Progress is Possible

When faced with overwhelming issues like AIDS, poverty, and human trafficking, it’s easy to forget progress is possible.  But consider Rwanda.  I lived in Rwanda from 1999-2002 and recently returned. It simply is not the same country today as it was just a decade ago.  Though it still has a long way to go, Rwanda has made remarkable progress and creates a case for optimism.

Rwanda photo_woman

Some of the factors at work in Rwanda’s progress include:

1. Curbing Corruption.  According to Transparency International, Rwanda now has the lowest corruption rate in East Africa.  In contrast, its neighboring state Burundi is ranked as the most corrupt nation in East Africa. Not surprisingly, the pace of development in Rwanda far exceeds the pace in Burundi. Curbing corruption is a prerequisite for lasting progress to occur, and Rwanda is leading the way.

2. Entrepreneurship.  The Rwandan government has been opening its doors to entrepreneurship and investment.  In an interview with PovertyCure, Paul Kagame, president of Rwanda, says he believes that handouts hinder growth: “If you allow a process where people are shielded from [entrepreneurship], then it’s like abusing them.  Yes, it’s like saying, ‘You are disabled.  Let me help you.’”

Instead he promotes business development and welcomes the free market: “It actually gives people the feeling that they are valued, meaning they are as capable, they are as competent, they are as gifted and as talented as anyone else.”

3. Church engagement.  It’s not enough to curb corruption or foster entrepreneurship if there is no foundation for reconciliation and healing from Rwanda’s troubled past. The church in Rwanda has decided to act. Recognizing the need for healing, it has started savings groups among people eager to escape poverty. Besides meeting financial needs, the groups also promote reconciliation and deepen relationships.

Gaudence, one savings group member, said, “We thank God for providing the savings groups because we are like family. Nobody is worried about how to find money to support our families. The savings groups [also] help us to know and love each other.”

Besides saving, the members worship and pray together.  They also reach out to those in their community. One such individual is Jacqueline.

Jacqueline was so desperate that she used to sell her body to provide for her family. But now, standing tall, she supports herself through farming. She’s also fully engaged in her church and community. Life looks a whole lot brighter for Jacqueline – and for the entire country of Rwanda.

An engaged church, a crackdown on corruption, and a positive attitude toward entrepreneurship are enabling entrepreneurs like Jacqueline to flourish.

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