The Children!

The kids at Ntobwe orphanage were having fun while we were there. They enjoy playing football (soccer) - with a ball made of old plastic bags wadded-up and tied into a ball with string.

Pat and Tom got a chance to teach a little English. The kids taught us some Kinyarwanda in return. They are much better students!

Murabeho (Goodbye) Rwanda

Departing KGL...  We are tired but feeling good about our accomplishments. Thanks to all of you that support EWB-GCP and our work in Rwanda.   We could not do it without you!  If you want to contribute or learn more about our work, please contact us through www.ewbgcp.org

Meeting at Secondary School

After dinner with Fr Bernard at the Muhuroro parish rectory, we spent Friday morning with the headmaster of the secondary school. He was at the dinner as well, and we discussed project ideas. One potential is to capture the rain water off of the school roofs and store it for use on site. This would also significantly reduce erosion on the grounds.

We had a nice send-off performance from the kids and dinner with Srs. Patricia, Agnus and the young men that helped us throughout the week. Thank you Eric, Theoneste and Michael!

We are now on our way back home - very tired, but feeling that we accomplished our objectives, made new friends and in some ways, made life better for the people of Ntobwe, Rwanda. More to come...
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Tank Foundation

In Ntobwe orphanage courtyard.
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More Water For Ntobwe!

Things are going well, although as expected the plan has changed often. Chuck went to K today and met with the Peace Corps. Pat and I went to N to check project work there. Really good progress! The tank foundation is complete and the added source is operational. We piped the existing source to the spring box. Construction of the new source and headwall is underway. As a result, we know the large tank in N leaks as some amazi is streaming out the side! More opportunities!

Wild ride back to the M orphanage. 9 in a truck for 5 with 400 kilos of rice and 3 pieces of luggage. No problems until one of the bridge deck logs broke and a wheel was left hanging in mid air. Welcome to Africa.
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Wednesday Update

We visited the "really remote source". Although touted as a great source, we found the same low flow rate as last year (pic comparison). It was a heck of a hike up to the source. I'm sure I saw Elvis on the way.

Last evening we met with Fr. Bernard and others at the church. We had a great discussion and plan to meet again Friday. BTW - he will be performing a wedding on Friday for 272 couples!

New Source Work

Tuesday we spent most of the day at the new source (near the existing spring box/source). Amed and a large crew were in place and working by the time we arrived. There were approx 30 people digging and moving dirt and another 15-20 carrying rocks and sand on their heads to the site.

Great progress and we will return on Thursday to check progress, however all work will likely take 8-10 days to complete.

We hiked back to Muhuroro, arriving at dusk. We met Amed for a drink (Coke)  at a local bar. We then walked to the orphanage by Pat's headlamp and the light of my gps - not recommended!