A Beginner’s Blog– My first ADP Africa Exchange Tour!
This September, I took a trip to the ADP programs in Rwanda and Uganda. Before leaving, I didn’t have any expectations except to experience the culture in Rwanda and Uganda and to get a better understanding of how ADP supports rural women in these countries. Therefore, my experience far exceeded expectations; upon seeing how much progress the women had made and hearing their success stories inspired me. And, what stood out to me most was the will and determination the women have to really make something out of themselves to become independent and self-sufficient. For example, in ADP’s Uganda Microbusiness Development Program, the students discussed the many barriers they faced– as both women and entrepreneurs– and collectively came up with solutions. To me, this demonstrates resilience, determination, and perseverance– traits of which ties directly to this month’s theme of Impact and Change. ADP’s goal has always been to improve the lives of rural East African women and I believe we’ve done a good job by giving them the opportunity to learn new skills (i.e., computer literacy, sewing, farming) and to utilize them efficiently.
I first-hand saw this change being created. Specifically, the deeply ingrained, generational dominant narrative that has favored men in almost every aspect of society, was being challenged. With the agricultural co-ops that ADP supports, women have taken more control in the labor and business sectors instead of being limited to the household. They are educating themselves, getting degrees and certificates, learning how to sew, and opening up their own businesses. They’re working not only to support themselves, but also their families, and simultaneously proving they are just as capable as men and will succeed. It’s clear that every day, these women make a name for themselves which is empowering. This is real, positive change.
Women in our sewing program displaying the garments they've sewn
As for the trip itself, it was incredible. I’ve wanted to go to Africa for as long as I could remember, and I didn’t think I would actually get the chance until later on in life. So when I was asked if I wanted to go, it took a few days for me to really come to terms with the fact I was going to Africa… for real! It only kicked in when I got off the plane in Rwanda. The first few days were definitely a bit of a culture shock for me and I found myself reflecting on my own life and habits at home. Simultaneously, we aw many amazing sites, did fun activities, and ate great food. I definitely learned a lot, especially after visiting the Rwandan Genocide Memorial. I had only discussed it briefly in a first-year university class, so actually being in the country where the genocide happened, and touring the memorial, was a completely different experience for me– and definitely a worthwhile one.
If I could tells someone one thing about Africa Development Promise, my experience, and the programs, I would actually tell them two things:
Invest in women. Investing in women means equipping them with the proper resources, materials, and opportunities needed to promote their personal and economic growth, fulfillment, and empowerment. It means investing in businesses that have a social impact and positive effects far beyond a single individual. When we invest in rural East African women, we give them the opportunity to create something for themselves that will be self-sustaining and efficient. We give them the opportunity to get a certificate; to sell their handmade items or fruits and vegetables; to gain employment, and so on.
Go on an Africa Development Promise exchange tour! In addition to the fun excursions and cultural enrichment these tours provide participants with, they also offer individuals the opportunity to experience life outside of their own. From talking to and dancing with women in rural Rwandan communities, to eating local food, and to meeting with the other ADP interns, the trip was amazing. The trip changed my perspective and forced me to be more appreciative of the things I often take for granted. If anything, this trip was a valuable lesson for me in the best way possible. Seeing elephants up close was pretty cool too though.
Overall, I’m so beyond grateful that I got to experience life in Rwanda and Uganda and meet so many wonderful people. Will I go again in 2025? Stay tuned! –By Scarlett Banks, Project Coordinator for Africa Development Promise
