RWANDA Justine Townsend WHAT IS RWANDA Rwanda is

RWANDA Justine Townsend

WHAT IS RWANDA? Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in Africa Bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo There were three sub-groups of people: � Hutus � Tutsis � Twas

WHY I CHOSE RWANDA Many Rwandan students at Briar Cliff Negative attitude from past experiences Wanted to go outside of my comfort zone to learn more about them

RWANDAN FAMILIES Household with large farms had more children due to being able to afford them as well as it being considered an honor and prestige Before 1994 only men in family can inherit land. Refugees had a higher rate of fertility

SEX EDUCATION IN RWANDA Lack of Sex Education in Rwanda Aren’t warned about the risks of pregnancy Those that do get pregnant, usually suffer the pregnancy alone If they can’t afford abortions, they are disowned by their families and friends Currently trying to bring sex education back to the schools

FAITH, SUICIDE, AND MENTAL ILLNESS Faith is very important in Rwanda � 94% of population belongs to Catholic Church Rwandans don’t talk about their feelings People keep to themselves “Apartments” for people who are thinking of suicide � Police punish the person. � If police related, they try to fix the issue Higher religious importance is protective of mental illness 29% suffer from PTSD and 15% from depression

GENOCIDE Genocide actually started in 1954 from colonization Hutus got the idea that it wasn’t fair that Tutsis were the only people who ruled Those who came to colonize Rwanda tried to turn the Hutus against the Tutsis Previously, a very peaceful country. Current President promotes peace and forgiveness Still killings like in America but not very often due to the President’s promoting of peace and forgiveness

FOOD IN RWANDA Food is much more natural American food is considered too processed Everything in natural including seasonings “low-fat” milk in Rwanda is actually 5% Sweet milk- sits for four days and becomes very sweet Beans, rice, fish and chicken are in almost every meal Other restaurants in Rwanda as well

SCHOOL IN RWANDA 6 years of Elementary and of High School State tests are taken between Elementary and high school 2 parts of high school � O-level: basic courses � A-level: 3 major specific courses with 2 required courses Another state test after graduating before able to go to University

AN INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRY Technology is very similar Internet is very similar to that in America Has up to 4 G cellular towers One of the fastest developing countries in Africa Losing culture due to trying to be like western civilizations Clothing styles are very similar