Umuganda

Yesterday being the last Saturday of the month meant that it was Umuganda.  Umuganda is when everyone joins in a morning of community service.  Each District (like UK counties) is organised into Sectors.  The Sectors are divided into Cells and the Cells are divided into Umudugudu (great word!).  This is a small community – maybe a few streets - and there is someone who over-sees this area and ensures that Umuganda happens there.  I attended a local umuganda near where I live.  We went off at 8am and there was a crowd already there with spades and hoes and machetes.  I did not bring any of these items with me, but the locals were more than happy to share!

It was a beautiful bright and sunny morning, and I soon had to strip off the extra layers as the hoeing made me warm very quickly.  We were clearing an area of vegetation at the back of one of the houses in order to help someone build a kitchen house.  Apparently my hoeing skills are quite good and I was complimented on my strength.  Once this was done, we were sent down to the track to help clear the vegetation that was growing over the path.  I was handed a machete and asked to start slashing at the plants.  Now, I have seen very small children handle a machete and believe you me, they make it look like it’s really easy and just a case of swinging the blade back and forth.  Not the blade I was given!  I was pathetic and was unable to slash any vegetation.  After much hilarity and a reasonable crowd gathering to give advice on my technique, I was asked if I was sick.  Apparently my strength for this task was no good and I was removed from machete duties and given a spade in order to help dig up and clear the roots.  Unfortunately it was quite a rusty old spade and it had a “v” shape missing in the centre.  So I had to refine my technique, but it was generally agreed that I was doing a very good job and I was told I was a hard worker.  Yep, that’s right – I was described as a hard worker.  I was delighted to have made such an impression!

It had now become very hot and I found myself retreating into the shade for a short rest.  Secretly I wanted to examine my wounds and I thought I could do this without people watching me as I didn’t want them to think I am soft.  Alas – they all saw me examining my hands.  I had 5 blisters.  They were quite sympathetic, but also thought it a bit funny.  After more tree clearance and vegetation removal, and a lot of chatting to the local people in a mixture of English, Kinyarwanda and French, I left in the hope of catching the midday bus to Kigali.  Others were heading off to a meeting, which is what happens after umuganda – local issues are aired at a meeting and any problems are solved.  It is a great way to build a community and the fact that everyone pitches in to help and takes turns is really nice.  It is also a fabulous way to meet your neighbours and it felt like a nice way to spend a Saturday morning.

I made it on to the bus at midday (it was the first bus since the night before – no shops, buses or anything operate during umuganda as everyone is expected to be doing their bit).  I was very excited to arrive in Kigali – it had been a few weeks since I was last in.  I went straight into town and...had a manicure.  Well!  My hands needed the attention as they were wrecked from all that hard work!  I know what you’re thinking – “princess”.  But you can’t slum it all the time and it did only cost the equivalent of £5.  After that I met up with Daryl as I was staying with him and Lynne.  Once back at theirs we shared a beer and then got dressed up for the Halloween party we were attending.  I went as a cat (dressed entirely in black with ears fashioned out of duct tape, a cardboard box and fabric scraps plus a tail made out of fabric scraps).  This meant I had to go to dinner dressed as a cat.  And dinner was great – we went to Sol e Luna for pizza.  It tasted so good!  Then we headed to Sarah’s for the party where everyone was dressed up and there was dancing and apple bobbing and limbo and lots of conversation and laughs.  And I found a Snickers bar in a shop that did not cost a fortune.  A Snickers bar has never tasted so good!

It was the latest I have stayed up since arriving – I didn’t go to bed until after 1am!  (now, now, I’d been up since 7am).  Today I have spent a nice day with friends in town.  We met for coffee this morning and then had a wander around town before going for lunch – which we managed to time well as it coincided with a big rain shower.  I am staying in town for one more night as I have a meeting at VSO tomorrow and then I head back to Kibungo to do some training for the rest of the week with a teacher from every school in the District.  It’s not all manicures and coffees!