Several members of Rwandan Diaspora who have returned home are inspired by the country’s progress and say Rwanda is at its best. They want to stay and help rebuild their country with skills acquired abroad.
Others disagree and have remained static on their decision to reside in foreign countries instead.
Adopted at the age of six by a Belgian who was residing in Rwanda before the genocide, 26 year old Rwandan born Anita Durand told IGIHE.com she prefers to live abroad than in Rwanda.
Durand is a Public Relations professional, this year she visited to experience Rwanda.
Durand has spent three months in Rwanda working in collaboration with a fashion designer in Belgium who is hoping to promote her work in different parts of Africa, “the Fashion business could be a great boost in Rwanda’s economy but it hasn’t yet been exploited. This makes it harder for me to do my job to my full potential.”
Her challenges while in Rwanda include the high cost of transport and other living expenses, “I find it hard for me to live in Rwanda on the budget I am given”. She explains that living in Belgium pays more in her profession. Transportation costs take up a bare minimum compared to Rwanda’s 60% of her salary goes to transportation.
Durand has been living with a friend in Rwanda after realising that if she had stayed alone it would be very expensive- three times higher.
”I hope you understand why it’s hard for me choosing to stay in Rwanda”. Durand leaves Rwanda next week “I believe that I will be back, this is my home, just only when I have a full package that could support me.”
Joanna Bridges, 31 is married and a mother of one. She came to Rwanda from the United States after her daughter turned one, “I wouldn’t understand anyone who would want to leave Rwanda after they came, I haven’t been here longer but I am certain I want to stay.”
Bridges and her husband have invested in real estate business have decided that they will buy land in the district of Muhazi near the presidential residence, near the lake, where they will spend their vacations when visiting Rwanda until the time they retire.
“Right now we are transitioning from our present professions, but when that is done life here will be so much simpler”.
Bridges say’s the reason they are so eager to return is because during their short visit, they have witnessed the incredible opportunities Rwanda is offering, “The time is now, I believe that my family could make ourselves wealthy and live a life that would have taken us years to achieve in the US.”
Apart from the job opportunities, the financial benefits or downfalls, and the country’s economic growth that is inspiring millions to invest in Rwanda, there are also issues about the social and cultural changes that have occurred in Rwanda and the Diaspora have had their say about this too.
Brian Gatete, is a youth of the Diaspora recently visiting from England to see his family as well as conduct a survey for his future projects.
After five years of life in Europe, he feels that Rwanda still lacks in the development of the social life line. “We are focused on the economic growth and yet many of the enterprises that would increase income are being taken as small business projects”.
Gatete wants to return to Rwanda to open up the first major fast food chain similar to McDonalds, he say that those which have already opened are really small, far for some and never really open 24 hours like they claim. Food is on high demand in Rwandan.
I have meet so many people who tell me the one reason they can’t live in Rwanda long is the lack of variety of food choices and some really have adapted to being able to find food at any time of the hour no matter where you are.
Gatete showed us a graph and economic analysis on People of all ages around the world who are eating different foods as well as at alarming hours, “there is a greater demand for vegetarian meals across the globe, the demands of certain food stuffs have actually increased economic welfare in some of the developing countries that grow these ingredients”.
Gatete believes that by opening various branches of a food store that will not only be famous with Rwanda tastes, but also Foreigners’ who are definitely the biggest consumers.
Linda Kayitesi 23a Rwandan is a student in the US, her parents live in Rwanda. She relocated to US at the age of ten. Kayitesi is like all the other youths that reside in Rwanda, with the need to express themselves through fashion and music.
Kayitesi while in Rwanda had decided to take a tour around town when she was briefly assaulted by the public; Kayitesi described to us what she was wearing that day.
She had her Afro hair spread out, Sunglasses on, earphones plugged into her ears and visible tattoo’s on her arms. She wore a Vest and shorts. Suddenly she was surrounded by groups of young men murmuring words she didn’t understand but knew it was about her.
She quickly rushed into a restaurant where she called her mom to come pick her up but only a second too late, street kids touched her legs sending the nearby crowd into laughter.
“I am a Rwandan and I know our culture, but there is a limit to how Rwandan’s are turning a blind eye to the truths of changes in the society without even dealing with them”. Kayitesi says she can’t stand being stared at thus she will stay abroad.
Leave a Reply