Lessons from Rwanda

I am still processing what happened in October 2024, when I embarked on a trip to Rwanda to help building the Bukoro Bridge, a WSP Global initiative in partnership with Bridges to Prosperity. This bridge will provide safe access and opportunities for local communities, enabling them to reach essential resources, such as health centers, schools, and markets.

When I arrived in Rwanda, I was eager to dive into the bridge construction project. I knew that working alongside the local community and an international team of volunteers was going to be an enriching experience, filled with lessons about teamwork and resilience.

Yet, as I explored this beautiful country, I found that the true highlights lay in its people and their way of life. Thomas Cooper was right when he said it wasn’t about the bridge.

Rwanda embodies a simple yet rich existence. The people embrace joy in their everyday lives, showing me that happiness often comes from within, not from material things. They have transformed their difficult past into a source of strength, creating a safe and stable nation. Rwanda is the cleanest country I have ever visited, reflecting the pride and care its people take in their environment.

Despite limited resources, Rwanda boasts an impressive educational system. Children approach their studies with eagerness and hope, viewing education as a vital tool for transformation and a pathway to a brighter future.

What struck me most was the warmth and friendliness of the Rwandan people. Their genuine smiles and welcoming spirits made me feel at home. I was captivated by their colourful clothing, vibrant patterns that tell stories of culture and identity, perfectly matched with a flair that is uniquely theirs.

The breathtaking landscapes, with sunrises illuminating the thousand hills, added to the beauty of this land. Each dawn felt like a promise, a new beginning full of possibilities.

Through my experiences in construction and my interactions with the locals, I learned that while bridges connect places, it’s the bonds we form with one another that truly matter. Rwanda taught me that joy can thrive even in simplicity, which sometimes we are too busy to appreciate. I will carry these lessons in my heart forever.

Here are some of the highlights of this experience:

• Our amazing Bukoro team: Beth Winterbottom, Bedanuj Dasgupta, Julieta Faci Garrido, Johanna Lindqvist, Lindie Mandlazi, Nick Benham, Shawn Johnson, PE SE, Scott Balestra and Adam Lennell, thank you for your resilience and for caring for each other despite all adversities (we've made it!!).

• Singing and dancing each day before starting the construction works and at every celebration

• The school visit: we were greeted by many children, and their joy and energy made the day unforgettable. We had a lot of fun together!

• My encounter with a genocide survivor, who is dedicated to educating young generations about the dangers of hatred and the vital role of reconciliation in building a peaceful future.

A huge thanks to Bridges to Prosperity for their inspiring work, especially Tyna, Arnold, our cooking team (Jean Pierre and Jean D’Amour), drivers (Abu and Fred) and site liaisons (Zuhra and Ange) for looking after us throughout this journey. And lastly, but certainly not least, a big shoutout to Godfrey Uwiringiyimana for sharing his experience and guiding us through the construction process.

Murakoze Cyane Rwanda! I am going to miss you very much.