Jeanne welcomed by the genocide orphans she mentors.
Barbara, Jeanne's Bpeace mentor, peeking over her shoulder.
Notes from Barbara . . .
Richard, Susan and I spent the morning hob-knobbing with government officials in search of direction and help as we investigate the possibility of a Kigali beauty school.
'The Rwandan government is very supportive of our associates' plans and welcomed the idea. These interviews are getting us closer to understanding how to create a successful school, and importantly to being “in” with the people who can help the associates make it happen.
We were lucky enough to be touched by several young people orphaned by the genocide who live together on a compound. Most were between15-25 years old. To survive they take donations, beg, work menial day jobs, but for the most part are supported by their extended families. We captured their reactions on video as we told them that Bpeace associatess dream to create a school for them where they can learn the skills needed to work in the beauty industry. They passionately expressed that an opportunity like this was beyond their hopes and dreams because it would “raise” them and their extended families to a lifestyle they never dreamed. To them, the gift of “opportunity” was far more valuable than any donation they could have received.
Jeanne, one of our associates, brought us to them. She has committed herself to finding work and training for them. Many will be coming to the salon owners training sessions with Regis to work as our models this week. We look forward to getting to know them better and being further inspired by their stories.
Richard, Susan and I spent the morning hob-knobbing with government officials in search of direction and help as we investigate the possibility of a Kigali beauty school.
'The Rwandan government is very supportive of our associates' plans and welcomed the idea. These interviews are getting us closer to understanding how to create a successful school, and importantly to being “in” with the people who can help the associates make it happen.
We were lucky enough to be touched by several young people orphaned by the genocide who live together on a compound. Most were between15-25 years old. To survive they take donations, beg, work menial day jobs, but for the most part are supported by their extended families. We captured their reactions on video as we told them that Bpeace associatess dream to create a school for them where they can learn the skills needed to work in the beauty industry. They passionately expressed that an opportunity like this was beyond their hopes and dreams because it would “raise” them and their extended families to a lifestyle they never dreamed. To them, the gift of “opportunity” was far more valuable than any donation they could have received.
Jeanne, one of our associates, brought us to them. She has committed herself to finding work and training for them. Many will be coming to the salon owners training sessions with Regis to work as our models this week. We look forward to getting to know them better and being further inspired by their stories.
3 comments:
Everyone is going to want to see that video. Can't wait.
--Toni
Wow! This is so inspiring. I am so moved to hear about the reaction the people you spoke to had. and it's so cool that this dream is one that our associates came up with and that we can help them realize the dream. This is a great model for how bpeace can work as partners to our associates. I'm glued to the blog and look forward to reading more.
Athena
I'm excited to see this video, too, Barb.
Excellent these young people can be part of the training as models. Sounds like they have some strong advocates.
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