Unforgettable Experience
By Kellyson Siamunjo, Grade 10 Chalo
Amazing, great, and
entertaining are all terms that can best describe the wonderful experience of
being part and of this program, which took place in Rwanda. As for me, every
aspect and element of the program was incredible and indeed unforgettable. If I
was to write everything, I think I could finish a whole ream of paper.
To begin with, the flight
was so amazing seeing that it was my first time traveling by air. I enjoyed
looking through the window and seeing the wonderful scene of clouds and the
ground.
Upon arrival in Rwanda, we
were well welcomed by the YYAS staff. We were driven to the venue of the
program, Riviera High School where we were given files, t-shirts, and pens.
This day was a special day to me because we were given more time to socialize
among ourselves. We were also honored to have the presence of the Honorable
Minister of the East Africa Community Rugwabiza who officially opened the
program.
One of the most interesting
aspects of the program was the lectures. This was like a class where professors
from Yale taught about global matters such as poverty, politics, languages, etc
and other issues like leadership and career. I enjoyed the lectures because
they provided an opportunity to learn and understand these global issues We had
lectures twice a day and were given time at the end to ask the professors
questions. My favorite lectures were Strength-based Leadership in which I
learned how to discover and develop my talents and Political Transition and
Democracy where I gained more knowledge of politics in Africa. After every
lecture, we participated group discussions on the lectures. This was where
vigorous debates would take place. I enjoyed the discussions because it was a
chance for me to express myself fully. It was here where I met brilliant
students who often challenged me whenever I gave my opinion. The other
interesting aspect was the seminars. The seminars I chose were Foreign Aid in
Africa, Biofuels, and The War in the DRC. Here the instructors would go into
each topic in detail. We dealt with things like the role of young people in the
future development of Africa. These seminars were very educational and
interesting. We dealt with causes and solutions to these problems.
Finally, my favorite part
of the week: a group project called Afrotopia, an activity done by groups of
ten students through stages. In the first stage, we were given pamphlets
containing five articles that we studied. Each pamphlet was about a specific
type of people. The second stage we got a group number where there were
different people from different groups. Here, we discussed and came up with
five types of people who would make a new African society if everyone in Africa
died. In the last stage, we had to go and make presentations on the final day
and give reasons why we chose the people we chose. This was not so easy, but so
interesting.
Some of the things that
spiced up the program were the food, people, and the venue. The food was so
amazing and nice that I could not afford to miss a meal. People were friendly
and funny. Meeting people from all over Africa was a great experience by its
own. I made sure I made connection with my new friends. The place, Rwanda and
Riviera High School, was fantastic. The accommodation was great and awesome.
The staff members were very good that I will always keep in touch with them.
In conclusion, I would like
to say that the Yale Young African Scholars program is the best program I have
attended in my life so far. I believe and feel that such programs should be
organized if we are to build a successful and better Africa tomorrow.
