In this personal blog, founder Anke van den Boog shares her experiences from a recent visit to our projects in Rwanda and Tanzania—project countries she had not visited in the 20 years Net4kids has existed. Her story offers a unique insight into the impact of our work, both on the local communities and on herself.
Rwanda
Where do I begin? Rwanda is remarkably clean, thanks to a strict no-plastic policy. It is a country of endless hills and lush greenery, with well-maintained roads and sidewalks, and even a kilometers-long path in Kigali for running and cycling.
Adjusting to the African concept of time was a challenge. Waiting 45 minutes for breakfast—no matter how delicious it was with fresh mango, papaya, passion fruit, eggs, yogurt, and strong ginger tea—made me nervous about my scheduled appointments for the day. The local saying, “You have watches, we have time,” reminded me to loosen my grip on planning for the next eight days a little. 😉
Our first stop was the studio of the initiator of our Teen Moms project, a well-known radio DJ and designer. His clothing collection supports young mothers in rural areas. We met the famous singer-songwriter Niyo Bosco, who was recording a new song.
After a quick lunch at BROOD and another delicious coffee, we met Ariel Prince Uwizeye, the new Director of UNM Rwanda. Despite his young age of 27, Prince is experienced, particularly in the field of mental health care. During our field visit to the slums of Kigali, we saw communities that may be slightly better off than those in India or some townships, but still live in deep poverty. We support families, especially women, so that they can start small businesses enabling their children to go to school. From a woman who bought a sewing machine to another who makes liquid soap, these small steps make a big difference.
The aftermath of the 1994 genocide is still deeply felt here, with many adults requiring mental health support.
After an intense day, we tried to order breakfast at our hotel so we could start on time the next day, but even that took time. I decided to adapt to the local pace: everything would be fine.
The next day, we traveled to Dieudonne Gakiré, founder of the Empowerment Hub in the hills of Rwanda. I have never seen so many hills connected anywhere else in the world. Hardly any valleys, just hills, and a great many young people out and about on their bikes despite the steep hills. Dieudonne's Hub offers after-school activities but lacks basic amenities such as electricity. Solar panels would be ideal. Stable energy means access to computers, the internet, evening classes, and better facilities for vocational training. An investment that makes an immediate impact. And we are doing our best to help him with this. Most children fetch water from the river before school, a arduous task along steep, muddy paths. Unfortunately, many children drop out of school after primary school to go to work, often as motorcycle taxi drivers.
The visit to a primary and secondary school was overwhelming; one class had 72 students, a total of 4,000 children who enthusiastically wanted to give us a high five.
After an overnight stay in a sort of “Out of Africa” hotel, followed by a drive through Nyungwe National Park, we arrived at our next destination, our Teen Moms project in Rusizi, close to the border with Congo. Although we were far enough away from the unrest, the area felt tense. We spent time at the Gaafaade Center, where 35 young mothers are receiving textile training. Their stories are moving and highlight the urgent need for guidance and support.
Tanzania
This is real Africa: steppe, savannas, with a few acacia trees, Kilimanjaro in the distance at 5,895 m and Mount Meru at 4,000 m. The intense heat and severe drought were palpable, as was the extreme poverty. Despite this first impression, the driver greets us with 'Hakuna Matata'. Don't worry, everything will be fine!
Our interactions were intense, from discussions with project partners to meetings with village children and the leaders of the Maasai tribes. The women invited us into their huts for tea, and the local meals were delicious. The lack of clean water is a pressing problem because it affects everything, from cooking to agriculture. Fortunately, we are going to renovate the clinic with our project partner.
A journey of empowerment and learning
This trip was not just about observing, but about being deeply involved with our projects and partners through constructive conversations, going beyond what could be achieved online via Zoom.
I regularly hear people call Africa the 'lost continent' and say that our help there is merely a drop in the ocean. Nothing could be further from the truth. What power and potential it possesses. This trip has taken me out of my comfort zone, and I am grateful to be contributing, together with Net4kids, to a better future for these communities.
With special thanks to my travel companions: Annelieke Brackel for her expertise and sharp insights, and Hugo Lingeman, who beautifully captured daily life with his photography.
Love, Anke
