the things that quietly influence design decisions.  They shape your perspective and remind you of the human face behind technology endeavors.  Ultimately, it breathes new life into our work with The Ihangane Project.  Stay tuned on our future efforts with the people of Ruli, the health clinics, and The Ihangane Project.

Photos from the trip available on our Picasa.

And check out our YouTube channel for interviews with SELF, Manna Energy, and FrontlineSMS Medic.