TRAVEL: Discovering the Wonders of Rwanda
A Journey to Remember
About a month ago, I traveled to the Republic of Rwanda, a country in south-western Africa. It turned out to be an amazing experience, especially considering its sad history relating to the genocide.
Rwanda: A Country on the Rise
In fact, Rwanda is now one of the fastest growing countries in the world. It’s also one of the world’s cleanest countries. In 2008, the city of Kigali banned the use of plastic bags and plastic packaging materials by switching to biodegradable materials. And in 2009, the city began building more roads, along with more green spaces and reconfigured land use. Every last Sunday of the month, in every part of the country, Rwandans meet to participate in community work known as Umuganda, a cultural activity where they clean areas by picking up litter. And bins are placed everywhere. The city of Kigali consists of an amazing mixture of traditional buildings and modern architecture.
Luxury Hotels and World-Class Infrastructure
There are also a number of luxury hotels, with more to be built. And its airport is one of the world’s best designed and busiest gateways for tourists, business people, and diplomats.
The Genocide Memorial
I also visited the Genocide memorial. Here, history was inscribed for all to see. In 100 days, from April to July 1994, between 500,000 and 800,000 Tutsi were killed, often by their neighbours. Up to 500,000 women were raped. More than two million Rwandans fled the country during or immediately after the genocide. Today, there are public holidays to commemorate these tragedies, during which both Hutus and Tutsis participate. And mutual forgiveness is an essential factor, which is promoted by the government and its president, Paul Kagame.
Conclusion
My experience in Rwanda was truly amazing. The country’s rapid growth, stunning architecture, and commitment to community work left a lasting impression on me. I highly recommend visiting this incredible nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of Rwanda’s economy?
A: Rwanda is one of the fastest growing countries in the world.
Q: How does Rwanda handle plastic waste?
A: The city of Kigali banned the use of plastic bags and plastic packaging materials in 2008 and switched to biodegradable materials.
Q: What is the significance of the Genocide memorial?
A: The Genocide memorial serves as a reminder of the tragic events of 1994 and promotes mutual forgiveness among Rwandans.
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