Rwanda 2015

My name's Brooke Porter, and I'm a third year student at Western University. Currently, I'm pursuing an Honors Specialization in English Literature with a minor in Transitional Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction. In lieu of my research for my minor I have taken a great interest in Rwandan culture and structural reconcillation, and have long dreamed of visiting. My University offers a course that facilitates the opportunity to visit Kigali from May to June to teach - but primarily to learn - and I'm incredibly lucky to be joining the ten other students selected this year to make the trip.

Our work pertains to the specific requirements of the city at the time. While our professor Henri Boyi frequently works with Gisimba Childrens school and the Marambo orphanage, we won't know our exact placement until we are on the ground.

My group of 10 has extensively studied cross-cultural learning, sustainable development practices, leadership training, and held seminars on both Humanitarian ethics and Rwandan history. It means a great deal to me that this trip is not 'voluntourism' or neocolonial in any means and I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

I come from a single-parent family and my school is funded primarily through OSAP.  My Mother is an amazing woman and has helped me out as much as she can. Absolutely anything is appreciated and will genuinely make a difference. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

I am a writer by blood and will be journaling my entire time during this trip. Sharing these insights will be the least I can do to repay you as a donor.

Here's some brief information on the course:

http://www.uwo.ca/french/undergraduate/courses/fall_winter/french3140.html

 Endless thank you's,

Brooke