When I first learned about the opportunity to present at the International CIMPAD Conference taking place in Rwanda, my first response was “I don’t know.” My only knowledge of Rwanda was from “Hotel Rwanda,” a film I watched during my sophomore year of high school, that discussed the genocide in Rwanda. April 2024 marks 30 years since the Rwandan genocide that began in 1994. The genocide killed nearly 1 million Rwandans in merely 100 days. Rwanda is not a place I had learned much about or even considered a travel destination.
After taking the leap and boarding my flight, I had the experience of a lifetime. After flying fourteen hours from JFK to the Kigali International Airport, with a layover in Kenya, my mom and I were greeted by a wonderful driver named Eric, who took us around the city. Our first stop was Kivu Noir, a Black-owned coffee shop with a wonderful view of the area. On my first day in Rwanda, I was already immersed in the beauty of the country, never wanting to leave.
At the CIMPAD Conference, I presented on the power of networking when creating a project about your passion. The conference topic was “Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development” and I focused on my “I Matter” Poetry and Art Competition on social justice and the power of Networking Your Passion. Through persistent outreach and contacting different organizations, I expanded my partners and sponsors list from two in 2020 to over twenty in 2024. I also highlighted the importance of giving back and hosting workshops in my community and how that significantly increased the reach of my contest. From this experience, I met many changemakers from Rwanda, South Africa, Malawi, Burundi, and the United States and the crowd was super engaged and welcoming.
During the conference, I had the special honor of meeting the Pakistan Ambassador for Rwanda Naeem Khan, the conference’s opening speaker. He invited my group to visit the embassy and also a ribbon cutting for a new healthcare facility! In Rwanda, more than 90% of the population has health insurance, thanks to the establishment of more health facilities in accessible areas.
I felt like every day here through talking and getting to know people, I was taken on various journeys that were outside of the original itinerary. For example, it’s not every day that you meet a Rwandan artist who takes the time out of his hectic schedule to show you around the country.
In 2022, which was year three of the “I Matter” contest, I connected with Willy Karakezi, a Rwandan artist, on social media, about using his artwork in my book. I had never expected to have the chance to meet him in person and let alone, make a lifelong friend. Before coming to Rwanda, I reached out to him and informed him of my arrival in Rwanda. During my trip, I had the opportunity to visit his art gallery and learn more about his work and time here. This connection is one that I am grateful for.
The next day, I explored the downtown area near my hotel and tried lots of new food. Each restaurant we tried had such a beautiful ambiance. At our lunch spot that day, someone introduced us to Fazenda Sengha, an outdoor center that offered ATV rides, zip lining and so much more! We decided to visit right after our meal, but unfortunately, it was closed. However, we got lucky and a nice man provided us with a time to return the next day and a VIP tour of the site. At the time we had arrived, there was a beautiful sunset beginning and I was excited to see what they had to offer the next day.
When we returned to the grounds, I rode an ATV for the first, and probably the last time, in my life. As nerve-wracking as that was, the guides were super understanding and helpful. Afterward, we headed to their restaurant and met an employee who, when I mentioned I was from Philadelphia, instantly asked if I knew Meek Mill. This connection through music and laughter kept us at the restaurant for hours and through kindness, and being open to trying new things and meeting new people, I felt welcomed.
I also had the chance to check out Meza Malonga, an Afro-fusion cuisine restaurant opened by internationally recognized Chef Dieuvel Malonga! We enjoyed the seven-course meal featuring dishes ranging from beef filet to a smoky tomato sorbet. With an array of spices and innovative dishes, Malonga is leading a revolution in African cuisine. Although the Michelin star system does not cover Africa, Malonga is motivated by the success and unique ecosystem of his restaurant.
Our last major event of the trip was a tour of Lake Kivu. On our drive up the mountain, I was able to firsthand see the lives of people living on them. Many people were farming or walking along the road. When we arrived at our first destination, we were serenaded by a beautiful waterfall. A group of kids ran out from the side of the mountain and greeted us. At the Gorilla Guardians Village, we learned the history of their origin and got to experience their lifestyle there.
We winded down with a relaxing boat ride on Lake Kivu. From the water, there was an amazing view of Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano. I had never been that close to a volcano before, and with the placement of the clouds, it almost looked like it was erupting.
Being greeted with such kindness and warmth from the people in Rwanda created a sort of homecoming for me. Looking out at the beautiful views from each location I have visited is wonderful and if I had not come on this trip, I would be telling a different story. Rwanda is forever in my heart and embedded in my soul.