Friday, October 2, 2009

MY PRIMARY PROJECT!!

My primary project is the construction of a YOUTH CENTER in Rwamagana. My office currently sits on a pretty large piece of property which will be used for the youth center. I am very excited about this project although it will take time. I am applying for grants now and trying to get this project started ASAP. I want the center to be a comfortable, safe, and fun environment for youth to express themselves with confidential access to information and counseling that can keep them safe and HIV free. I am planning on it having several counseling rooms for VCT (voluntary counseling and testing- for HIV), and general reproductive health counseling. I am also hoping that with a collaboration with the organization called Books for Africa, the youth center will also have a public library which is something that doesn't currently exist in Rwamagana. I also want it to have a gaming room, and maybe a cinema room for showing films and giving presentations. Of course, I will need proper funding to accomplish this so it will be built in phases. I think that something like this would be invaluable in my community.

3 comments:

  1. Good project Brandon, will need pretty big funds though. Have you abandoned that one of helping refugees in Kibuye Banyamurenge camp?
    I would suggest that you inform yourself from a Health ministry-funded project called "DUSHISHOZE", it does similar things to what you intend to do; so i think they can give you hints and insights during your planning phase.
    good luck!

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  2. Thanks Gashakamba. The youth center is only my primary project. I can't work at the refugee camp all the time but I still really want to be involved there. I tried contacting someone that works there but she never responded however my supervisor may take me there soon. Thanks for keeping up with my blog!

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  3. Brandon,

    Your project sounds great and something much needed and wanted by the community. Best of luck on it.

    I would like to offer the technical assistance of the Engineer's Without Border's Greater Cincinnati Professional's chapter of which I am a member. We can assist in helping put together technical aspects of a project (such as a building, water system design, building, sanitation system, rain harvesting system etc. plus help put together presentation materials that might be needed for grant proposals and other funding sources Our group has several ex PCV's in it and we are anxious to be of any assistance We have made this offer to all the Peace Corps volunteers in Rwanda through the director from whom you may have received an e-mail from last week. Our interest in Rwanda comes specifically because we are doing work in the Murharoro area working with an orphanage and a Village to install low tech spring water systems. We have made 3 trips to Rwanda to date. Please visit our web site ewbgcp.org for more details.

    If you think we can be of help to you please do not hesitate to contact me. My e-mail address can be found at our web site or in the e-mail that the Director sent to you last week.

    Best Regards and Good Health

    Chuck Dragga

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