By Natasha Carlson

 

Some of you may know that I’ve wanted to visit Rwanda for quite some time. One of the major reasons for this was my desire to visit Sonrise School. Being a teacher increased my desire, but I also felt a connection to the school as a member of Redeemer. After hearing about Sonrise for years and attending several fundraisers, it was wonderful to make some personal connections. I was encouraged by the dedicated staff and teachers I met and, of course, I loved talking to the students. Meeting an administrator at the school, Jimmy, and touring the school with Milly, who is a liaison for the school, is what stood out to me the most.
Jimmy has been at the school since it started in 2001. I can only imagine what it must have been like for him to oversee a boarding school shortly after the events of 1994. He has clearly done a phenomenal job; the school has a very good reputation and it’s easy to see why. We were also told that they had the top student in Rwanda last year. He showed us student work, let us observe a class, and showed us the computer labs the students love to use.
From an educational point of view, I was impressed by a teacher I saw in a first grade classroom. Although his style of teaching was different than what I am used to in the U.S., the students were engaged (undoubtedly, as teachers across the world seem to know, some of the engagement was likely due to the “magic” of visitors.) and excited to learn. It was inspiring as teacher to feel a sense of solidarity with other teachers from different contexts. A 6th grade science teacher stepped out of his class for a minute to shake my hand and said it was nice to meet a colleague. In a profession that can often feel isolating, it’s nice to know that there are people around the world that have the same mission and love for students.

Milly also has a heartfelt connection with so many students and staff. Children continuously ran up to give her a hugs and her genuine care was evident as she talked to many students as we walked around. Although Milly’s role on paper may be administrative, she extends herself relationally in so many areas.
I am sure there are many other amazing stories of staff and students at Sonrise that we did not get a chance to hear, but those two in particular stood out to me. I left feeling glad of our partnership with the school and also excited to share more about it with others. Sonrise is doing great work in students’ lives academically and spiritually. The students are well cared for and loved. The school is a safe place where kids can learn and grow. I felt privileged to visit and observe the great work happening at Sonrise.