Slow motion > No motion

March 27, 2025

January flew by, and February has been nothing short of great. While life slowed down a bit after arriving, things have definitely picked up in the past few weeks. With our first event approaching, I’ve had tasks to complete and ideas to bring to life, which has been a fun process.

Before getting into that, I want to mention that seeing the impact firsthand—how Shooting Touch is positively affecting everyone involved, from the beneficiaries to the coaches, staff, fellows, and partners—has been incredible. It truly warms my heart.

Now here are some highlights from February:

Traveling between villages & expanding my horizons – Getting familiar with different areas we’ll be working in throughout Bugesera and Kayonza has been an amazing way to immerse myself in the culture. I’ve had the chance to see more of Rwanda, especially the Eastern Province and Kigali. Travel takes long for the most part and finding the busses that won’t stop every 5 minutes is gold. Unfortunately it took a 6 hour trip to realize that, but you live and learn.

Renting a house in Bugesera – Duwe and I were lucky to find an incredible place near Mayange courts. Before heading back to London, our landlord—who works in healthcare in the UK—made sure we were set up comfortably. She reminded me a bit of my mom with how thoughtful she was. The house itself is beautiful, and I’m grateful to call it home alongside the geckos and spiders that reside with us.

Vlogging in my new house- watch on my Youtube

Beautiful view while walking to the court in Mayange

Playing in a Kagame Cup game – Duwe and I are playing in a local tournament alongside some current and former Shooting Touch beneficiaries. We won our first game 70-38, and I’m looking forward to making a run for the championship in March. Their style of play has definitely called for an increase in my stamina.

Donor visit – Some friends of Shooting Touch visited the first STR court in Rwinkwavu. We spent time hooping, visiting beneficiary homes, and sharing meals. It was refreshing to connect with people from the U.S. and learn from their professional and life experiences that brought them to visit Rwanda.

Coaching clinics – We had our first coaching clinics in Mukarange, where we got to meet and work alongside the coaches we’ll be collaborating with throughout our time here. We went through the health curriculums they’ll teach after practices and ran through some old & new basketball drills.It was great to see their personalities shine through while covering content and capturing moments.

We split into groups and visited Shooting Touch beneficiaries. Here we are with Zelda, who welcomed us into her home gracefully

Capturing footage and content at the coaches clinic

John Legend concert – The concert was a lit situation. The music was great, the energy was high, and I made some more connections while I was there. Definitely a night to remember and a reminder that even across the world, we can all share our love for commonalities such as music and sports, no differences matter when it comes to these things.

Joined the Run Club: Roadwork – Whenever I’m in Kigali on Monday nights, I’ve been running with Roadwork, and they’ve definitely pushed me to new heights. I’m hitting distances, times, and elevations I didn’t even know I was capable of before. Sometimes, you just need people around you to push you further. On another note, I recently noticed I’ve lost some muscle mass and need to figure out my balance.

Haircut upgrade – After cutting my own hair twice, I decided it was time for something more official. I went to Rama at KlipperZone Kigali, and he had me looking/feeling fresh (it’s been a little while). I’m definitely looking forward to going back.

Enjoying the pool at Akegera Rhino Lodge

Making connections – Meeting people both professionally and socially has been fun. The extroverted side of me thrives on meaningful connections, and having Chloe and Sam—who seem to know just about everyone—has helped expand my circle. That said, my social battery does run out at times, and I’ve learned to embrace recharging in solitude.

Owen and I sharing ideas and perspectives

Grateful for life – One of my biggest takeaways from this journey so far is how incredible life is. Sometimes I wake up, see the sun, take a deep breath, look at the sky, and just feel overwhelmingly grateful to God. I’ve found a deeper sense of comfort and faith in His plan, knowing that no matter what happens—whether things go as planned or not—I am exactly where I’m meant to be.

Patience is key – If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about Rwandan people, it’s their patience—something I wanted to improve while here. Things that many Americans (including myself) would complain about, they simply wait through. I remind myself of this daily when things don’t go as expected—whether it’s the power going out, food taking longer, slow communication, or having to repeat myself multiple times.

If you’re wondering why our February vlog is dropping in March, it’s because the start of this month has been our busiest yet. Basketball-For-Equality Day was our first event in Rilima, Bugesera. I designed t-shirts and trophies, coordinated with media personnel to get coverage, and made sure branding was on point before, during, and after the event. Exploring the media landscape and working on event deliverables has been a fun challenge, especially since I haven’t had as much hands-on experience in some of these areas before.

Sam’s last event with Shooting Touch. Grateful for his mentorship and the impact he left

Slow motion is better than no motion. Learning the language, the landscape, my responsibilities, and more about myself takes time—but it’s all coming together. I’m looking forward to more growth and learning ahead.

PS: As always, I’m creating content, and you can see more on my YouTube and Instagram. Check out my Linktree for all my links.

Peace & love! ✌🏾

Learning Experiences

March 18, 2025

After two months, I’ve begun to start fitting in out here.

My priority the last month or so has been attempting to begin creating a routine - learn how to get around, what/where to eat, and start getting familiar with Kinyarwanda, the language of Rwanda. To broker a ceasefire in the war between my stomach and the local cuisine, significant concessions were made—namely, the surrender of about 20 pounds and a solemn vow to avoid any roadside meat priced under 50 cents… unless it looks or smells really good, then all bets are off.

I have been on the road a TON, traveling from Kigali (the capital city) to Bugesera District (where Shooting Touch has 2 courts) to Kayonza District (Shooting Touch has 5 courts). From Kigali, it takes me about 4 hours to get to the village where I stay in Kayonza, and about 2 hours to get to my house in Bugesera. For those caught up on current events in Africa, the conflict occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is taking place across the border from western Rwanda, on the complete opposite side of the country from where Shooting Touch operates, and does not affect my work or life in any way.

This travel takes many forms, ranging from taxis to buses to motorcycles (motos) to bicycles, to my new personal favorite, the chicken coop tuck-tuck. The chicken coop tuk-tuk, as I call it, is a motorcycle inside of a tuk-tuk frame with a sidecar attachment - romanticized version of the moto with far more utility and opportunity for surface level conversation.

Kojo Taking the Chicken Coop Tuk-Tuk for a spin

It is common when getting any sort of taxi/moto/bike for the driver to name an absurdly high price and for a negotiation to break out. Unfortunately, as I have been more focused on Kinyarwanda words that help me make friends, my negotiation vocabulary is limited. I usually use the phrase, “amafaranga dyazi,” which means “I know the price,” although more times than not, I have no idea what the price is, nor do I know any numbers in Kinyarwanda. This leads to an exchange of sly facial expressions as the driver tries to call my bluff. Needless to say, negotiation is a work in progress.

A super cool realization for me is that the majority of the food I am eating is coming from the communities that I am living in. In Rwinkwavu, the village where I spend about half of my time, there is a community market every Saturday. Here, we’d go to stock up on rice, beans, potatoes, vegetables, and sometimes chicken. While there are butchers where you can buy chicken, it is incredibly fresh at the market. In fact, I’m not sure it is possible for it to be any fresher and sometimes you may even begin to build a sort of pet-like emotional connection with the chicken that you may or may not have named during the days you spend together, and that emotional connection sits in the back of your mind at night before you go to bed for a few days after the chicken has been … prepared. All of that to say, Ted the chicken is fresh, sustainable, and its purchase supports the community.

Kinyarwanda is not easy. Rwanda is the only country in the world where a significant portion of the population speaks Kinyarwanda, so the resources online are very limited. My strategy thus far is to talk to my Rwandan friends and get a few punchlines, which I write down on my phone. My favorite phrases are

Ni iki gisekeje - “What is so funny?” - This is a great one to use if someone is making fun of you, although it typically results in more jokes being made.
Twaba inshuti - “Can we be friends?” - I made the mistake of saying “Twaba ishati,” my first few times, which means “Will you be my shirt,” which I like to think could be some sort of endearing statement, yet judging by the responses I have received I don’t think it translates that way.
Ndishimye kukubona - “I am happy to see you.” - this one is my favorite greeting because it is not one that many non-Rwandans use, thus typically surprises folks.
Ukunda Kubzina - “Do you like to dance?” - Dancing is quite popular out here.

If you are attempting to try and pronounce these words at home, first try to sound them out as you would an English word. This will give you a reference of how not to pronounce them.

Sometimes I get lucky, and I can sneak through a 30-second conversation in which the person I am conversing with only says a handful of the 10 phrases I know and they think I actually know Kinyarwanda. However, most of the time neither me or the person I am talking to have any idea what is going on. The trickiest language error for me has been that “No” is translated to “Oya”, which is pronounced the same as “Oh Yeah” and I happen to say “Oh Yeah!” all the time at practice, which is super confusing for everyone.

My favorite conversations take place in the mornings before school starts in the village. As I walk anywhere, I typically am joined by between 1 and 30 elementary school kids in their uniforms on the way to school. The cool part about this conversation is that these elementary school kids are in the process of learning English and are at a slightly better English level than I am in Kinyarwanda. We both use our limited vocabulary and extensive dictionary of facial and hand expressions. Typically by the end of the 5-minute conversation, we have all gained a couple of new friends, solved a few of the world's problems, and set the world record for saying “How are you/Amakuru?” the most times in 5 minutes.

The kids here remind me so much of the kids I used to coach during camps at UNC. They are funny and mischievous – and they love to make fun of the big goofy white kid. Most of the time, I have no idea what they are saying, but from years of being inside of locker rooms and from having a younger* brother I’ve learned to recognize the type of laughter and body language that arises from a good roast.

*Note: I wrote “little brother” first, but I was reminded that I am in fact the little brother these days when I am around Oliver, especially with how I’ve slimmed out over here.

After presenting the mustache look, I was promptly asked “Are you ill?"

I’ve talked a little about Shooting Touch’s mission to use basketball as a tool to help address healthcare, gender, and other social issues, yet have talked little about what this actually looks like. Shooting Touch has 7 courts in Rwanda’s Eastern Province and every day, you will find no-cost, high-quality basketball practices led by an incredibly talented, fully-Rwandan coaching staff. The adult women begin at 4:00 p.m., the Imishwe (“little chickens” a.k.a. U13 boys and girls) practice at 5:00 p.m., and the U18 boys start at 6:00pm. The U18 Girls either practice at 5:00 or 6:00, depending on how dark it is.

It is common to see 100+ participants in each age group, every single day. Each quarter throughout the year, there is a new joint basketball/health curriculum assigned to the coaches to implement into their weekly practice plan. While building basketball courts is the exciting development project that most people want to be a part of, it is the daily sport-for-health programming that makes the biggest impact.

Coach Nico holding the women’s Kitenge during a Shooting Touch practice. Kitenge is the term for traditional, colorful fabric used to make dresses, skirts, etc. in Rwanda. Kitenge is a huge part of the Rwandan culture, as well as the expected choice of clothing for women to wear in public. Shooting Touch women will commonly wear wrapped kitenge dresses on the way to practice and then take them off, revealing a pair of basketball shorts and an athletic t-shirt underneath.

My days vary tremendously depending on what is going on. My job is to support the coaches in anything related to basketball, which ranges from working with the coaches on developmental basketball strategies, to attending practice and increasing engagement among program participants.

Coach Isaie proctoring a health survey to beneficiaries in Mayange, Bugesera District - You can always count on a nice sunset during practice

During our orientation, the phrase “decentering oneself” was a recurring topic. Decentering, for me, is making the work I am doing here not about me, but about the folks we are serving. At first, this felt super obvious - I thought, “Of course I'm not here to make this about myself.” Yet, after some great conversations with Chloe (Director of International Programming and Strategy) and Sam (Director of Communications), as well as some personal reflection, I realized this process was a little bit trickier than I first realized.

Upon arrival in Rwanda, I found myself viewing the country through the lens of my experience in America, constantly trying to make sense of what I was seeing based on what I knew back home. In the context of my job, this took the form of observing Shooting Touch, comparing what I know or have seen, and coming up with my own solutions to problems I thought I saw.

Yet, I began to realize that I am viewing everything through my own lens, and that I have only a very basic understanding of the social, economic, and community dynamics in Rwanda. Through “making sense” or creating an explanation for the way things are, I am only creating a box to fit everything in based on what I know.

A big part of attempting to understand the country and decenter myself has been acknowledging that I know very little about the way people live, think, and interact here, so it is futile to try to “make sense” of anything. Rather, my goal is to just live, interact, make some new shirts (and friends), and just take it all in. The beauty of this Fellowship is that Shooting Touch places you directly within the communities we serve, while setting you up with a support system, so there is no better place to learn.

I am looking forward to learning more.

Follow the Local

March 18, 2025

Tuesday, January 28

11:10

This past Sunday, we headed on our first bus trip from Kigali to Rwinkwavu. Distance wise, the trip is roughly 51 miles, so you would assume it should take around an hour. Yet you know what they say about making assumptions…try at least three hours owing to the hilly, single-laned road, frequent and (what feels like) unplanned stops, and time spent waiting for the bus to fill up (most buses won’t leave until then). I did my best to make note of my surroundings and emotions, since I knew it would be my only opportunity to capture my first impression of the Rwandan public transport system. In doing so, I found myself reflecting on the numerous rice paddy fields we passed.

People were knee-deep out in the mud, working nonstop in the blazing heat. Witnessing this definitely put things in perspective and quieted my internal complaints about the hot, sticky, and cramped conditions of the bus ride. Plus, we were traveling across the country for under three dollars (you can’t even get a 5-minute ride with Uber at that rate back home).

Wednesday, January 29

13:45

If the past week has taught me anything, it’s about the illusion of control. Those who know me, know that I’ve always been type A, in fact, borderline maniac when it comes to organization and order. Both making lots of international friends during my undergraduate/graduate studies and living overseas have exposed me to different ways of being and doing, and in effect, loosened me up a bit. Nevertheless, at the core, I’m still me – a complicated mixture of wanderlust and control. I love seeing new places, learning new cultures, trying new foods, and everything else that comes with the territory. Conversely, I crave routine, structure, and my own clean, organized space (physical, mental, emotional, etc.) to debrief and recharge. Needless to say, these two sides of me blend about as well as water and oil. Packing up and moving to a foreign country has suitably catered to my wanderlust side, while simultaneously defying every fiber of my control side. Here is a list of some of my more recent experiences where I’ve had zero control:

Having my own space
The timeline of finding a house in Mukarange
The time spent on buses to/from Kigali and Rwinkwavu
People bailing on plans last minute - often weather related, rain deters all outdoor movement here
The stability and strength of my phone’s hotspot connection when no wifi is available, which is 24/7, 3-6-5 at the Rwink house
The visa approval timeline - receiving a text from Immigration (in Kigali) that our visas are ready right as we arrive at the Rwink house (far from Kigali)

The list could go on endlessly, and it serves to highlight how little control we really have over things. My current ‘foreigner in a foreign place’ status is giving me ample opportunities to make a decision regarding instances like the ones listed above, either (a) stress over everything that doesn’t go as I’d expected or hoped or (b) focus on my response to how things actually play out. The latter choice is more beneficial for many reasons, yet not surprisingly, the harder one to put into practice. The times I have actively decided to focus on my reaction, which often entails laughing it off and commenting something along the lines of needing to “roll with the punches,” I not only feel like a better human, but I also feel more prepared to deal with future frustrations and uncertainties. For example, after feeling completely fed up with my unstable phone hotspot connection at the Rwink house and questioning its ability to load upcoming Zoom meetings, I decided to buy a portable Wi-Fi device while I was in Kigali collecting my visa. Rather than continue to moan about my connection, I found a solution, acted on it, and capitalized on an unexpected trip into Kigali.

Thursday, January 30

12:01

By staying open to other ways of doing and seeing things, I’ve come to terms with how little I really know. This past week, Chantal (house helper at Rwink) has shown me the ropes of how things work in the house, and as a result, I’ve been a constant source of humor (read: these foreigners wouldn’t stand a chance out here alone). Picture this: I’m walking down the hill with Chantal to the neighboring yard with the spicket where we collect our drinking water.

After filling up the (now really heavy) 20-liter plastic jerry can, I head back up the hill and nearly faceplant. I then enter the house, walk over to the 50-liter LifeStraw water purifier tank (see above), and proceed to spill the water all over the floor while trying to pour it into the small opening at the top. Chantal stops me, brings over a smaller cooking pot, and gracefully pours some water from the jerry can into the pot, and then from the pot into the tank. I promise that was my plan B.

Later, we headed to the market, where I was again humbled by how little I understand the way things work. Chantal walked around like an absolute boss, haggling down the initial prices (being overcharged is unfortunately a constant occurrence in my experience, as many Rwandans correlate expatriates with money), and getting us the produce we needed at local cost. While I could hardly think straight between the organized chaos of the market space and the potent smell of the massive piles of dried fish, Chantal whizzed us through the market with a familiarity that only being a local could explain. When in doubt, follow the (trusted) local.

Thursday, February 6

14:10

We just got back to the Rwink house after hosting visitors from the U.S. This was my first time engaging with donors (and friends of Shooting Touch) in a non-profit setting, and it’s safe to say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We started by forming a circle and introducing ourselves to the group, which included ST staff (Rwinkwavu ST coaches, Sam, and the Fellows) and the visitors. We were then asked by one of the visitors (a former professional sports photographer) if we could play a quick pickup game so that he could snap some pictures. Not surprisingly, our little PR session turned into a highly competitive, full-blown 30 minutes of basketball. This game served as the perfect icebreaker, as it was evident that we all shared a love for basketball/sport and experienced (once again) its ability to connect people.

After working up a good sweat, we split into two groups and headed to the homes of two Shooting Touch beneficiaries, Zelda and Esther. These women willingly opened their arms and doors (to people they just met), shared their life stories, and gracefully embraced some very vulnerable discussion topics. Reflecting on my group’s visit, I am amazed by Esther’s resilience and the positive outlook she maintains despite difficult living conditions and financial distress. Language barrier aside (shoutout to Denise for interpreting, that work is not easy), her gratitude toward ST radiated through her smile and entire body - at one point she even started singing and dancing in praise of ST. After physically seeing and hearing about the direct and positive impact of ST in Esther’s life, such as receiving health insurance for her entire family (five kids), accessing mental health counseling for herself, strengthening her social capital and cohesion, and developing into a leader in her community, I left her house feeling inspired to continue improving people’s lives through the systems and programs ST has in place. Esther also talked about how she has connected countless struggling women in her community to ST, demonstrating the ripple effect. Working in the sport-for-development sector (or any development sector) can be exhausting - as individuals, our efforts can sometimes feel futile when viewed against the larger, systemic issues of poverty and inequality (that are often exacerbated by a global, capitalist system). Yet speaking directly to beneficiaries provides an important reminder: improving one individual’s life impacts change at the community level, which can be a catalyst for change at the district and national levels in the long run when conducted sustainably and with clear strategic intent.

Thank you to Ben and his friends for being so friendly, inquisitive, respectful, and supportive throughout your visit, especially within Zelda and Esthers’ homes - Turikumwe!

Saturday, February 8

19:32
While staring up at another beautiful, starry night in Rwinkwavu, my peripheral caught a small, red light moving across the sky. A few weeks ago, I would have had no idea why I spot so many of these lights each night out in the village, but now, I know that they are drones delivering blood, as well as other routine and emergency medical supplies from distribution centers to district hospitals and rural health centers. These drones also deliver swine semen to increase livestock production and boost Rwanda’s food self-sufficiency. While they have become routine sightings for locals, I still get flooded with a mix of awe and relief every time I see one. I stand in awe of the life-saving capacity of technology, and relieved that, in this instance, it’s being used to do good. (If you’d like to read more about this topic, click here).

Saturday, February 15

15:42

Another week has flown by and I’m slowly catching on to the pace of life in Rwanda. After many viewings, I finally found a house in Mukarange thanks to the help of Coach Nico and Coach Delice. Navigating this process has required many things, including patience with the language barrier, openness to learning (and accepting) how leasing works in a different country, and trusting that the ST coaches are securing the best deal for me (i.e., that the landlord is not taking advantage of my expatriate status). The most notable difference in the process is that most landlords do not ‘finish’ houses here until they have a tenant who commits to a contracted lease period and provides a down payment. So, for example, you can be touring a house with the realtor and come across a room with no tile on the floor or paint on the walls (and frankly, I saw this in probably 80% of the houses I toured). At first, I was resistant to committing to a house until I saw it in a finished state, but I soon realized I would never find a house while holding tight to this very American understanding of the process. Recognizing that materials are expensive and not many landlords have the spare income to fully finish a house, in addition to listing specific action items in my contract that must be completed for the house to meet a ‘finished’ standard, have enabled me to move forward with peace of mind.

Later in the week, Shooting Touch ran a three-day coaching clinic, in which the head and junior coaches from all of ST’s courts met in Mukarange to review each session in the upcoming unit (15 sessions total). Each session includes a health curriculum component and a basketball component. The unit for this clinic focused on Adolescent Reproductive Health and Family Planning, while the basketball element centered mostly on implementing a zone offense and defense. The sessions were split up between the coaches, so that each coach was responsible to deliver his/her session to the group. Following completion of the clinic, the coaches then deliver the 15 sessions at their corresponding courts across a three-month span. As such, the clinics serve to unite the group and ensure that all coaches are on the same page (i.e., delivering the same information at all courts). Although the clinic occurred in Kinyarwanda, the commitment and engagement from the coaches transcended the language barrier. From role playing to contacting local nurses to clarify any confusion with certain health topics, it was evident the coaches were devoted to both understanding the curriculum, and fulfilling their roles within the wider organizational web.

Tuesday, February 18

15:13

The meetings are starting to pick up, making me even more grateful for my portable wifi device out here in the village. Growing up, I always wondered why adults had to attend so many meetings at work, but I’m starting to understand why now. Meetings serve to share information, plan, reflect, and ensure everyone is on the same page, which has been crucial given the vast geographical span of ST’s operations (Boston and Rwanda). This week, I have three meetings - one with Christelle and Ben to discuss implementation of a logic framework, a second to discuss the details of hosting visitors from a boarding school in Massachusetts in March, and a third to meet with a strategic planning consultant (where I will indeed be playing an observative role and soaking up all the information possible).

Although slowly integrating more into work with each passing week is exciting, I am simultaneously starting to appreciate why it will be so important to set boundaries and allocate screen-free ‘me’ time this year. Fortunately, Rwanda has some beautiful spots to unplug, like the Akagera Rhino Lodge, where I went with Kojo this past Sunday to do just that.

Monday, February 24

08:50

“Rimwe, Kabiri, Gatatu” (one, two, three)…if you were a fly on my wall each morning, this is what you would hear. I’m quickly learning that a large part of cultural immersion is making an attempt to learn the local language. Although the locals definitely laugh at me and not with me when I speak Kinyarwanda, I can also sense respect and appreciation for the attempt. In general, I’ve noticed that Rwandans convey a rather expressionless resting face that can come off as serious or judgmental to outsiders who are culturally unacquainted, however, a simple “mwaramutse” (good morning) or “amakuru?” (how are you) greeting instantly cracks a smile. My favorite is when I see the shocked expression on kids' faces when I speak Kinyarwanda and hear them squealing about how the “muzungu” (white person/foreigner) knows the local language. While I’m currently working on expanding my vocabulary beyond greetings (through the flip charts shown in the picture), I’ve recognized how much of a connection even just knowing the basics creates, which encourages me to want to learn more. Expanding my language skills will also be crucial to building my relationships with ST coaches and beneficiaries, as well as making my technical support more effective. Communication is really everything!

Friday, February 28

17:45

It is crazy to think that I have been in Rwanda for nearly two months. Time is certainly flying, and with a busy upcoming month, I have a feeling it will continue to fly. Next week I will be attending a 3-day Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC) in Kigali, and following that is ST’s Basketball for Equality event in Bugesera, which entails a basketball tournament, health screenings/information dissemination, and guest speakers. Later in the month, we will be hosting more U.S. visitors, and running another major event in Nyamirama, International Women’s Day, that involves a 5km march, a basketball tournament, and health screenings. In between all of those bigger events will be lots of meetings, sorting partnership collaboration details, and other, smaller behind-the-scenes tasks that keep operations running smoothly and ensure ST programs are heading in the right direction.

“I understand it now” and other life hacks*

January 30, 2025

*For all my boomers and gen x’ers reading this – a “life hack,” per Google’s AI overview, is ‘a strategy or technique adopted to manage one's time and daily activities in a more efficient way’

Acronyms

ST: Shooting Touch
STR: Shooting Touch Rwanda

Tuesday, January 14th

11:11

Starting my first blog at 11:11 feels like a good omen. I’ve been in Rwanda for five nights and six days. Time feels different here. Similar to many places around the world, the pace is undoubtedly slower in comparison to the New York minute. Nonetheless, a mixture of jet lag and the general newness of everything contribute to my warped sense of time. Even newness doesn’t feel like the appropriate word to capture the range of emotions I’ve experienced since touching down in Rwanda. While the tangible things, like the people, the city of Kigali, and the Fellowship Program are all new, I’ve felt a comforting sense of familiarity surrounding the aura of Rwanda. Perhaps from my former volunteer experience in Zambia and travels around the African continent or from the warm, welcoming arms of Chloe (ST Director of International Strategy and Programming), Sam (ST Director of Communications), Christelle (STR Program Director) and all of the Rwandan staff, I’ve felt at ease while exploring the city and rural villages of Rwanda. Or maybe, it’s the gut feeling I’ve had since 2020 (when I learned about the STR Fellowship program during my graduate studies in Massachusetts) that this would be the next step in my journey following my professional playing career.

The Fellowship onboarding process has been exhaustive and exhausting (see above), but in all the best ways. I didn’t realize how much I missed having structured yet free-flowing conversations that foster a deeper level of critical thinking and reflection. From examining personal goals and career aspirations to discussing diversity, prejudice, biases, and stereotypes, Chloe and Sam set the foundation for a safe environment to both share and unpack vulnerable and sometimes conflicting thoughts. This environment extended beyond the expat walls of ST’s Kigali apartment to our first meeting with ST Rwandan staff, in which we engaged in a cultural sensitivity training with Christelle. Shortly after, Benjamin (STR Health Monitoring & Evaluation Officer) and Denise (STR Community Engagement Coordinator) joined us for a guided discussion with prompts that encouraged each of us to share more about ourselves. Despite coming from all walks of life and places in the world, one recurring theme emerged in our discussion, that is, humans have so much more in common than what separates us.

Friday, January 17th

07:50

At this point we’ve been through most of our formal training and have seen four of the six villages where ST operates. I say formal because I know the ‘expat living in Rwanda’ style of informal learning will be nonstop over the next seven months. Through the process of visiting ST’s courts (seven total across six different villages), I’ve noticed that each village has its own personality, yet all are connected by the sense of community and love for the game that ST has fostered over time. Whether it’s the explosion of energy upon our arrival at Nyamirama, or the quiet, nervous giggles from players at Rilima, the passion and love are palpable.

(If you don’t care for maps or geography, skip past this part!)

Before I continue, I want to share two maps for my visual learners. I know how confusing it can be to hear names of places without any understanding of the geography - that’s how I felt during my first week here! Below is a map of the five provinces that make up Rwanda. Kigali is the capital as well as a province - this is what I’m referring to when I write about the ‘city.’ ST operates in the Eastern Province, circled in red below.

**Provinces of Rwanda (Source: Pinterest)**

Breaking it down further, each province is divided into districts, with a total of 30 districts in Rwanda. ST operates in the two districts circled in red below - Bugesera (south of Kigali) and Kayonza (east of Kigali). Each district is further divided into sectors (not shown on map).

**Districts of Rwanda (Source: ResearchGate)**

ST has basketball courts in two sectors in Bugesera District, and four sectors in Kayonza District. For my detail-oriented geeks *cough dad cough* curious about the sector names - in Bugesera the sectors are Mayange and Rilima, and in Kayonza the sectors are Mukarange, Nyamirama, Rukara, and Rwinkwavu. When I write about the rural ‘villages,’ I’m referring to these sectors. Confused yet? To summarize, the two other Fellows (Duwe and Kojo) and I will be living in-between the Kigali (city) apartment and the ‘Rwink House’ (a house that ST has year-round in Rwinkwavu Sector) for the rest of January as we talk to coaches and find our own housing. I am looking for a place to live in Mukarange, as many of my responsibilities will involve activities/events in Kayonza District, and because it is well connected to Kigali for any trips I may need to make into the city.

***Morning reading at the Rwink house.***

And finally, to address the number one question I received before coming to Rwanda - “So what exactly will you be doing in Rwanda? Coaching basketball?” - I’m still learning the answer. From discussions with Chloe and Christelle, I gather that many of my responsibilities will be systems-based, and consist of supporting the Rwandan staff in activities, such as conducting impact analysis of ST’s programs with Ben, supporting current partnerships and exploring new ones, helping plan donor trips and engaging with visitors on-ground, planning and supporting ST events each month (ex: the annual International Women’s Day Celebration & Health Testing event in March), along with many other ‘bigger picture’ tasks. So, while I will attend practices and interact with local coaches and beneficiaries, my role encompasses much more than coaching basketball.

Monday, January 20th

11:04

Yesterday on my four to five hour trek through the valley in Rwink with Chloe, we passed by two memorials of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda – actual locations where bodies were found while digging (for mining purposes), that had been turned into memorial sites. During our onboarding training, we discussed how sites like these are numerous around the country, and continue to be identified as development expands. These memorials are significant to Rwandans on a level that I will never be able to fully grasp, but for an outsider like me, they function as a humbling reminder of the growth and healing that Rwanda has achieved since its darkest days. I find it truly admirable that Rwanda does not shy away from confronting its traumatic past, as reflected by the multiple museums and memorials across the country, nor do Rwandans try to recount the history in a way that downplays the tragedies and atrocities that the country faced. Rather, they have taken ownership of the efforts to create a better future, and are focused on how they can continue to heal and rebuild as one unified people. There are many things that the world, especially the U.S., could learn from this response and recovery.

If you ever find yourself in Rwanda, a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum is a must. Undoubtedly, it is a heavy and emotionally taxing visit, but it is imperative that we educate ourselves, and in doing so, challenge any negative and/or damaging perceptions we may hold of Rwanda and the wider-African continent - perceptions that are likely grounded in outdated and misleading Western narratives created to grab headlines. (Read: There is so much more to Rwanda than the historic tragedy it is known for worldwide, and I’ve had the privilege to witness and experience that firsthand. If you have the means, you should come experience it too).

***A ‘search for deeper purpose’ stroll in Rwinkwavu.***

Wednesday, January 22th

12:02

The days are all starting to blur together in a paradoxical storm of busy calmness. There are still so many things to do, but getting some tasks checked off my list is contributing to the ‘settled’ feeling I’ve been experiencing more frequently. I’m still searching for a house with the help of Muhoza (STR coach in Mukarange Sector), but simply getting a jump on the process has relieved a bit of my mounting anxiety. I’m also starting to grasp how and where I fit into the bigger STR picture thanks to my meeting with Christelle this morning. I left it feeling energized and eager to use my strengths to support Denise, Ben, and other local staff. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful that delivering Amazon packages helped keep me busy and re-build my depleted savings after living in the UK for a couple of years, but for (what feels like) the first time, I am in a position to apply learnings from my undergraduate and graduate degrees, all while engaging in meaningful work that may bring me closer to finding my deeper purpose.

16:22

Yesterday Kojo and I set up our bank accounts, which ended with a big inhalation of the fresh, outdoor air upon exiting the bank three hours later. Reflecting on this process (i.e., my first experience of Rwandan bureaucracy on my own) brings to light how as humans, we are relatively good at adjusting. If that same process took three hours at home, the bank would likely lose enough customers to go out of business or be burned down by impatient New Yorkers with their endless to-do lists. In Rwanda, however, adjusting your expectation of wait times and work pace is a natural process. You learn to bring the playing cards with you to dinner or a book to an appointment, such as when meeting a friend for coffee. You learn to appreciate the care and delicacy put into the preparation of each drink and meal. You learn that having items ‘stocked’ in Rwanda is often not possible, so business owners and workers are literally running to get the items you need the moment you request them. Above all, you learn that impatience does not improve the service or your mood, so you might as well build the virtue of patience. Lastly, you learn little life hacks - for example, if you want food ready at a certain time, order ahead by at least an hour. Or, how it’s helpful to have “a guy” for multiple things – whether it’s to fix a car headlight, deliver water, get a ride, or get passport-sized headshots for applications – always save that contact and/or location.

Friday, January 24th

15:36

Up to this point, I’m still learning the importance of giving myself grace as I settle into a completely new setting, and that experience comes from a series of trials and errors. And just when I have that “I understand it now” epiphany, my next shot will undoubtedly be an airball.

But hey, at least I’m shooting my shot, right?

Hello, Rwanda

January 30, 2025

When life takes you in a direction, you can’t resist it - you just have to go with the flow, because it’s all part of God’s plan. As I write this blog, taking in the beautiful views of the “land of a thousand hills’ and feeling the gentle breeze, I reflect on how basketball and service have always been a part of my journey, ultimately landing me here in Rwanda. When I was about 10 years old, I went with my mom to volunteer at the church food bank. It was then that I realized how blessed we were to have everything we needed. From that moment, I understood that God blesses us so we can serve others. This understanding shaped my life, leading me to begin volunteering in the healthcare space at age 14 (a dentist's office), and eventually working in patient care at Albany Medical Center during college, before transitioning to College Advising in two Bronx public high schools through the now-defunct NYU CAC program.

Years later, I discovered a passion and talent for digital storytelling, marketing, community building, strategy, and communications - skills I’d always enjoyed but never considered a career path. Opportunities and connections through HuCapital where I served as the Social Media Manager, opened my eyes to the endless possibilities.

*Fellow introduction at the Rukara court practice.*

Fast forward to today, and here I am in Rwanda. It’s been a whirlwind three weeks that feel both familiar and different from my home country of Ghana. As I travel through the country visiting the Shooting Touch Rwanda (STR) courts and meeting beneficiaries, I know I made the right choice. Everyone has been incredibly supportive - from my peer Fellows and mentors to the STR staff and coaches. This organization is a shining example of how serving others can create real, lasting change. Learning about Rwanda’s history has only deepened my pride in being part of an initiative focused on gender equality, health, and social change through basketball - a sport that is clearly on the rise, not just in this country but across the continent. I’m excited to keep learning and contributing as we work toward enhancing and expanding the organization’s impact.

**Left to right:** Courtney, Kojo, Duwe *(2025 Fellows)*, Sam *(Director of Communications)*, Chloe *(Director of International Programming & Strategy).*

*Learning more about the organization and how to best serve the beneficiaries.*

*Playing ‘Knockout’ with kids at the Mukarange court.*

In these first weeks, as our team built camaraderie and dove deeper into our roles, two big questions we touched on have begun to resonate with me:

What do I care about?

The first thoughts that came to mind were health, wellness, and faith.

Health: We only get one body and one life. To love and care for ourselves is to honor that gift.
Wellness: I find myself thinking thought about mental health and how our habits and actions shape the lives we lead. Understanding what drives us is key to living intentionally.
Faith: My faith has carried me through so much, both privately and publicly. Staying grounded in it has been essential to navigating life’s challenges and trusting God’s plan.

How do I vow to deal with newness on this journey?

I made these vows to help me adjust to this new chapter:

Double-check with people to ensure clarity and alignment.
Use my resources, ask questions, and do research to minimize ignorance.
Prioritize learning Kinyarwanda to make communication easier.
Practice patience in all things.
Stay observant of social cues.
Keep my emotions in check and stay grounded.
Lean on my team and be there for them in return.
Trust God.

*Me, excited to continue learning, growing, and contributing.*

While this experience is still new, I’m grateful for how well I’ve adjusted and how comfortable I feel as a Fellow. I hope my desire to fulfill my purpose and leave an impact, combined with my vows, will keep me focused for the next seven months of this Fellowship. Talk soon & Turikumwe (we are together)!

Introduction to Rwanda

January 29, 2025

Three weeks in, I am starting to get acclimated to Rwanda.

To make a long story short as to how I got here, during my senior year at Chapel Hill, I wrote my thesis on various forms of International Aid and Development. As I researched, I stumbled across “sport-for-development,” which is the field of international development that uses sports to create growth and opportunity. The idea hooked me as it blended my academic interests with what I knew best, basketball. A few lucky conversations, interviews, overpriced vaccines, and a fundraiser later, and here we are. I am incredibly thankful for the many folks who helped me get here.

I have been traveling around with Courtney and Kojo, the two other members of my Shooting Touch Fellowship cohort, both of whom are from NY, as well as Chloe and Sam, who are Shooting Touch’s Director of International Programming and Director of Communications, respectively. The first few weeks were focused on orientation, half of which took place in a classroom setting as we discussed culture, our roles, and Shooting Touch. The other half took place at the courts around Rwanda’s Eastern Province.

It has been exciting just to have to figure things out. After living in places I know so well in Charlotte and Chapel Hill, it was eye-opening, stressful, and exciting to realize that here, I know nothing.

There are things that are very different; the language, the pace of life, and the food (while delicious, rich, and well-seasoned, there has been some conflict between the cuisine and my stomach… the two are currently in post-war peace talks, yet sporadic regional conflicts have slowed the treaty process), and the fact that no matter what I do, say, or wear, I will never blend in.

There are also things just so slightly different, such as new flowers or birds that I have never seen before, or the traffic rule that the car outside of the roundabout has right away, which after a few close calls becomes easily remembered.

Yet, when moving to a place where everything feels new, ironically, it is the things that are the same that have stood out the most - the power of a simple polite gesture, the excitement of music, and the community of sports.

Walking down the street, it is common to catch more than a few uncertain looks. Most people (including myself sometimes) wonder what the strange white man in Carolina Blue is doing here. However, early on, Chloe advised me that a quick gesture and a smile can completely break the stare and turn it into a smile. After two weeks, I know about four words in the Rwandan language, Kinyarwanda. My go-to is amakuru, which just means “how are you.” I say it about 400 times a day, but it works magic. I figure that as long as we find a little common ground, the rest will work out okay.

I’ve tried my best to speak Kinyarwanda and oftentimes when I do, I am met with a wave of laughter - I asked Chloe whether I was being laughed with or at, which she made it clear they were always laughing at me. Glad to play my part.

I had heard that the music scene in Rwanda was incredible, and it was a priority to buy a guitar as soon as I could. Although I had hoped in the back of my mind that at some point I would find a couple of folks to play with, I had no idea that it would be the folks that would find me! Multiple times during travel, while I’ve had my guitar with me, I’ve been approached by folks who just want to play a song. One moment that particularly stood out came at a gelato shop, where the lady working the counter asked if she could sing while I played. The two of us performed a little duet that made me feel like Adele’s backup guitar player, as her talent far exceeded mine. Just a cool little moment that was special to me.

The hoops culture in Rwanda is dope and humbling. I realized this on day one as I was being guarded full-court by someone's mom who was not wearing shoes. I sat in awe as 200 women surrounded one of our courts, cheering, singing, and dancing in support of the 60-year-old women launching threes and running in transition on the court in front of them. The recognizable human response of a roaring crowd comes after a deep jump shot. Shooting Touch has created an incredible grassroots basketball ecosystem. The program, aside from a little money coming from the states, operates almost entirely by Rwandans on the ground here. They have established an efficient system for training great coaches, and it shows that many of the Shooting Touch kids have received scholarships around the country for basketball.

So far it has been a great experience. Rwanda’s land, development, wildlife, and culture are beautiful and vibrant. There is constant singing, smiling, and laughter. I certainly miss everyone back home a ton, but I am thankful that the service out here is good and I can hop on a phone call. I am excited to see everyone soon.

Until next time,

Duwe

The People Make the Place

September 4, 2024

I have written and rewritten this blog countless times over the past few weeks trying to find the right words to sum up the final month and a half of my time in Rwanda. I am no closer to epitomizing this experience than I was while writing my first draft, but here is an attempt taken from the various notes, musings, and stories I have scribbled down over the last seven months.

1. Wind is good for sick dogs.

Madi and I adopted a dog, or better put, Madi and I were adopted by a dog and her puppy. If you visited the house any time between May and August, you likely met at least one and quickly realized why we couldn’t help but fall in love with them. Mom dog and Squirt (also sometimes called Skirt) were a highlight of living in Rwink. In June, however, Squirt was unfortunately in an accident. When trying to decide what to do, Madi and I were told to leave her on the porch overnight because “wind is good for sick dogs.” Sounds simple enough, right? We weren’t convinced, but miraculously the next morning, little Squirt was doing much better than we expected. In utter confusion and shock, I muttered “I guess wind is good for sick dogs” sending Madi and I into a fit of laughter because, as always, our assumption was incorrect. While this story is a funny example, it hints at something I learned early on here, but struggled to remember: you can’t assume you know. There was so much to be learned about Rwanda, about the people, about the way things run. My assumptions and biases won’t get me very far, and they must be checked pretty quickly. I assumed that leaving the dog outside overnight wasn’t a good idea, but clearly the wind worked its magic.

2. You can take a car battery out of a running car.

While visiting Lake Kivu with my family in June, our car battery died. Not an ideal circumstance anywhere, but especially not when you don’t have spare jumper cables in your car or road-side assistance on speed dial. Luckily, we were in the parking lot of our hotel, and they were able to call a mechanic for us. Twenty minutes later, a moto pulls up and a young man jumps off the back with nothing but a wrench and a pair of pliers. I will never forget my mom turning to me and asking, “That can’t be the mechanic, right?” It was. Regardless of our initial skepticism, ten minutes later, we were on the road after the mechanic switched our car battery with one from another car, then switched them back, all while the cars were running. Sounds sketchy, but it worked and we were grateful. Outside of being a funny story that my parents told their friends while recounting the trip, it was a lesson in ingenuity and making things work. Sometimes, you don’t have the perfect set of tools in front of you, and the solution isn’t convenient. However, you can make things work using what you have within the circumstances you find yourself in. This lesson has shown itself time and time again over the last few months, and is one I will certainly take home with me.

3. It’s okay to crave home, familiarity, and comfort, but don’t let it distract you from the present.

There were moments throughout the entire fellowship where I wondered what I was doing and missed home. While I wish I could say that from the beginning I was quick to dismiss those thoughts and refocus my attention on the present, that wasn’t always reality. The feelings of homesickness and the desire for comfort are certainly natural instincts, and it took a conscious effort to stay present and not wish my time away. It was made easier, however, by the busy schedule and near-constant activity. As a routine-centric person, it was frustrating to constantly be moving around and never really falling into a daily routine, but I also know that it was probably the best thing for me. Time moves so quickly when you are constantly experiencing new things and moving around. You don’t have time to spend wishing for home when there is so much to do and see. This was very evident in my last three weeks. At the very end of July we hosted our Shooting Touch co-founders, their family, and Shooting Touch Board Member and NBA player Grant Williams (also a Tennessee Alum #GoVols). This week was packed full with practices, events, and one very competitive game of Catan. With all that was going on, I could barely consider how little time I had left. However, at the conclusion of that trip, both Madi and Alex also headed home, and I was suddenly faced with a lot of alone time on my hands while staring down my last two weeks. It was a weird time because I was feeling anxious to see my friends and family while also trying to soak up my last few events and practices. I made sure to fill my plate the last few weeks by hiking in Rukara with Coach Moses, visiting Coach Nico, and taking long walks in the valley. I am grateful for the last few weeks of solace to really close out my time in Rwanda and say my goodbyes.

4. The people make the place.

Finally, I’ll leave you with the greatest lesson I’ve learned in Rwanda: the people make the place. This experience would mean nothing if it weren’t for the people I shared it with. Madi, my roommate, co-dog mom, the person I spent the most time with this year, is now a very dear friend, and someone I know I will stay in touch with for a very long time. There is no one else I would have rather spent many, many hours playing gin rummy and laughing with on a daily basis. Our incredible coaches turned into Kinyarwanda teachers and friends. I will forever cherish hundreds of small moments I could go on and on about with each and every one of our coaches. There are so many other people I could go on about, from our neighbors in Rwink, to the kids that always run up for a hug while we walk to practice, to our Director of Communications Sam, to our Program Director Christelle, to our Community Engagement Coordinators Ingrid and Denise. I am leaving Rwanda with a new appreciation for the people. Without the people and relationships that were built here, this would be nothing more than a fun anecdote about how I spent the better part of a year. Instead, these people have turned this into a transformative experience.

So thank you, Shooting Touch for the experience of a lifetime, for friends I will have forever, and for teaching me more than I could ever convery.

Farewell

August 14, 2024

If you were to ask me to sum up the past seven months, I’m not sure I’d be able to do it. After all, my life over the past 7 months has been completely different from anything I’ve ever known. But since that’s the assignment, I’m going to give it my best effort. I could go on forever about my time in Rwanda and every single memory I’ve made, but no one has time to read all of that. I’ll spare you the details of the ultimate gin rummy tournament that took place over the past three weeks between me and my coworker. I won’t tell you too much about all the village dogs gathering on my porch every night for howling practice together. And I’m not going to write a ton about all of my goodbyes, because that will make me far too emotional. So, instead, I’m going to tell you about the month of July and some of the highlights from my fellowship.

July was one of the most eventful months I had, which served as the perfect way to say goodbye to Rwanda and to Shooting Touch. My dad came to visit during the first week of the month, where I got to show him what my life was like in Rwanda and celebrate my birthday with him in Kigali. We attended practices at four different courts, hiked the valley across from my village, and did a safari in Akagera National Park. I’m not going to lie, as my fellowship began coming to a close, I started to feel extremely homesick. My dad’s visit couldn’t have come at a better time, as it gave me just enough taste of regular life to power me through my final thirty days.

After he left, the real work began. My coworker, Lucy, and I spent time at the building site of our new court in Rukara. We helped the videographers capture the construction process and painted the court with logos and decals. Our All-Star Summer League basketball tournament kicked off on July 12th, with all the best teen players from all of our four Kayonza courts meeting for weekly games in Nyamirama. While I only got to attend three of the six weeks before my departure, I can confidently say that our players are proving themselves to be true all-stars and represented their sectors proudly. At the end of the month, Shooting Touch’s co-founders came to visit with their family and with one of our board members, NBA player Grant Williams. Getting to play one-on-one with an NBA player was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done, so that was definitely a highlight. We hosted an event in Nyamirama on my last day in Rwanda, where I got to say goodbye to all of my coworkers and watch the last basketball tournament of my fellowship.

Saying goodbye to this part of my life was never going to be easy - this I knew the minute I landed at Kigali Airport at the start of the year. I packed two suitcases in January and moved 9,000 miles across the world to work for a non-profit organization on a different continent. Any assumptions I had made before arriving were shattered and replaced with truths better than I could have imagined. I did not know that I would form a lifelong bond with my coworker and roommate. I never thought I would have a dog living on my porch, following me everywhere I went and greeting me with a wagging tail everytime I returned home. I had no idea that the coaches working at all of our courts would become like family to me, making Rwanda feel like home.

If you had asked me seven months ago what I was going to get out of this fellowship, I probably would have come up with a cheesy line about being grateful for my life. And while I have certainly gained a new sense of gratitude for everything I have waiting for me at home, I learned a ton of important lessons. Basketball is a gift, and it has the power to bring people from all walks of life together. People in Rwanda are some of the kindest folks I have ever known, and they made every day better just by greeting me and teaching me about their lives.

The most important thing I learned during my time here is one that I will take with me and acknowledge for the rest of my life. Getting outside of my comfort zone has always been terrifying, but this experience has shown me that it can also be the most rewarding thing a person can do. I have learned about different cultures, about the world, and about myself. For that, I will always be grateful and a piece of my heart will always be in Rwanda.

Diving Headfirst into African Basketball

August 14, 2024

The last six months have been nothing short of life-changing, in ways I won’t fully appreciate until I am back to the normalcy of everyday life in America. There have been so many highlights that I’ll forever cherish, from the on-court educational programming and traveling across the country, to simply hanging out with my roommates.

Among the many things that I’ll forever embrace about this experience is the opportunity to dive headfirst into the world of African basketball.

Surprisingly, baseball was my first love. My earliest memories stretch back to playing Tee-ball in Brooklyn, being coached by my dad, and watching Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds launch homeruns on TV. My father, who played college ball at Emerson and is now a best-selling baseball author, imparted his love and knowledge of the game to me. On Saturday mornings, I’d throw a tennis ball hundreds of times against the wooden backstop of our backyard to work on my pitching mechanics and fielding. I’d also drive wiffle balls off the tee and chase after them repeatedly to perfect my swing.

I’d always enjoyed playing basketball for fun, but never officially competed until the father of one of my best elementary school friends suggested that I play for his 11U CYO basketball team, arguing that my agility developed playing shortstop could translate well onto the court. He also handed me a DVD copy of Steve Nash’s iconic 20-minute “Real Time” Basketball Workout, and an edition of “More Than A Game,” the famous documentary about LeBron James and his St. Vincent-St. Mary Catholic High School team.

This introduction to competitive basketball coincided with the emergence of a player who propelled my obsession with game around the time I entered middle school: Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. The Windy City Assassin was simply electric, the youngest MVP award-winner in league history. His combination of explosiveness, body control, ball-handling, graceful movement, and finishing ability is one that may never be seen again from another 6’2” guard. I can confidently say that I’ve watched every single D-Rose highlight reel known to man.

There were a couple other guards who influenced me. The first was Jeremy Lin, a Taiwanese-American Harvard graduate who unexpectedly emerged onto the scene when he came off the bench for the New York Knicks and spectacularly led his struggling team to a seven-game winning streak, sparking a cultural phenomenon known as “Linsanity.” The other player is Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, whose three-point shooting ability off the dribble and on the move - on full display when he dropped 54 points against the Knicks at MSG in February 2013 - forever changed the way NBA teams designed their offenses and reimagined the way in which an undersized guard could impact the game.

I was then hooked on basketball, practicing almost every day, and religiously keeping up with highlights from around the league. I also went on to play point guard through high school and intramural basketball at McGill.

However, my love for the sport was pretty much contained within the realm of the United States until one of my friends from university, Sami Al Uariachi - who played point guard for Morocco’s national team - enlightened me about the creation of an exciting new endeavor: the Basketball Africa League. I became captivated by the new league after learning more about the growth of basketball across Africa, as well as the potential economic and cultural benefits that would ensue for the countries involved and the continent as a whole. He then connected me with the BAL’s color commentator, Usher Komugisha, with whom I spoke for an hour over Zoom about her excitement for the space.

Fast-forward to 2024. I’ve been so fortunate to witness Africa’s professional basketball scene with my own eyes. In May, I had the chance to spend two weeks in Senegal with Sam Waterstone, our Director of Communications, and Jerry Ngobi, a Ugandan-American former Shooting Touch fellow and current high school basketball coach in Minnesota. Due to Shooting Touch’s partnership with the BAL as a social impact partner, the three of us were granted VIP tickets throughout the week to watch the top teams from the Sahara Conference.

I attended my first games on May 5th, catching the end of a showdown between Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) and Rivers Hoopers Basketball Club (from Nigeria) at Dakar Arena, a sleek stadium constructed in 2018 with a seating capacity of 15,000 people. The Nigerian team won by a score of 86 - 82.

The following game an hour later was an even bigger treat, a contest between US Monastir (Tunisia) - winners of the BAL championship in 2022 - and Senegal’s AS Douanes. Because AS Douanes had home-field advantage, the stadium was packed and rocking; the crowd was belting chants and blowing vuvuzela horns, while the drumming section danced throughout the entire game. The raucous atmosphere really reminded me of the World Cup due to the incessant buzzing. [Insert clip]

AS Douanes won 76 - 59, led by shooting guard Harouna Abdoulaye, who dropped 35 points, knocking down a blistering eight three-pointers. It was absolute pandemonium when he caught fire in the second half.

I attended several more games over the course of the week, which also provided an opportunity to chat with other individuals sitting at our section, like JC Nkulikiyimura, the Executive Director of Agahozo Shalom Youth Village, a remarkable nonprofit in Rwanda that empowers vulnerable Rwandan youth through top-tier educational opportunities.

Overall, I was impressed by the talent and physicality displayed on the court, though the pace was a little sloppy at times (and there may have been some questionable foul calls). But the games were certainly exciting. For instance, on May 9th, I witnessed AS Douanes defeat Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers on a fadeaway shot by Mike Fofana at the buzzer to win it. The noise was deafening. [Insert clip]

I was fascinated by the level of the arena show production, which was in line with what you’d expect in the United States or Europe. The sound system was high quality, the dancing performances during timeouts were elite, and the halftime shows featured some of Africa’s most notable hip hop artists, like Senegal’s ISS 814 and Mia Guisse. Furthermore, I enjoyed the Fan Zone right outside the arena, which had food trucks, 3x3 pickup, a DJ, basketball arcade machines, and merchandise sales. It was cool spotting some of the NBA Academy Africa players hanging out, like Khaman Maluach, a 7’2” South Sudanese center and top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft who will suit up for Duke this winter. [insert clip]

Sam, Jerry, and I also got the chance to attend the BAL Dakar cocktail reception located at Phare des Mamelles, a peninsular lighthouse with scenic views over the Atlantic Ocean. It was neat being in the same room as the industry leaders spearheading the sport across the continent, like Luol Deng and Claire Akamanzi - which also served as a reminder that, at the end of the day, people are people. Everyone dressed up very elegantly, rocking luxurious clothing with African designs. The event wasn’t just about basketball; it was also a Pan-African celebration of African culture and entertainment, as dancers from various countries showcased a diverse array of performances and outfits.

There were lots of interesting artists, athletes, and influencers in attendance. I even shared a ten-minute conversation with Tunde Onakoya, a well-known Nigerian chess grandmaster who set a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess game to raise funds for his nonprofit, Chess in Slums Africa, which integrates principles of chess with the management of daily challenges in life. We connected over our love for the city of Tangier and our respective experiences in the nonprofit world. It was very insightful listening to him speak about some of his recent travels and initiatives, but also about the challenges of fame, and his eagerness to return home to his family.

Overall, our trip to Senegal provided further confirmation that the country is among the leaders in Africa’s basketball movement, as evidenced by the enthusiasm in the city - as well as outside of Dakar. For instance, after a full day at the beach in Saly, located on the coast about an hour and a half away from Dakar, the three of us were able to hop in a casual game of pickup basketball and join a group of high school players and their coach for a fun session.

While our trip to Senegal provided inspiring insight about the current state of professional basketball in Africa, I was happy to fly back to Rwanda and re-immerse myself in the grassroots basketball scene with the entire Shooting Touch team.

The rest of May was busy. I hosted a coaching clinic focused on public relations to equip our coaches with the skills to effectively represent Shooting Touch Rwanda. My presentation covered understanding and articulating STR’s mission to various stakeholders and developing essential PR skills. I emphasized tailoring our message based on the stakeholder’s background or interest due to STR’s diverse programs and partnerships across basketball, health, and social change. To reinforce learning, I conducted an interactive activity where coaches were divided into groups to role play different stakeholders, such as a FERWABA coach, doctor from a health center, local government official, a representative from the Imbuto Foundation, or a regular community member who had heard about Shooting Touch.

Later in the month, we hosted a group of students from the University of Tennessee at the Rilima Shooting Touch court for a day of home visits, basketball practice, and a health lesson on the importance of electrolytes for hydration. A kind woman named Athanasie welcomed my group into her home and graciously answered the students’ questions about her decision to participate in Shooting Touch and which health concepts have been most impactful.

The day was capped off by a relay race whereby each group had to dribble a basketball full court and back. Our Director of Programming, Chloe Rothman, also delivered an impassioned speech about Shooting Touch’s unique ability to build community and foster friendships for women, and gave a shout-out to four local leaders in the Rilima community.

On May 31st, we collaborated with the BAL for the second annual BAL4HER activation in Mayange, Bugesera. We bussed 150 girls and young women from Shooting Touch Rwanda’s regular sport-for-health programs to the court for a day of basketball, health education, and community-building. The U-23 BAL4HER women’s team led a basketball clinic, while local gender experts conducted an informative workshop on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). We distributed reusable menstrual hygiene pads, provided guidance on sustainable menstrual hygiene practices, and announced the BAL’s funding for a new on-site latrine.

It was also great meeting Hannah O’Flynn and Brianna Salvatore Dueck, two dynamic sports business leaders and basketball-focused content creators who brought great energy to the court while showcasing the drills and techniques.

Other noteworthy events include our End GBV Basketball Tournament, organized June 22nd at the Rukara Basketball Court. Over 1,500 community members attended to watch basketball games featuring top STR youth and women from four sectors in Kayonza District. The event also offered free health testing and educational speeches by government officials and local nonprofit partners. The event’s theme focused on the importance of gender equality and related issues, such as gender-based violence and harmful stereotypes - which were tackled in a clever skit performed by youth members of the My Voice My Power program.

And most recently, on July 30, 2024, Shooting Touch Rwanda hosted a community-wide basketball-for-health event at the Nyamirama Court, featuring special guests US Ambassador Kneedler and Grant Williams, a forward for the Charlotte Hornets, NBPA First Vice President, and board member of Shooting Touch. The event included opening remarks from both individuals, group warm-ups, basketball competitions, and ongoing health testing for non-communicable diseases.

It was such a neat experience interacting with an NBA player in such a remote part of the country, and offering a window into our programs. Grant was a great sport, engaging with all beneficiaries and even challenging them to games of 1v1. While I like to take pride in my defensive competitiveness, it was pretty cool being on the receiving end of a Grant Williams step-back three right on my head.

The following two days were equally memorable. In Rwinkwavu, I led a group warm-up alongside Grant and coach Diane for the 100+ female beneficiaries circled around the court, doing jumping jacks while singing a Rwandan chant. That will always be a funny moment I’ll never forget. And the following morning, I was in attendance for a conversation hosted by the US Embassy in Rwanda with Grant, who spoke about how basketball can build community, influence social change, and drive economic development - especially in regards to Africa’s growing basketball industry.

There have been plenty of other basketball-related moments that I’ll hold near and dear to me, like watching Jerry carry out a practice at a local high school, or playing full-court pick-up basketball at night in Nyamirama and Nyarutarama. [insert video of Jerry]

One of my most treasured memories was before a women’s practice in Nyamirama, about halfway through my fellowship. I was standing next to coach Nicolas, who was addressing a large group of female beneficiaries. For whatever reason, Nicolas had to take care of a matter, which momentarily left me alone in front of this crowd staring back at me.

Clearly, there was a huge language barrier, and I had no idea what to say or do. So I expressed “Mwiriwe,” or “good afternoon,” to which they responded “Mwiriwe neza!” I then asked them “amakuru,” or “how are you?” They were pleasantly surprised that I knew at least a bare minimum of Kinyarwanda and they all smiled and responded “meza neza,” or “we’re good!”

In turn, they asked me how I was doing, to which I responded, “meze fresh!” a very informal way of stating “I’m great!” The expression amusingly caught them off guard, and they all burst into laughter and clapped, making me feel like prime Eddie Murphy.

But as light-hearted as that moment was, it was also a profound display of generosity, making me feel welcomed and appreciated for my effort to connect in their language. It highlighted the warmth and openness of the community, which was apparent to me from the very first day.

As my fellowship nears its completion, I am continually amazed by the vibrant basketball culture in Africa and the profound impact it has on communities, both across the continent as well as here in Rwanda. The past six months have not only deepened my love for the game, but also broadened my perspective on its global influence - as well as on local communities.

It’s truly been a privilege to witness history in the making and observe the dedication of players, coaches, and fans across the continent. I’m eager to contribute further and carry these unforgettable experiences with me wherever my journey takes me next.

In The Home Stretch

July 16, 2024

My concept of time has changed so much since moving to Rwanda. If you’ve been following along with my other blog posts (thank you to my four loyal fans), you know this to be true. When I first arrived in January, I had a ton of questions and very few answers. What was my life really going to look like here? What would a typical day in Rwanda truly consist of? Will I actually survive seven months without my dog and sushi? Learning to fall asleep to the sound of insects outside my window felt strange at first. This next statement may expose my spoiled side, but figuring out how to cook meals for myself everyday proved to be quite the challenge. But, just as I managed to survive the first twenty-two years of my life, I have figured out life in Africa and can honestly say that I am now thriving. Now that it’s June, I have very different questions. Which court should I visit for practice today? Did I remember to feed the dog that now lives on our porch? Am I really ready to leave this life behind and go back to America? I think some of the best moments in life are not when your questions get answered, but when they are changed altogether and you are given an entirely new point of view.

June began with a visit from TRLE, or Tennessee Rwanda Leadership Experience for those of you who aren’t well versed in random acronyms. We hosted them for a practice at my home court in Rwinkwavu, where they joined in drills and scrimmaged with some of our players. We always have a great time hosting guests, because it gives people a front row seat to exactly what it is we do here everyday. The late nights of June felt just like typical summer nights back home, filled with howling dogs, chirping crickets, and stars scattered in the sky as far as the eyes can see. During the second week of the month, I got extremely sick. I wish I had a more eloquent way to describe that, but I’m going to spare you the chunky details and let you know that after a quick trip to the Rwinkwavu hospital and a cocktail of antibiotics, I am back to being a picture of health. That was one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced during my fellowship, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I have never missed my mom more than I did during that week.

Halfway through the month, we hosted an event at our court in Mayange. We hosted a basketball tournament while health testing took place next to the court, which is the perfect embodiment of what Shooting Touch is all about. Our organization does incredible work for the communities out here, and every time we host an event, I’m reminded of just how special this opportunity has been for both myself and for the beneficiaries of our programming. On the slower days here, I sometimes wonder if moving nine thousand miles away from home was the best decision. But then, when I get to see the joy on a kid’s face while they hoist up their new trophy, I know that it absolutely was. We also held an event in Rukara, which kept me busy and improved my tan tremendously. The afternoons in Rwanda can get extremely hot and sunny, but I know that complaining about that won’t get me anywhere. Instead, I’ve learned that it’s better to just put on some sunscreen and enjoy the day, which is exactly what I’ve been doing.

Next month will be my last full month in Rwanda before I head to South Africa for a week to work with Basketball Without Borders. I know as soon as the calendar strikes July 1st, I will feel a new sense of admiration for my time here and a sadness that it will be over before I know it. I’m trying to not get too wrapped up in all of the little details, which is a terrible habit of mine. Instead, I’m going to spend time enjoying the scenery, the people, and my life here. Because whether I like it or not, time is going to pass and my remaining days here are going to fly by. But that’s no reason not to stay in the present. I think there’s probably a metaphor hidden somewhere in there, but I’ll let you figure that out. I’ll be here, sitting on my porch with my dog and my Crystal Light lemonade if you need me.

Sports Mirror Life

July 8, 2024

As June comes to a close and I am staring down the final quarter of my time in Rwanda, I am starting to reflect a little more on my time here whilst simultaneously wishing for time to slow down. Every month seems to move faster and faster, and June was no different.

The month started with a Family Day event in Rwinkwavu in which Shooting Touch hosted a second group of students visiting from the University of Tennessee. For the afternoon, the court was painted with a little more Pantone 151, a beautiful sight otherwise known as Tennessee Orange. I love cultivating the growing Knoxville-Shooting Touch Rwanda connection, and having that little taste of home when the group started singing Rocky Top.

The very next day, my family arrived in Rwanda after a series of travel delays. This is the longest I have ever gone without seeing my family, so I was ecstatic to have them here and show them why I love Rwanda so much. We tried to make the most of our limited time together and kept a full itinerary. We started in the east with a safari and a trip to Rwinkwavu to see where I spend most of my time. We then headed north to Musanze to see golden monkeys and visit the Sunzu Yacu Library, a highlight for my whole family. We finished the trip by heading west to Lake Kivu for a few days of relaxing on the water before heading back to Kigali.

Soon after they departed, it was back to the village and back to work for the rest of the month, with two more events in back-to-back weekends. The first event was a basketball-for-health tournament, including NCD testing, in Mayange. The second event, hosted in Rukara, brought together beneficiaries from all four Kayonza courts to educate against gender-based violence (GBV). The “End GBV” event was a long, hot day, but you would never know it by the energy of the players and surrounding community. The edge of the court was packed with people from start to finish, and the line for health testing continued to grow hour after hour.

After the end of the women’s tournament, I spoke with a few women from Rukara about the event, and the importance of raising awareness about GBV prevention. One woman, Magnifique, spoke about basketball bringing women in the community together, teaching them about their inner light, and helping them stand tall as women. This conversation struck me, and reminded me of a Mark Twain quote one of my college coaches shared with me years ago: “A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” There is an inner confidence and self-worth that inevitably follows sports, and it was moving to hear Magnifique talk about Shooting Touch with such conviction, joy, and vigor. It was also a reminder that sports can be a microcosm of life, and what you learn through sport translates to life. The confidence you build on the court doesn’t leave you when you walk into the community.

I also had the joy this month of helping host Grace, one of my former teammates at Tennessee, a fellow VOLeader, and an absolutely incredible human. While she was here, she got to experience all sides of Shooting Touch from events to practices and everything in between. She even stayed with Madi and I in the village for a few days of early morning coffee, yoga on the porch, and afternoon basketball practices. On Grace’s last night in the village, the three of us sat on the porch well past our usual bedtime talking, laughing, and reflecting on the very different yet similar paths we took to all be sitting there together. It was a full-circle moment and a great way to round out the end of June.

Heading into July, I know I can’t slow down the clock, despite my best intentions. Instead, I want to be intentional, stay in the present, and soak up every possible moment. From the basketball court to the late nights hanging out with Madi and our favorite village dogs to the bus rides connecting it all, there is so much left to do, and I plan to enjoy all of it.

Small Encounters and Local Journeys

July 3, 2024

While I feel accustomed to life here in Rwanda, I’m sometimes reminded by friends and family just how unique and outside of the norm this opportunity has been. After all, exactly a year ago, I was working from an office in New York City’s Meatpacking District. Crazy how the circumstances can change in a year.

For some reason, it’s been a challenge trying to sit down and think about what to take away from this experience - I don’t want to simply list the different things I’ve done or seen.

It’s an interesting time right now. President Kagame is currently campaigning for re-election. This year is especially notable, given that it marks the 30th commemoration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

While I’m beginning to miss life back home, I can look back and reminisce about the plethora of unique memories I’ve shared here with friends, family, and colleagues. Fundamentally, this year has been an absolute adventure: here are a few of my favorite things, starting with…

The beauty of the landscape. Rwanda’s rolling hills, lush foliage, and breathtaking sunsets are a constant source of awe. I love watching the pink clouds preceding a dramatic sunset, especially when traveling to the Shooting Touch courts in Nyamirama. The journey itself, whether by bus or moto - and often on bumpy dirt roads - offers a chance to soak in the natural beauty and the rhythm of daily life.

Interacting with the local community has been incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s greeting moto drivers with a friendly “mwiriwe” or “bite,” or chatting with kids who excitedly shout “Muzungu!” as I pass by, these small moments of connection are special. Learning a bit of Kinyarwanda has helped build rapport and trust, making these interactions even more meaningful.

One of my favorite activities is heading to the Shooting Touch courts to assist with practices and scrimmage with the older boys and coaches. The enthusiasm and energy at the courts are contagious. I enjoy timing my trips during the late afternoon to catch the stunning sunsets and to see the pedestrians walking alongside the roads, often meeting my glance with curiosity.

Initially, being pointed out or stared at due to my appearance was a bit uncomfortable. However, I quickly embraced this attention, understanding it came from a place of curiosity rather than judgment. Despite being an outsider, I’ve always felt welcome and have appreciated the kindness and hospitality of the Rwandan people.

In Nyamirama, practices often conclude at 7pm, and sometimes finding a moto can be challenging. On numerous occasions, local kids and pedestrians have chatted with me, showing off their limited English while I’d show off my limited Kinyarwanda. They always get a kick out of it when I say, “meze fresh,” which roughly translates to “really good” in slang.

Traveling from Kayonza Taxi Park to the Shooting Touch house in Rwinkwavu, especially at night, is always memorable. The winding roads from Kabarondo descend into a deep valley contoured by cornfields and vast greenery. On clear nights, the bright stars add to the magical feeling of the journey. While it might sound cheesy, cutting through the brisk air and cruising through rural Rwanda, surrounded by its natural beauty and vibrant community, often triggers an existential “what the hell” moment like few other experiences can.

11. Change is a Must

June 18, 2024

May here in Rwanda was a flurry of activity back and forth from the Rwinkwavu to Kigali to Rilima and back again, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now that May has come and gone, and I have had time to reflect a little more, I realize how this experience has truly brought my athletic experiences full circle.

Anyone who watches basketball knows the name Pat Summitt, the legendary coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program and a pioneer of women’s athletics. I was fortunate to grow up in Knoxville and later be a student-athlete at the University of Tennessee in an athletics department heavily shaped by Pat’s legacy. Pat’s definite dozen, a set of rules that guided her program, is a staple of every Lady Vol team, and I know all twelve by heart. One particular axiom has presented itself in a myriad of ways this month: number 11 -- Change is a Must.

May was a month of growth personally, professionally, and for Shooting Touch as an organization. I am officially over halfway through my time in Rwanda, and while I still have much more to learn, I am at point now where I can start to reflect and see the lessons I have learned here. I know that I am walking away from this fellowship changed and my perspectives broadened in ways I never imagined.

Professionally, this was an exciting month, and I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects in addition to the normal routine of basketball practices. First, we prepped and hosted a group of students from my alma mater at our Rilima court for an afternoon of home visits, basketball practice, and a health lesson on the importance of electrolytes in hydration. The students were fantastic, and I had the opportunity to catch up with a former professor and mentor who has been so supportive of me both during my time at Tennessee and after. Off the court, I started researching Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation. As I read the report from front to back, I documented the specific goals relevant to Shooting Touch’s work, and how our programs are moving the needle on sweeping issues such as health equity and gender equality. Later that same week, Madi and I helped paint the basketball court in Mayange for an upcoming event in partnership with the Basketball Africa League, a task that required more math than I’ve done in years. Needless to say, I wore a lot of hats this month.

The Mayange event was a personal highlight as we hosted the BAL U-23 Women’s camp for a basketball clinic and sexual and reproductive health workshop with over 100 women from our courts. Seeing the U-23 players engaging with our beneficiaries and coaches was an incredible picture of the growth of women’s basketball in Africa and a reminder as to why investment in women’s sports and education programs, from recreational to professional teams, is so important.

I grew up in a place that has always placed value on women’s sports, and women’s basketball in particular, and I know that I would not be where I am today without my community and university’s investment in women’s sports. Now on the other side of my athletic career, I feel an obligation to continue to elevate the women’s game, whether that be basketball or any other sport. Change is a must, and so we’ll keep pushing forward and fighting to provide opportunities for women and girls to play.

As always, Turikumwe and Go Lady Vols!

The More, the Merrier

June 11, 2024

I’m writing this blog post sitting at my kitchen table in the village of Rwinkwavu, watching the sunset over the valley as another day comes to a close. It’s moments like these, when the chorus of chatter in the neighboring houses and birds chirping to each other is filling the air, that I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my life. I have been so fortunate to live in Rwanda for five months now, where geckos in my ceiling and basketball shoes scattered all around my house have become the new norm. Rainy season came and went, just as all things seem to do here. The sun has settled into its regular post directly above my head for the majority of the daytime hours, so my farmer’s and sock tans are at an all time high. The month of May was filled with so many highs and so few lows, you’ll probably think I’m exaggerating when I tell you about it. But I assure you, life really is this good right now.

If you can believe it, my first major purchase in May was a new tattoo from the Last Pharaohs Ink shop in Kigali. I would love to tell you I haven’t gotten another one since then, but I can’t lie to you, so I won’t. Instead, I’ll tell you that although my mom isn’t too stoked about it, my three new additions have healed well and have made a lot of kids at our courts smile. I spent a good portion of the beginning of the month in Kigali, handling some visa paperwork to ensure I could stay for the remainder of my fellowship without any issues. Kigali is just like any other city in the world, bustling with people and noise. In the spirit of complete honesty, I will say that while I may eat better when I’m in the city, I much prefer my home in the village. The peace and stillness of my little neighborhood is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been, so whenever I am presented with the choice, you’ll likely find me with my iPad, water bottle, and crocs on my couch in Rwink. The middle of the month was full of practices across the Kayonza District and anticipation for what was to come.

My family came to visit for a week towards the end of the month, which still has me feeling refreshed and recharged. You can show your brother countless pictures and FaceTime your mom every single day, but nothing does Rwanda justice quite like visiting and experiencing it for yourself. Taking them to my house, introducing them to our house manager and friend Chantal, and letting them attend practices at two of our courts was extremely important to me, as I wanted them to get a real glimpse into my life here. While my daily activities may vary, waking up to journal and ending my night with a walk home from practice is pretty standard, so I wanted to make sure we took enough time for them to soak it all in. One of my mom’s bucket list items has always been to go on a safari trip in Africa, so I’m really glad we got to check that off as a family. I wish I had more eloquent words to describe her reaction to seeing a zebra in the wild for the first time, but I am not going to try and write about pure joy with insignificant words. We then traveled back to Kigali, where my family got to eat at various restaurants, visit local shops, and even attend some BAL games with me. Watching my brother and step-dad pick teams to root for and get invested in the games was so fun, I wish I could’ve bottled the excitement up. I know you may not believe me, but I actually did not cry when I dropped them off at the airport. Instead, I felt peaceful as they disappeared from view, knowing that I got to share this part of myself with them. I know that for the rest of our days, we’ll all remember different highlights from this visit and recall those memories fondly.

After wrapping up the personal chapter of May, it was back to grinding work mode. One day was spent all day at our court in Mayange, painting in preparation for our event in collaboration with the BAL. Another day was spent running around town in Kigali, buying materials and triple-checking things to make sure they were absolutely perfect. On the last day of the month, we hosted the BAL’s U23 women’s team and many other visitors at Mayange, where they got to run basketball drills with our female beneficiaries and listen in on a health lesson.

I was fortunate enough to attend multiple BAL games during the last week of the month, including the championship game. While the NBA has mastered many aspects of professional basketball, there is an excitement surrounding the BAL unlike anything else I’ve ever felt.

As you may have already guessed, May was my favorite month I’ve had in Rwanda since coming here at the beginning of the year. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be full. My heart is happy, my body is tired, and my head is calm. Does it get better than that?

Passing Time

May 15, 2024

Time in Rwanda is a strange concept. It passes the same way it does everywhere else, but there’s something about it that is hard to put into words. Some days feel like they last an eternity, like the sun is never going to set and the clock isn’t even ticking. Other days seem to pass by in the blink of an eye, like waking up and going to bed happen within minutes of each other.

April was a month full of exploration, adventuring, and growth. I know you probably think that sounds cheesy, and you are one hundred percent correct. It is incredibly cheesy and sappy and all of those other words. Rwanda has softened me in a lot of ways and opened me up to ways of thinking that I would have never even considered before moving here. I’d have to say that’s a good thing, considering how hard my outer shell was before coming to Rwanda.

During the month of April, I traveled outside of Rwanda and around the continent for the first time. My first stop was in Kenya, where we got to go on a boat safari on Lake Naivasha and ride bikes around Hell’s Gate National Park. If you’re anything like me, seeing the hundredth zebra is just as cool as the first one. After Kenya, we headed to Tanzania to catch a ferry to take us to Zanzibar. As much as I enjoyed the animals and wildlife in Kenya, laying on the beach with a mocktail in my hand is much more my speed. Zanzibar consisted of eating seafood, petting dogs, and strolling from lounge chair to lounge chair. I know, it sounds like a dream (it was). After leaving Zanzibar, we spent our last night abroad in Dar Es Salaam, where it was flooded from the rain and we were serenaded to sleep by the chorus of frogs outside our hostel.

One of my worst habits is future tripping, which is always heightened when I am doing something super fun and enjoyable. When I’m on vacation, I am constantly thinking about when it is going to end and when I’ll have to get back to home and reality. This time, something about it felt a bit different. Instead of flying across the entire world and back to America, I’d be headed back to my second home in Rwanda. Instead of the typical pit forming in my stomach, a sudden longing for the village kicked in. Out of nowhere, I found myself craving samosas from Imigongo and the comfort of my mosquito net in Rwinkwavu. That is proof in itself that I am growing here, feeling less like a little kid and more like an adult wanting to return to the familiarity of routine and work.

The rest of the month went by quickly, filled by days on the computer and nights at the courts of Kayonza. I can feel my relationships with the Shooting Touch members growing with every passing hour. The coaches feel like family and the people at the courts feel like friends. Kids now address me by name, which is a big deal in case you were curious. I’ve managed to knock most of the dust off of my jump shot, despite what some of you may think.

We finished April with a Family Day event at our court in Mukarange. Tons of members of the community came out for scrimmages, shooting competitions, mini-games, and health testing. I wish I had enough words to describe the atmosphere of an event like this one, but I wouldn’t be doing it any justice, so I won’t try. I’ll just tell you that until you have seen a lady put her baby down, tie back her skirt, and proceed to win a shooting contest, you haven’t lived.

Overall, April was full of growing pains, both the good and bad kind. I’ve been here for four months now and I’m sure I’ll be home before I know it. My biggest takeaway from my time here so far has been this: take the time to enjoy the present, because it will be the past before we know it.

A Brand New Path

May 15, 2024

A few weeks ago, while on a morning run in Rwinkwavu, a group of roughly six kids decided to run with me. While this is not an uncommon occurrence, this particular morning, I was craving some alone time and the serenity that comes with a solo run, so, I ventured a little further into the valley, leaving behind the roads and opting for lightly trodden paths and unforgiving sunlight. This first time, I was absolutely turned around when the path I thought I was following disappeared. By the time I finally found my way out of the valley, I had unintentionally added an extra half mile to my run, and I knew I had a new go-to route. I liked the challenge of running on an unknown course that changes daily with the rain. Every day, I get to pick up a new path and maybe get lost a few times, but also have a chance to explore a little more of this beautiful place I currently call home.

Sometimes around here, I feel like I oscillate between feeling comfortable in a steady routine and feeling like I just arrived and I’m following a brand new path. On one hand, I feel like I am truly starting to settle into the rhythm of life here. On the other hand, there are days when everything feels like a new challenge. Even when I think I may have everything figured out, I realize there is still much to learn and much to see. At times, it can be frustrating, and I wish for the comfort and convenience of life in the US. However, I am just as quickly reminded that this is an incredible opportunity to push outside of my comfort zone and experience work and life in a completely new and different way.

April was a slower month, but it was also a much-needed respite and offered the opportunity to do some travel around Africa. First, our Director of Communications, Sam, and I traveled to Namibia for a few days of sand dunes and road-tripping up and down the coast. The next week, Madi and I took a trip to Kenya and Tanzania where we biked through Hell’s Gate National Park and visited Zanzibar. If you had told me a year ago that I would travel to all of these new places, I never would have believed you, but I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do so. Across both of these trips, I found myself in new cultures and visiting some awe-inspiring places I never could have imagined.

After all of the travel, it was nice to return to the familiar rhythms of the village and the basketball court. The idea of coming home, back to the house in Rwinkwavu, was a new feeling for me, but after some reflection, it is clear that this is where I want to be right now. There is a feeling of familiarity here that took a few months to develop. Even on the days when I miss my family or feel like I am walking a new path, I have a sense of home here. When I am on the basketball courts with our beneficiaries and walking around a village where the kids know my name and I know theirs as well, I realize that I am comfortable here.

But I want to be clear, this sense of comfort should not be confused with complacency. I know there is still so much for me to explore, and much that I still have to learn. With only a few months left, I am trying to savor the time I have here and soak up every possible moment, especially the challenging ones.

Leave Room for Margins

April 16, 2024

If you looked at the wall above my desk anytime over the last 3 years, you would have seen a small sticky note taped up with one simple phrase: “leave room for margins.” A coach and mentor of mine said this phrase to me during a particularly busy week, and I hastily scribbled it down. For years, it has stuck with me as a much-needed but seldom-followed reminder to slow down. However, I don’t think I truly understood it until coming to Rwanda.

As a lover of to-do lists and busy schedules, my go-to performance metric for life is productivity. However, this past month has taught me that the day should not be measured by how many checklist items you complete or the fullness of your schedule. Time is much more valuable than that, and the moments you leave open - the margins throughout the day - are often the most rewarding.

The month of March was a busy one for the Shooting Touch Rwanda team. Kicking off with a community basketball-for-equality day in Rilima, the month quickly shifted to preparation for the largest event of the year - International Women’s Day (IWD).

Planning for this event was a true team effort. Between Zoom calls, shared Google Docs, and lots of WhatsApp voice memos, everything came together. Madi and I edited and re-edited the schedule more times than I can count. Alex and I spent a few days researching the disproportionate impact of sexually transmitted infections and noncommunicable diseases on women in Rwanda, a topic I found both fascinating and astounding. I spent the better part of an afternoon buying paints and sheets for each court’s tournament banner, and in the final days of preparation, we planned a coaching clinic on basketball drills and expectations for the IWD event.

Once the day arrived, everything went relatively smoothly, and the event was deemed a success! It would be impossible to talk about the day without giving a well-deserved shout-out to Denise, our Community Engagement Coordinator for Kayonza District. Not only did she do most of the heavy lifting in preparation, but she also acted as MC for the entire day.

We started early with a 5 kilometer march to the court at Nyamirama, where the basketball competition began in earnest. The games were competitive, the crowds were cheering loudly, the guest speakers were engaging, and over 200 community members were screened for NCDs and STIs. One personal highlight of the day that stuck out to me was hosting high school students from the Noble and Greenough School in Boston, as it was a similar trip that originally brought me to Rwanda two years ago. The time I spent at a Shooting Touch court during my first visit to Rwanda left a lasting impression, and I hope this group of students had a similar experience throughout the weekend.

Even with a long to-do list this month, I still found moments of slowness that, while sometimes frustrating, offered me a chance to reflect on my approach to work and life. Hoping for the rain to stop so that I could find a moto to take me to practice, or watching the clock tick by while waiting for the last seat on the bus to be filled so it would finally depart from the station - these things can admittedly be infuriating. However, I am learning that here, you must be willing to take the day a little slower. No one around you cares about your productivity or self-imposed schedule, and quite frankly, it doesn’t really matter. You’ll get there when you get there.

Instead, it’s the people and the small moments that matter. It’s finding ways to converse with neighbors in a mix of broken English and Kinyarwanda, taking a few extra seconds to wait for the kids in the village to run to catch up to you, or laughing it off when a toddler sticks a finger up your nose on the bus. It’s spending a few extra minutes on the court after practice with our beneficiaries and spending time getting to know our incredible group of coaches. The small margins throughout the day leave time for these unplanned moments and interactions that I know I will look back on fondly.

Now that International Women’s Day is behind us, I am looking forward to a few weeks of calm and some travel mixed in before the pace picks up again. If you need me in the meantime, I can likely be found running in the valley, working from a cafe in Rwinkwavu, or reading my tenth book of the year! Sawa!

New Rhythms in Rwanda: Exploring Life, Basketball, and Community

April 16, 2024

Much has changed since my previous attempt to organize my thoughts and articulate what life has been like in Rwanda thus far. The very start of the year marked a rapid period of transition that left little time for reflection, as I quickly had to adjust to life in a new country as an outsider.

The first few weeks were effortlessly exciting due to all the novel stimuli. Upon disembarking from the plane late at night, I immediately inhaled Kigali's (somewhat) smoky air, relished the impeccable temperature, and embraced the prevailing tranquility. And during the daytime, I observed the dance of human interaction, characterized by the hustle and bustle in downtown Kigali —which strongly contrasted from the slower pace of the villages in the Kayonza district.

Certain adjustments were inevitable, which included overcoming language barriers, understanding the transportation system, and being far away from friends and family in New York. But fortunately, the transition has generally been smooth, thanks to the welcoming embrace of the entire Shooting Touch team, the mild-mannered nature of Rwandans, and the overall serenity of the country.

And on the basketball side of things, it was a thrill introducing myself to the hundreds of beneficiaries in Kayonza and Bugesera, as was the opportunity to begin developing relationships with all the coaches.

The months of February and March were when I began to fall into a routine and get the ball rolling with my fellowship responsibilities. As the Marketing and Development fellow, I work closely with Sam, the organization’s current Director of Communications, where I primarily focus on organizational storytelling and cultivating relationships with local and international partners. It's been nothing but fun collaborating with someone as lighthearted and smart as he is—we’ve also become a solid pick-and-roll tandem.

A couple work-related highlights stand out to me. After assisting Coach Muhoza with a practice at the Mukarange court, I had the privilege of speaking with three women —with Coach Denise providing her indispensable translation services—about why they love Shooting Touch.

Sandrine, a mother of two and dedicated community health worker, shared how her introduction to the Shooting Touch program came through her children's involvement. Observing the program's beneficial effects on her kids' self-esteem and discipline, she decided to join herself. Demonstrating remarkable leadership, Sandrine mobilized 70 women in a single day to participate in the STR court activities.

"At first, we thought Shooting Touch was all about basketball. Then we learned about the lessons on sanitation, washing hands, and drinking clean water. The women here want to be healthy, and they want to learn about family planning, so they can focus on basketball and growing as people."

I also chatted with Esther, a 26-year-old single mother hailing from Kayonza. Her introduction to Shooting Touch occurred during an announcement for a "Family Day" event at Mukarange in November 2023. Basketball swiftly became a catalyst for change in her life, shifting her focus from mundane household chores to a journey of self-exploration and camaraderie. Engaging with the program, Esther discovered a supportive community of women who not only shared her passion for the sport but also offered invaluable life guidance and encouragement.

“Coming to the court helped me make friends, which has provided a lot of value for me. And seeing the other women play without feeling shy or acting weak - especially the older women - really motivates me to work hard and take advantage of my strength as a young woman."

Last but not least, I then spoke with Colette, a 69-year-old Ugandan-born woman, who, despite her age, finds immense joy in the Shooting Touch program. “When I came here, my ribs were very swollen and I had high blood pressure. After I started playing with ShootingTouch, the pain started to disappear. Now I sleep well at night because my high blood pressure is under control. That’s why I like doing this.”

While linguistic barriers prevented me from diving into further specifics, their answers revealed certain universal traits that we all share: a need for community, a desire to be healthy and be understood, as well as a simple outlet for play. Seeing that joy emanate from a group of women who don’t have the most comfortable day-to-day lives evokes a profound sense of connection and warmth. As idealistic as it may seem, sports truly do have the immense power to remind us of our shared humanity that exists in all of us.

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Mixed in between the programming work were opportunities to take advantage of Rwanda’s natural beauty, which included a fellows group trip in early February out to Musanze, a district in the Northern Province of Rwanda, where we hiked the breathtaking Mount Sabinyo, accompanied by a few guides and military men, and also kayaked Lake Ruhondo.

Weeks later, I ran my first half marathon in the heart of Nyungwe National Park with a young Ethiopian man named Waka who happened to be on my shuttle. The breezy conditions, picturesque views, supportive energy, and little monkeys hanging out on the side of the road made for an awesome experience. To my delight, I finished the race in two hours flat without any training, though I did pay a small price the following days when the DOMS hit (Delayed onset muscle soreness), while also enduring a bout of food poisoning— which is for another story.

It has also been a great opportunity to meet other stakeholders in the basketball world. For example, I’ve nurtured a relationship with former professional basketball, Yusef Aziz, who’s now the president of Azomco Global, an impressive basketball consultancy based in Rwanda playing a pivotal role in basketball development across Africa.

At my gym and on social media, I’ve connected with current professional players in Rwanda playing for teams like APR Basketball Club and Tigers BBC, including a couple guys who initially came up through Shooting Touch’s program. I grabbed coffee with Olivier Kamilindi, a pro player for Patriots BBC, who shared with me his ambitions of growing his U16 and U12 basketball academy.

With Sam and our friend Michel, we made our way down to the finish line of the Tour du Rwanda in Kayonza, where we were surrounded by thousands of onlookers watching from the balconies. We took pictures with the mascot and members of the racing teams. A dehydrated Sam and I even squared off in a highly competitive pedal powered slot racing game (luckily, nobody passed out).

And during the occasions I had some downtime in Kigali, I’d sometimes head out to Mamba Club in Kimihurura to challenge one of my closest friends Emmy to a bowling game. I currently have a tight 3-2 lead to preserve.

Other noteworthy moments include challenging Coach Laurent to a full court game of one on one to 75 in scorching heat, as well as Sam getting out of his car to do an impression of Sulley from Monsters Inc and scare off a group of little kids who were touching the moving vehicle.

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The months of February and March were especially busy, as we prepped for two of Shooting Touch’s marquee events.

The first was Bugesera’s Basketball-For-Equality Day. Its primary focus was to increase access to physical activity in rural Rwanda, while providing education to the residents of Bugesera District (Rilima & Mayange Sectors) regarding the importance of gender equality and related issues, such as gender-based violence (GBV) and harmful gender stereotypes. Additionally, this event featured health screenings for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) for all eligible community members in attendance.

The event was held in collaboration with local government and nonprofit partners, and featured an appearance from Azomco’s leadership team and players —who helped assist with coaching duties.

For me, the event marked an opportunity to interview different stakeholders. I first had a conversation in French with Ephraim Sebarundi, Rilima’s Sector Executive, about his community’s history of partnering with Shooting Touch.

“We express our gratitude for the partnership between Shooting Touch and the Bugesera district, specifically in the areas of sports and health. ST has assisted us in mentoring girls and women in the field of sports and has supported us in the health domain through tests for non-hereditary diseases, including diabetes and hypertension.” [feature short clip]

In between one of the basketball games, a clever sketch was performed by teenage participants of the My Voice, My Power program, which uses creative ways to teach young girls and boys about empowerment and self-defense through interactive conversations and activities. This approach allows adolescents to reflect on their daily lives in terms of power dynamics, gender roles, and interpersonal relationships between boys and girls. The hope is that these participants will eventually become advocates for equality and social change in their communities.

I spoke to the lead actor who shared the benefits he’s experienced having joined the program. “Before joining the club, I found it shameful to discuss sex. Now, unafraid, I learned positive aspects of sex education, and now choose friends based on positive conversations and ignoring negativity.”

Regarding the sketch, he explains that “the sketch emphasizes the importance of respecting a girl’s ‘no.’ It educates about obtaining condoms before sex and highlights the option to purchase pads for girls.”

I also asked a few questions to a health practitioner who tested attendees for NCDs, diabetes, and measuring people’s BMI. “People should do sports and also know about the importance of proper hygiene, drinking clean water. All the people here getting tested for NCDs should also get education about sexually transmitted diseases and getting different lessons concerning HIV.”

Overall, the event was a success, though by the end of the event, us fellows were drained by the heat, the competitive on-court tensions, and the logistics of handling the hundreds of people in attendance.

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The Bugesera served as a useful practice for the really big event held on March 16th: Shooting Touch’s International Women’s Day Celebration.

The IWD festivities began with a spirited 5km march. Participants of all genders and ages enthusiastically walked, sang, and danced through the streets of Nyamirama, accompanied by a group of talented female drummers from Rwinkwavu Sector.

Following the march, attention turned to the highly competitive 3-on-3 basketball tournament at STR’s Nyamirama court, featuring teams from four sectors in Kayonza District (Rwinkwavu, Rukara, Mukarange, and Nyamirama). An audience of more than 1,000 community members witnessed the fierce competition, with Rukara Sector emerging victorious in the U18 Boys’ and U18 Girls’ Division titles. Mukarange Sector clinched the U13 Youth title, and Nyamirama Sector took home first place in the Women’s competition.

Additionally, STR coaches recognized four players with “Most Valuable Leader” awards for their outstanding leadership both on and off the court, and over 200 community members took advantage of free health screenings.

As I continue my journey in Rwanda, I carry with me the stories of resilience and determination that I’ve encountered. Through the ups and downs, the victories and challenges, I remain deeply honored to be a part of this journey, contributing in my own small way to the larger movement of positive change. And as Rwanda commemorates the 30th anniversary of the genocide, the work of Shooting Touch takes on added significance, serving as a beacon of healing, reconciliation, and hope in the midst of remembrance and reflection.

The Rain Always Passes

April 16, 2024

March came and went, just like rainstorms in Rwanda do. It feels really intense at first, like the thunder is literally going to shake your house off of its foundation. The drops on your roof are so incredibly loud, it sounds like it must be hailing, even though that pretty much never happens here. But, after the initial shock and downpour, the sky cracks open and the sun starts bleeding through the clouds. Slowly, the day’s gray tone fades and light returns, highlighting all of the beauty that’s right outside my front door. March was the exact same way. At first, it felt overwhelming. Time was in fact passing, but for me it felt as though it was standing still. The feelings of homesickness and yearning for familiarity set in hard early in the month, making a daily routine hard to follow. But, just as the rainstorm always fades, so do the negative feelings. Because in Rwanda, it’s hard to feel sad. The people are too friendly to keep a smile off your face, the scenery is too pretty not to take a million pictures of. The way of life here is extremely different from what I’m used to, but I’m starting to appreciate it rather than dwell on it.

March was the most eventful month I’ve had since moving here, and I say that in the best possible way. We had a group from Nobles High School come to visit, and for the first time, I was the veteran showing people around. I got to tell them about my first three months here and answer all of their questions. It made me feel a myriad of emotions, knowing I was explaining this country as my home now rather than just another blip on a map. It made me feel proud, and happy, and good about what we are doing here. While that group was here visiting, I got to lead my first coaching clinic with the help of their championship-winning girl’s basketball coach. We showed all of our Rwandan coaches new drills and explained which parts of the game the drills were emphasizing. I felt comfortable leading my drills and eager to learn during the other coach’s drills.

Then, a few days later, Shooting Touch hosted its annual International Women’s Day event. The day began with a 5K march from a women’s center to our courts in Nyamirama. I know what you’re probably thinking, but I actually did complete the 5K. No, I didn’t run it, but I made it to the finish line and that’s all that matters in my book. Once everyone reached the court, our 3-on-3 basketball tournament began. Four different age groups from each of our four villages in the Kayonza district competed. I was in charge of scheduling all of the games, staff, and time slots, so I wanted everything to go perfectly according to our schedule. But as I am quickly learning here, nothing ever goes exactly as planned. That was a hard thing for me to accept at first, but coming to terms with that has made my life here less stressful and more enjoyable. Because even if a game starts five minutes later than it's supposed to, or a speaker takes a little longer to deliver their message, the day still ends up being a success. People have fun connecting with each other, kids and adults leave everything they have on the courts, and any remaining barriers between me and the community members here in Rwanda are knocked down.

March was only 31 days, but I wouldn’t change anything that happened on any one of those days, even if I could. I learned more about the country I am living in, the people around me, and about myself. It turns out I am allowed to feel homesick and sad sometimes. I don’t have to pretend like every single day is perfect, because that would be unrealistic. I know now that even on the hardest of days, when all I want to do is lay in bed with my dog, the rain will pass and the sun will come back. I just have to be patient and make it through the storm.

Pet A Dog in Rwanda, It'll Follow You Home

March 14, 2024

There are so many things to love about Rwanda. From the vibrant people to the sunny days, it’s hard to complain about my days here. Adjusting to life 9,000 miles away from everything familiar is no easy feat, and I’d be lying if I said it was without its challenges. I would give almost anything for some Chick-fil-A or a movie night with my twin brother. Waking up under a mosquito net will probably never feel entirely normal. But for every rough day I may go through, there are ten good days to make up for it. I could go on for hours about all of the things I love here, but there are a few that stand out. The best part about living in Rwanda can be summed up in eleven words: if you pet a dog in Rwanda, it’ll follow you home. This has been my favorite lesson to learn in my first two months here. From the scruffy dog that lives at the local cafe who loves to rest his head on my knee, to the small dog who loves to walk ten feet behind me in the village, I have made a bunch of fluffy friends.

The basketball in Rwanda is something you won’t get to experience anywhere else. People are extremely passionate about every element of the game in a way that I have never seen before. Every rebound is the most important one, every made basket is a victory in and of itself, and every flashy pass belongs on its own highlight reel. The rules of the game are universal and remain the same no matter where you are, but Rwandans put their own spin on every other aspect of the game. The camaraderie among teammates cannot be duplicated. When the kids are playing and one of them scores, the smiles on all of their faces are blindingly bright. The coaches that work for Shooting Touch are invested in so much more than just the athletic success of our beneficiaries. They genuinely care about the well-being of every person that steps onto one of our courts, which has definitely rubbed off on me. I love learning people’s names, high-fiving them, and being greeted with warm hugs and grins. The courts are starting to feel like home and the people are starting to feel like family, which is better than I could have imagined.

Adjusting to a culture that is literally worlds apart from the one I have grown up in has been an adventure to say the least. The language barrier was extremely challenging at first, but I have found that a few key phrases can get me to almost anywhere I need to go. Being able to ask how much something cost, how someone’s day is going, and what someone’s name is has helped me learn a ton about the people around me. Life in Rwanda has become comfortable for me, and it happened much quicker than I anticipated. I have never been a fan of change, and this is probably the biggest possible change I have faced in my life. But because of the people, the atmosphere, and the love of basketball, Rwanda has become my home away from home and I have never been more grateful for something.

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