by Dr John Mulford, Kigali, Rwanda
1. Had nice breakfast meeting with six Rwandans to help them with a company they are forming. I already knew four of them. It was fun hearing their vision and helping them think through a strategy.
2. Met with graduates from the class that graduated in December in order to organize peer mentoring groups. We formed three groups of 11-12 per group. We have three excellent group leaders—volunteers who graduated with the first class. (pictures show 2 of our graduates)
The purpose of the groups is to help each other succeed in business and in life. Members encourage, affirm, exhort and hold each other accountable as they launch and grow their businesses. They share knowledge, expertise and contacts. For example, a few people in each group have considerable expertise in information technology. Others are good marketers. They all have their own networks of contacts that they can share. For example, Dona got help determining the medical equipment he needs for his clinic from a doctor who is Ntare’s uncle.
It was so good to see everyone again. We have a special bond with the first graduating class. They were excited to see the beautiful classroom and our offices in such a high quality building.
3. Dona took me to Nakumatt (Rwanda’s Wal-Mart, but one hundredth the size) to buy groceries so I’d have something on hand for our visiting execs, who arrive tonight. One of them has severe food allergies—dairy, gluten, wheat, several spices, and some fruits and vegetables. I got a supply of fruits, nuts and apple juice so he would have something to snack on.
As I was leaving the store, a man approached me asking for help. This is quite common here, even more so with children. I usually ignore such requests, because many of the stories are untrue—just scams to get money. This time I felt I should help the man, so I reached into my bag of groceries and gave him some items. He was probably expecting money, but since he said he needed food for his child, I thought I would provide directly for the need he expressed. I had bought a small jar of mayonnaise for myself, but the man at the register said it was buy one, get one free. At first, I said I had no need for the second, but then I said OK, I’ll give it away. I gave it away (along with yogurt, juice, etc.) to the man who asked for help.
4. I was planning for an afternoon of rest when my phone rang. It was Naizaire, from Burundi. He as in Kigali overnight on his way to Goma (in Congo) for a business meeting. He is the President of the ICCC chapter in Burundi and on the international board of ICCC, so he is very interested in our progress in Rwanda for two reasons. First, from his international role, and second, because we are supposed to start a BDC in Burundi soon. He came by my apartment at the guest house for a long chat. It was interesting to hear about his work with a Development bank for Rwanda, Burundi and Congo. He also gave me some insights on the issues dealing with government officials—proper protocol, etc.
5. Dona picked me up to go to the airport for the arrival of two Chick fil A operators from Texas and New Mexico. Busiest I have seen the airport. They arrived on time. Dan was quite hungry, because he couldn’t eat the airline food. We had a nice dinner at Bourbon Coffee shop. They checked in and unpacked. We share a suite of 3-bedrooms and a living room. I was surprised that they had the energy to talk until almost midnight. Hope they sleep well. We have a busy week ahead.
1. Had nice breakfast meeting with six Rwandans to help them with a company they are forming. I already knew four of them. It was fun hearing their vision and helping them think through a strategy.
2. Met with graduates from the class that graduated in December in order to organize peer mentoring groups. We formed three groups of 11-12 per group. We have three excellent group leaders—volunteers who graduated with the first class. (pictures show 2 of our graduates)
It was so good to see everyone again. We have a special bond with the first graduating class. They were excited to see the beautiful classroom and our offices in such a high quality building.
3. Dona took me to Nakumatt (Rwanda’s Wal-Mart, but one hundredth the size) to buy groceries so I’d have something on hand for our visiting execs, who arrive tonight. One of them has severe food allergies—dairy, gluten, wheat, several spices, and some fruits and vegetables. I got a supply of fruits, nuts and apple juice so he would have something to snack on.
As I was leaving the store, a man approached me asking for help. This is quite common here, even more so with children. I usually ignore such requests, because many of the stories are untrue—just scams to get money. This time I felt I should help the man, so I reached into my bag of groceries and gave him some items. He was probably expecting money, but since he said he needed food for his child, I thought I would provide directly for the need he expressed. I had bought a small jar of mayonnaise for myself, but the man at the register said it was buy one, get one free. At first, I said I had no need for the second, but then I said OK, I’ll give it away. I gave it away (along with yogurt, juice, etc.) to the man who asked for help.
4. I was planning for an afternoon of rest when my phone rang. It was Naizaire, from Burundi. He as in Kigali overnight on his way to Goma (in Congo) for a business meeting. He is the President of the ICCC chapter in Burundi and on the international board of ICCC, so he is very interested in our progress in Rwanda for two reasons. First, from his international role, and second, because we are supposed to start a BDC in Burundi soon. He came by my apartment at the guest house for a long chat. It was interesting to hear about his work with a Development bank for Rwanda, Burundi and Congo. He also gave me some insights on the issues dealing with government officials—proper protocol, etc.
5. Dona picked me up to go to the airport for the arrival of two Chick fil A operators from Texas and New Mexico. Busiest I have seen the airport. They arrived on time. Dan was quite hungry, because he couldn’t eat the airline food. We had a nice dinner at Bourbon Coffee shop. They checked in and unpacked. We share a suite of 3-bedrooms and a living room. I was surprised that they had the energy to talk until almost midnight. Hope they sleep well. We have a busy week ahead.
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