Through Samuel's Lens: A Fresh Perspective on Village Life in Rwanda

During my visit to Kinigi in Rwanda last year, I crossed paths with a young man named Samuel, a local. Impressed by his knowledge, I invited him to show me around his village. Throughout our time together, we delved into his aspirations, discussing his education, daily challenges, and life experiences.

An intriguing discovery about his town is that they don't raise goats; instead, they exclusively have sheep and cows. This was a surprise, considering goats are among the popular farm animals in Rwanda.

I also observed an interesting contrast in attire between us, the visitors, and the locals. While we were donned hiking boots and jackets – a necessity for navigating the muddy and hilly terrain during our hike – the locals were dressed formally. Many wore dress shoes, and some women even donned high heels. I wondered how they could navigate the challenging terrain where I had slipped multiple times.

In our conversations, I shared my insights, emphasizing the importance of self-belief. Samuel, who is keen on learning, quickly caught on to my passion for content creation. Encouraged by this, he recently purchased an affordable phone and began producing his own content.

In a recent video, Samuel showcases his school in the village, where lunch is covered in their fees. I aim to challenge stereotypes, cautioning against assumptions of poverty when tourists explore African villages. It's crucial not to impose one's lifestyle on the locals.

Unlike travellers who leave gifts or money, I prefer engaging in meaningful conversations with locals and learning about the destination.

Now, sharing his story through video, Samuel embodies the potential for positive change within communities.

In this video, Samuel introduces his friends! He also found one of the few goats in his village.