Comments for The Akilah Institute for Women http://akilahinstitute.org Empowering Rwandan Women Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:28:24 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on Why Akilah? by Marlena http://akilahinstitute.org/2010/01/why-akilah/comment-page-1/#comment-108 Marlena Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:28:24 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=2025#comment-108 Monique, you continue to inspire me from a distance. Please send me an email when you get a chance. Thinking of you often! Marlena Monique, you continue to inspire me from a distance. Please send me an email when you get a chance. Thinking of you often! Marlena

]]> Comment on Why I Cry In Kanatapi by Joanne Pinaire http://akilahinstitute.org/2010/02/why-i-cry-in-kanatapi/comment-page-1/#comment-98 Joanne Pinaire Sat, 27 Feb 2010 20:09:22 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=2207#comment-98 Kanatapi is a word in the Blackfoot Indian language for the gathering of members of a close community (band or tribe) to speak honestly to each other, and express thoughts and opinions, about the community issues that affect all members. The process of kanatapi as used at Akilah was borrowed from VISIONS Service Adventures, a national and international summer experience for teenagers whose purpose is to offer opportunities to live and work in the heart of host communities. Participants undertake ambitious service work in culture immersion settings. The service is the vehicle for building bridges of friendship and understanding to the culture. Monique Schmidt, Akilah's Program Director, was a leader for several VISIONS summer programs. When she asked if we (VISIONS) might allow her to use this format for her work at Akilah, we readily replied affirmatively. Originally, 23 years ago when VISIONS was established, we used the word Circle for this reflective piece that all of our program sites use and for which we train our program director and staff to facilitate with their young participants. Over the years the process has acquired different names in different cultural communities. Comunidad in the Dominican Republic, harambe in the British Virgin Islands, ayllu in Peru, Ecuador and Nicaragua, bilan in Guadeloupe, semble in Dominica and so on. In all of our programs we gather together in a circle three or four evenings each week for about 1 1/2 hours. Over the course of the month a series of activities or exercises are introduced to participants that serve as springboards for reflection and discussion. In this way, our participants learn tools for listening to others respectfully, speaking from the bedrock of their own feelings, and thereby accepting differences in group members. VISIONS acquired this process from its 'sister' program, Longacre Leadership AKA Longacre Farm. A former high school guidance counselor conceived of and created the process for that program. For over 30 years with Longacre and 22 with VISIONS this process has proved valuable, if not key to establishing unity and community in our programs. Joanne Pinaire, Director www.VisionsServiceAdventures.com Kanatapi is a word in the Blackfoot Indian language for the gathering of members of a close community (band or tribe) to speak honestly to each other, and express thoughts and opinions, about the community issues that affect all members.

The process of kanatapi as used at Akilah was borrowed from VISIONS Service Adventures, a national and international summer experience for teenagers whose purpose is to offer opportunities to live and work in the heart of host communities. Participants undertake ambitious service work in culture immersion settings. The service is the vehicle for building bridges of friendship and understanding to the culture. Monique Schmidt, Akilah’s Program Director, was a leader for several VISIONS summer programs. When she asked if we (VISIONS) might allow her to use this format for her work at Akilah, we readily replied affirmatively.

Originally, 23 years ago when VISIONS was established, we used the word Circle for this reflective piece that all of our program sites use and for which we train our program director and staff to facilitate with their young participants. Over the years the process has acquired different names in different cultural communities. Comunidad in the Dominican Republic, harambe in the British Virgin Islands, ayllu in Peru, Ecuador and Nicaragua, bilan in Guadeloupe, semble in Dominica and so on. In all of our programs we gather together in a circle three or four evenings each week for about 1 1/2 hours. Over the course of the month a series of activities or exercises are introduced to participants that serve as springboards for reflection and discussion. In this way, our participants learn tools for listening to others respectfully, speaking from the bedrock of their own feelings, and thereby accepting differences in group members.

VISIONS acquired this process from its ’sister’ program, Longacre Leadership AKA Longacre Farm. A former high school guidance counselor conceived of and created the process for that program. For over 30 years with Longacre and 22 with VISIONS this process has proved valuable, if not key to establishing unity and community in our programs.

Joanne Pinaire, Director
http://www.VisionsServiceAdventures.com

]]> Comment on TEDx Tampa Bay by Nico http://akilahinstitute.org/2010/02/tedx-tampa-bay/comment-page-1/#comment-97 Nico Sat, 27 Feb 2010 15:16:12 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=2196#comment-97 Very inspiring presentation ! In your curriculum do you teach sport tourism / Adventure tourism ? In many schools, "hotel and restauration" is taught, which is essential. However, the added value comes from the amenities. I mean, people come to experience things, not to stay at the hotel. So the most activities you provide and the better coordinated it is, the most people you may attract :) Training the managers in this field is very important. Tell me if I can help. (I have no money but I teach these things :) ) Have a great day. Nico Very inspiring presentation !
In your curriculum do you teach sport tourism / Adventure tourism ?
In many schools, “hotel and restauration” is taught, which is essential. However, the added value comes from the amenities. I mean, people come to experience things, not to stay at the hotel. So the most activities you provide and the better coordinated it is, the most people you may attract :)
Training the managers in this field is very important.
Tell me if I can help. (I have no money but I teach these things :) )
Have a great day.
Nico

]]> Comment on Why I Cry In Kanatapi by Toni Chute http://akilahinstitute.org/2010/02/why-i-cry-in-kanatapi/comment-page-1/#comment-96 Toni Chute Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:50:13 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=2207#comment-96 I am very impressed with Kanatapi, and I would love to know how and where it came to be and what the word means. I can easily see its value for almost any group, and even between individuals. What a fabulous blog. Thank you. I am very impressed with Kanatapi, and I would love to know how and where it came to be and what the word means. I can easily see its value for almost any group, and even between individuals. What a fabulous blog. Thank you.

]]> Comment on Kinyarwanda Speech at the Opening Ceremony by Tharcisse http://akilahinstitute.org/2010/02/kinyarwanda-speech-at-the-opening-ceremony/comment-page-1/#comment-94 Tharcisse Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:15:11 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=2178#comment-94 Eliza, y're so genious in our mother language, how many years did you spend in our country for learning our language, it is great? you have to apply for rwandese nationality! Eliza, y’re so genious in our mother language, how many years did you spend in our country for learning our language, it is great? you have to apply for rwandese nationality!

]]> Comment on Valentine’s Opening Ceremony Speech by Tharcisse http://akilahinstitute.org/2010/02/valentines-opening-ceremony-speech/comment-page-1/#comment-93 Tharcisse Mon, 22 Feb 2010 07:47:39 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=2110#comment-93 I'am really flattered with Valentine’s speech she's a woman who can stand fore leadership and I think all founders and staff of Akilah for their job. youre doing well. I’am really flattered with Valentine’s speech she’s a woman who can stand fore leadership and I think all founders and staff of Akilah for their job. youre doing well.

]]> Comment on Speaking at TEDx in Tampa by Peter Kageyama http://akilahinstitute.org/2010/02/speaking-at-tedx-in-tampa/comment-page-1/#comment-91 Peter Kageyama Sat, 20 Feb 2010 16:05:42 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=2168#comment-91 It was an honor to have Elizabeth at the TEDx event and I predict someday she will be speaking at the main TED event. It was an honor to have Elizabeth at the TEDx event and I predict someday she will be speaking at the main TED event.

]]> Comment on Valentine’s Opening Ceremony Speech by Robin Kleiman http://akilahinstitute.org/2010/02/valentines-opening-ceremony-speech/comment-page-1/#comment-87 Robin Kleiman Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:00:03 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=2110#comment-87 Valentine's speech is very beautiful. I wish all of the students best of luck in reaching their goals. Valentine’s speech is very beautiful. I wish all of the students best of luck in reaching their goals.

]]> Comment on A Very Special Day by B. Sharpe http://akilahinstitute.org/2010/02/a-very-special-day/comment-page-1/#comment-86 B. Sharpe Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:13:30 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=2117#comment-86 Congrats on your opening. Best of luck! Congrats on your opening. Best of luck!

]]> Comment on Valentine’s Opening Ceremony Speech by A Very Special Day « The Akilah Institute for Women http://akilahinstitute.org/2010/02/valentines-opening-ceremony-speech/comment-page-1/#comment-85 A Very Special Day « The Akilah Institute for Women Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:46:09 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=2110#comment-85 [...] Kamanya, one of the Akilah students, spoke on behalf of the student body. (Read her full speech in another blog post here.) The American Ambassador addresses Valentine, an Akilah [...] [...] Kamanya, one of the Akilah students, spoke on behalf of the student body. (Read her full speech in another blog post here.) The American Ambassador addresses Valentine, an Akilah [...]

]]> Comment on Community Pledge by A Very Special Day « The Akilah Institute for Women http://akilahinstitute.org/about/community-pledge/comment-page-1/#comment-84 A Very Special Day « The Akilah Institute for Women Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:42:47 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?page_id=2078#comment-84 [...] and staff spent a significant amount of time the week before discussing the significance of the Akilah Community Pledge. This was signed as a whole class with their families [...] [...] and staff spent a significant amount of time the week before discussing the significance of the Akilah Community Pledge. This was signed as a whole class with their families [...]

]]> Comment on Now Accepting Applications for the Foundation Year Program by Ion Money Today http://akilahinstitute.org/2009/12/now-accepting-applications-for-the-foundation-year-program/comment-page-1/#comment-79 Ion Money Today Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:27:53 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=1911#comment-79 <strong>I bumped into another {great|good} post today....</strong> I saw this really great post today.... I bumped into another {great|good} post today….

I saw this really great post today….

]]> Comment on The Team by TEDxTampaBay Presenters « TEDxTampaBay http://akilahinstitute.org/about/the-team/comment-page-1/#comment-78 TEDxTampaBay Presenters « TEDxTampaBay Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:29:44 +0000 http://projectakilah.wordpress.com/?page_id=95#comment-78 [...] website: akilahinstitute.org [...] [...] website: akilahinstitute.org [...]

]]> Comment on The Team by TEDx Tampa Bay Presenters « TEDxTampaBay http://akilahinstitute.org/about/the-team/comment-page-1/#comment-77 TEDx Tampa Bay Presenters « TEDxTampaBay Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:28:37 +0000 http://projectakilah.wordpress.com/?page_id=95#comment-77 [...] website: akilahinstitute.org [...] [...] website: akilahinstitute.org [...]

]]> Comment on A New Home for the Holidays by http://www.thediscountguru.com/whitehat-copycat http://akilahinstitute.org/2009/12/a-new-home-for-the-holidays/comment-page-1/#comment-66 http://www.thediscountguru.com/whitehat-copycat Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:37:48 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=1982#comment-66 <strong>There is so much information here! I'm trying to remember all of it so I can put it to work....</strong> Another great post!... There is so much information here! I’m trying to remember all of it so I can put it to work….

Another great post!…

]]> Comment on A New Home for the Holidays by nduwayo marie noella http://akilahinstitute.org/2009/12/a-new-home-for-the-holidays/comment-page-1/#comment-65 nduwayo marie noella Thu, 21 Jan 2010 09:48:08 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=1982#comment-65 i wonna be your student i wonna be your student

]]> Comment on Architecture for Humanity in Rwanda by Marcin Blaszynski http://akilahinstitute.org/2009/02/architecture-for-humanity-in-rwanda/comment-page-1/#comment-62 Marcin Blaszynski Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:38:20 +0000 http://projectakilah.wordpress.com/?p=56#comment-62 Dear Sir/Madam, I'm an architect with Master of Architecture degree and 4 years experience in Ireland and Poland interested in participation in your program. You can explore my Resume/Portfolio at www.blaszynski.com Regards, Marcin Blaszynski www.blaszynski.com Dear Sir/Madam,

I’m an architect with Master of Architecture degree and 4 years experience in Ireland and Poland interested in participation in your program.

You can explore my Resume/Portfolio at http://www.blaszynski.com

Regards,

Marcin Blaszynski

http://www.blaszynski.com

]]> Comment on Now Accepting Applications for the Foundation Year Program by Josephine Inkindi http://akilahinstitute.org/2009/12/now-accepting-applications-for-the-foundation-year-program/comment-page-1/#comment-61 Josephine Inkindi Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:38:16 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=1911#comment-61 Dear organisers of Akilla Institute, Congratulations for this initiative for young women in Rwanda.I am simply asking whether you still accept applications for the first year course. I live in Europe and would like to recommend you my niece Claudine who is very interested by this course. Thank you for your kind reply. Best regards, Josephine Dear organisers of Akilla Institute,
Congratulations for this initiative for young women in Rwanda.I am simply asking whether you still accept applications for the first year course. I live in Europe and would like to recommend you my niece Claudine who is very interested by this course.

Thank you for your kind reply.

Best regards,
Josephine

]]> Comment on Architecture for Humanity and Pannotia by Bat Man http://akilahinstitute.org/2009/12/architecture-for-humanity-and-pannotia/comment-page-1/#comment-57 Bat Man Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:13:23 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=1886#comment-57 Isnt it nice when a plan comes together. It is nice to see good things happening to others. We see too much despair in the news. Keep things looking up and good luck. Isnt it nice when a plan comes together. It is nice to see good things happening to others. We see too much despair in the news. Keep things looking up and good luck.

]]> Comment on Now Accepting Applications for the Foundation Year Program by Alexandrine http://akilahinstitute.org/2009/12/now-accepting-applications-for-the-foundation-year-program/comment-page-1/#comment-56 Alexandrine Fri, 18 Dec 2009 13:41:53 +0000 http://akilahinstitute.org/?p=1911#comment-56 I would like to know your aim and faculties and departments you do have there. I'm rwandan from westren. I would like to know your aim and faculties and departments you do have there. I’m rwandan from westren.

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