Rwanda partnership organizers to host community discussion
By KATHERINE CUMMINS
The Fulton Sun
The Fulton community has heard their appeal several times over the past three months. Now organizers of the city's community partnership with Kibungo, Rwanda want to know what local residents think.
Starting at noon Friday at Sir Winston's Restaurant, Bob Hansen - Westminster College's director of counseling and health services, and board member of Fight for the Children - is inviting anyone interested in the project to discuss plans for the proposed children's and mothers' health center and how area citizens can get involved.
"It's going to be an opportunity to talk to some people who have already expressed an interest in the partnership," Hansen said. "This is a big project and we're going to talk about the community of Kibungo, what needs to be done and talk about some fundraising.
"It's going to be a really good discussion - everyone should come out (and get involved)."
In addition to covering the level of need for basic needs such as health care, Hansen said the event also will include conversation on the community partnership.
"There's the clinical piece, but we also want to get our schools, churches and residents involved with one another," he said. "I think that's the most important part."
Fulton resident Nancy McCue - who recently returned after more than two years in in Kibungo working with the Anglican Diocese's HIV/AIDS program - also will be there, and said she looks forward to sharing some of that experience with her neighbors.
"I saw all the need while I was there, and I love the people, and I'd love to talk about the people," McCue said.
She said that if Fulton residents were able to see and interact with the people of Kibungo themselves, they would be more than willing to get involved.
"Their needs are greater than we can imagine - their whole infrastructure is just beginning to be built, and that's something we take for granted," she said. "(The conversation Friday) will let people know the essence of the need, and teach them more about where we are going."
McCue said she is counting on her fellow Fultonians to realize that "the opportunity to help, to do something like this, is incredible."
"The idea that our little town can help this community in Africa is visionary, and could pave the way for other communities to do the same," she said. "If we all do it together, the burden is not heavy."
Although the official launch of the Fulton/Kibungo Community Partnership is not until Sept. 8, Hansen said he and other project coordinators have not been idle.
"We're already in the silent phase of fundraising, which is going pretty well," he said.
Among information to be distributed at Friday's gathering are brochures that include details on how area residents can get financially involved - including donor levels - or volunteer time and effort toward the project.
A buffet lunch is included as part of the event - at a cost of $6 for the meal, drink and dessert - although purchase is not necessary to participate. Anyone interested in the buffet should RSVP with Sir Winston's at (573) 642-7733.
--
Jean-Louis Kayitenkore
Procurement Consultant
Gsm: +250-08470205
Home: +250-55104140
P.O. Box 3867
Kigali-Rwanda
East Africa
Blog: http://www.cepgl.blogspot.com
Skype ID : Kayisa66
By KATHERINE CUMMINS
The Fulton Sun
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Starting at noon Friday at Sir Winston's Restaurant, Bob Hansen - Westminster College's director of counseling and health services, and board member of Fight for the Children - is inviting anyone interested in the project to discuss plans for the proposed children's and mothers' health center and how area citizens can get involved.
"It's going to be an opportunity to talk to some people who have already expressed an interest in the partnership," Hansen said. "This is a big project and we're going to talk about the community of Kibungo, what needs to be done and talk about some fundraising.
"It's going to be a really good discussion - everyone should come out (and get involved)."
In addition to covering the level of need for basic needs such as health care, Hansen said the event also will include conversation on the community partnership.
"There's the clinical piece, but we also want to get our schools, churches and residents involved with one another," he said. "I think that's the most important part."
Fulton resident Nancy McCue - who recently returned after more than two years in in Kibungo working with the Anglican Diocese's HIV/AIDS program - also will be there, and said she looks forward to sharing some of that experience with her neighbors.
 |
| A Rwandan mother carries bananas home from the Kibungo market with her baby wrapped behind her. Building a children's and mothers' clinic in Kibungo is a key part of the plans for the partnership. (Contributed photo) |
She said that if Fulton residents were able to see and interact with the people of Kibungo themselves, they would be more than willing to get involved.
"Their needs are greater than we can imagine - their whole infrastructure is just beginning to be built, and that's something we take for granted," she said. "(The conversation Friday) will let people know the essence of the need, and teach them more about where we are going."
McCue said she is counting on her fellow Fultonians to realize that "the opportunity to help, to do something like this, is incredible."
"The idea that our little town can help this community in Africa is visionary, and could pave the way for other communities to do the same," she said. "If we all do it together, the burden is not heavy."
Although the official launch of the Fulton/Kibungo Community Partnership is not until Sept. 8, Hansen said he and other project coordinators have not been idle.
"We're already in the silent phase of fundraising, which is going pretty well," he said.
Among information to be distributed at Friday's gathering are brochures that include details on how area residents can get financially involved - including donor levels - or volunteer time and effort toward the project.
A buffet lunch is included as part of the event - at a cost of $6 for the meal, drink and dessert - although purchase is not necessary to participate. Anyone interested in the buffet should RSVP with Sir Winston's at (573) 642-7733.
--
Jean-Louis Kayitenkore
Procurement Consultant
Gsm: +250-08470205
Home: +250-55104140
P.O. Box 3867
Kigali-Rwanda
East Africa
Blog: http://www.cepgl.blogspot.com
Skype ID : Kayisa66
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