Working on African Time...

An ongoing adjustment when when working in Africa as all things here move much slower than the western norm. A constant reminder that we are here doing business development for the beauty industry in a developing country. First and foremost we are here to serve the people and not focus on our American agendas. I am so impressed by this country, its resilience, and evenmore its progressivism. Rwanda's President has put a large emphasis on bringing the countries service industries up to par. He wants to focus on customer service and more efficient business practices to accomodate the countries growing industries. This will attract and support the rapid foreign business and investments coming through Rwanda, and set it apart as the leading economy for the continent. The more meetings I have and the more time I spend here, the more apparent and condusive it is that we start Remba here in Kigali. If there is anywhere in Africa that our vision can be reality it is here. The direction that this country is heading in, is right in line with Remba's mission of not just supplying handouts and survival skills, but generating the much needed opportunities they deserve. With only six weeks left, my immediate goals are too coordinate and host next months beauty professionals contest where we will discover our scholarship recipients that will be enrolled into Remba's leadership program. They will be trained, fine-tuned, and partnered with aspiring stylists to share the education they recieved and perpetuate our resources. This mentorship model is a cultural norm in Africa where learning is cummunal and shared without the threat of competition, but rather the need for cooperation from one another to survive. My long term goals are to learn the do's and dont's as we pilot this program in Kigali. These lessons will later become the manual to recreate Remba in other developing countries worldwide. Being a part of the beginning is really something. Half the time you feel like you have no clue what you're doing, and the other half you're on top of it creating something amazing. I am working with an incredible team. The director, Rachel, has the biggest heart and truly lives to serve others. The directors of our partner organization, Keza, are inspiring visionaries with ample experience and wisdom to feed off of. And lastly but certainly not least, our film crew. Seth and Ricky are brilliantly talented and creative. I am so proviledged to spend a short time with these individuals who needless to say I am very fond of.