Monique Schmidt – Program Director
In an atmosphere of glee, Akilah has started its summer session. Students shouted to friends they hadn’t seen in 3 weeks and hugged staff who had returned from travels. We are also quite fortunate to welcome three new tutors who will work intensively with our students on English. Nina hails from the UK, while Jenna and Marissa come from the States.
Nina writes,
I arrived in Kigali a little over a week ago-London-Nairobi-Bujumbura-finally to the land of a thousand hills..I live about halfway up one of those hills.
After 7 moto rides, two Ugali-sampling sessions, a two-hour bus ride to a Northern province, and several trips to the local market, I’m beginning to acclimatize to life in Kigali.
I’m writing this as I prepare to teach my first English class at Akilah. My group will consist of 17 advanced level students (this makes me nervous). What if I’m unable to teach them anything new? What if they give me that look of disdain that I have become accustomed to from school pupils in London?
Then I remember where I am, why I am here, who I will be teaching, and why they are here. I feel this is the beginning of a new chapter.
I know from experience that Nina won’t have to deal with looks of disdain—Akilah students love English tutoring!! However, Nina is right about one thing—it is a new chapter for Akilah. The addition of new tutors is a sign that Akilah is growing, and it gives encouragement to all of us, students and staff, to know that we are part of a vibrant, thriving organization. So, as I write today, the sun is shining bright in Kigali; everyone has returned rejuvenated; 50 energetic students are once again giving life to our small hillside; life is good in Rwanda.
