My Heart Across Horizons: In Every Place, A Pulse

July 1, 2025

Monday, April 14th

10:29

As I returned to Rwanda last night following my week trip to Cape Town, my emotions smacked me in the face at a velocity similar to that of my plane landing on the runway. In a few short months, Rwanda has become a second home, or maybe I should say third or fourth owing to my nomadic ways. No point in playing it cool here – when the border control officer said “welcome home” after verifying my visa, I teared up. I struggle to articulate the feeling and maybe I’m just an emotional cancer (yes, I believe in zodiac signs), but at the core, it is a warm familiarity and tranquility. On the ride home, all I could feel was a profound sense of appreciation for the opportunity to live in Rwanda, and love for the connections I have made thus far.

Although Cape Town is a beautiful destination (see above) filled with lots of outdoor activities (and cheap, delicious food and wine), this trip shed light on how much I take safety for granted. At this point, I am used to garnering ample attention while walking around in Rwanda because I am often the only white person in the village, but I never feel unsafe. People are just curious and want to interact with someone new and different. In Cape Town, however, I had to uber everywhere and keep my valuables hidden because there are many unsafe parts. So, while I enjoyed the views and outdoor activities, the safety concern followed me around like a dark cloud. Thankfully, I met some really cool people who helped me navigate the city and make the most of my trip, but reflecting on it leaves me feeling grateful for my freedom to move around safely in Rwanda. Fundamentally, this experience made me think about the detrimental effects of safety concerns (and, of course, actual danger when inflicted) on girls and women, especially in how such concerns (or unfortunate acts) shape (and limit) opportunities in life. On the flipside, I also contemplated the causes of such widespread safety issues, i.e., why an individual would resort to harming others or committing crimes. Although it is far easier to scapegoat individual character flaws, examining the matter from a more critical and systemic angle points to how colonial legacies and the apartheid era contribute to the modern day crime rate in Cape Town.

Sunday, April 20th

10:25

Happy Easter to all my friends and family! Once again, writing on a consistent basis has been difficult this month. Although work slowed down in terms of big events, the month has still been busy. Work commitments aside, navigating April in Rwanda (as a foreigner) has presented very context-specific challenges, but staying open and vulnerable has led to deeper connections, as well as an enhanced understanding of Rwandan history and culture. Although I was not physically in country at the start of the 31st Commeration of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi (April 7th), I could still feel a country-wide shift in sentiment and purpose. 31 years later, Rwanda continues its collective mourning and healing journey. From social media posts detailing individual stories to hearing some colleagues open up about their personal experiences, the heaviness felt overwhelming at times. If I have learned one thing, however, it is to sit with all of the uncomfortable emotions.

At first, I was nervous to be present during this time because I feared that seeing foreigners could cause Rwandans to feel pain or resentment since the international community turned a blind eye in 1994. Talking with colleagues, however, shed light on my misconception, and on the power of forgiveness. My colleague shared that it is actually nice to have an outsider outlet because in her experience, sometimes there can be an undertone of ‘we all experienced something awful’ between Rwandans, which discourages sharing of individual traumas. While I will never understand the level of trauma as an outsider, this month reinforced that I can always provide a listening ear or shoulder to lean on. It is one thing to learn about a tragedy in a history classroom (i.e., a setting completely removed from the context), and an entirely different type of learning to be immersed in the place and befriend people whose lives were (and continue to be) directly impacted. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from and support my Rwandan colleagues, even if that support looks like just being present, because words will never suffice.

In a difficult month for Rwandans, I am grateful Duwe, Kojo and I were able to organize a fun, team bonding trip to Akagera National Park. For many of the staff members, it was their first time visiting the park and seeing the wildlife, which contributed to the palpable buzz on the bus throughout the day. The dad joke was easily, ‘do you like the African back massage’ owing to the constant vibrating and clanking of the bus seats through the bumpy dirt roads. While I do not think my body could handle another 12-hour day on a cramped omnibus flying over those safari roads, I would not trade the experience for any of those luxurious safari vehicles. Thankfully, we saw ample animals and even got within reaching distance to an elephant herd. More than the animal sightings, however, what made me the happiest was seeing how much the coaches were enjoying themselves and not worrying about anything else. Several times throughout the day, I made sure to look back and take mental snapshots (and some digital ones too) of everyone so absorbed in the present moment. Our coaches have a lot on their plates, so it is not often they get to relax and take a day for themselves. I’m grateful that, with the help of Shooting Touch, we were able to organize and deliver this team bonding experience.

Tuesday, May 27th

18:38

Over a month has passed since my last blog entry, and it feels like I have lived seven different lives in that period. Summarizing the key events would look something like the following:

Receiving tragic news that my high school soccer coach (and dearest mentor) suddenly passed away
Taking a trip to Seychelles (an African island in the Indian Ocean) – the most postcard worthy place I’ve ever been
Getting heart-stopping news (while in Seychelles) that my dad has colon cancer
Abruptly flying home to be with my family while my dad underwent surgery
Returning to Rwanda after two weeks, once seeing that my dad was back home and stable
Jumping right into an eventful week with the Basketball Africa League (BAL)

And here is what the month looked like in photos:

After an absolute rollercoaster of emotions and nonstop travel, I’m writing these words from a place of pure exhaustion, yet overwhelming gratitude – for my family’s love and health, for my tight-knit hometown, for my supportive and understanding colleagues, for the depth of my relationships with former coaches, teachers, and mentors, for the privilege to explore the world, and for the strength to keep going despite some of my biggest fears coming to life. Living abroad presents a multitude of beautiful experiences, but the biggest challenge by far is being so far from my loved ones. As I just alluded to, my biggest fear about living abroad is receiving bad news about my family or loved ones. The moment I found out about my dad, my head started spinning and I immediately questioned my career choices and desires. It is challenging not to feel both guilt for being so far away, and fear that I am missing out on finite moments with my (healthy, but aging) parents. And yet, if I allowed these hard emotions to guide my career decisions, it would leave me feeling inauthentic and imprisoned on my journey of self-actualization.

Although for unfortunate and heart wrenching circumstances, heading home in early May (ironically) helped reaffirm that I am making career choices aligned with my values and desires, even if the trade-off can be difficult. During my two weeks at home, many of my family and friends asked me “how’s Africa?” and “so, do you live in a hut?” While I know these questions came from an innocent and curious place, they elicit a very common American and/or Western perception of Africa. I have been fortunate enough to live and work in two countries on this continent, and to travel to a handful of others. I would like to openly and honestly address these questions. To start, I cannot tell you how ‘Africa’ is because it’s a massive continent consisting of 54 countries, and every country is so unique. Many may feel that I am overreacting here, yet my reaction stems from a discomfort with a widespread perception that all of Africa is the same. And worse, the characteristics tied to this perception are often negative (i.e., backwards, barbaric, dependent, corrupt, etc.). This is not to downplay or deny the very real issues that many African countries endure, however, it is to reiterate that Africa is a massive continent filled with countries that each have their own culture, history, and signature dish – and where lots of innovative and good things are happening too. So, I can tell you how Rwanda is, because that is where I’ve spent the past five months. *I highly recommend reading, ‘Africa Is Not a Country’ by Dipo Faloyin if you would like to uncover and challenge your implicit biases related to Africa and Africans*

Secondly, no, I do not live in a ‘hut.’ While my house certainly does not meet an American suburban standard of housing, I have concrete/painted walls, tiled floors, doors, windows, a roof over my head, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a bed. Living in this home, with all of its quirks and funky features, has shown me that all those other luxuries, though convenient and cozy, are not necessary. And yes, I do know people that live in ‘huts,’ but that is never by choice. Instead, it is mainly due to a lack of resources and access to opportunities, i.e., the aftermath of the colonial system’s legacy of social and economic discrimination that undoubtedly positioned many Rwandans unfavorably, with the effects of marginalization and exploitation still felt today. Many Rwandans in the villages where Shooting Touch operates live in clay houses that consist of one to two rooms, but let me make two things clear – 1) Rwandans take immense pride in their homes and possessions, as reflected by how spotless and orderly they always are, and 2) Rwandans are extremely efficient in their daily routines. In the time that I attempt to mop my floor (and end up just spreading the dirt around), a Rwandan woman in the village has cleaned her home, cultivated crops, cooked for her kids, and taken a trip to the market to get more food for the week. Furthermore, while it feels the Western world is the capital of waste, Rwandans are innovative and resourceful. Everyday I say to myself, man, just imagine what these people could do if they did not have to focus solely on survival each day. Therefore, ‘living in a hut’ is not a reflection of a lazy or ‘backwards’ individual; rather, it demonstrates an individual making the most of the minimal resources and opportunities available to him or her. I do not intend to guilt or shame anyone with these responses, on the contrary, I hope to share my perspective, and in effect, enlighten yours. More than words, the best way to change your perception is to head over here and experience Rwanda for yourself!

Thursday, May 29th

10:30

The end of May has been filled with all things Basketball Africa League (BAL). For many of my readers who may not be familiar (like myself prior to this experience), the BAL is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa and formed through a partnership between FIBA and the NBA. It marks the NBA’s first collaboration to operate a league outside of North America, and is currently in its fifth season, which typically runs from March/April to June. Kigali just hosted the Nile Conference from the 17th to the 25th of May, which consisted of four teams (Libya, South Africa, Kenya, and Rwanda) competing against each other to qualify for the playoffs in June. Thanks to Shooting Touch’s partnership with the BAL, we had great seats for all of the games and were granted access to the VIP lounge in BK Arena (where my imposter syndrome was indeed in full effect).

To kick off the week, Duwe, Kojo and I attended the BAL Innovation Summit and listened to some big names in African basketball speak about the future of the sport on the continent. While the people in attendance were a mixture of government officials, corporate workers, nonprofit organizations like ourselves, and some artists, it quickly became evident that everyone in the room shared a passion for basketball and believed in its transformative capacity. Thus, despite sitting in a room surrounded by strangers, our shared passions created an innate connection and dissolved the distance. After finishing lunch, we hurried over to the Embassy to hear two U.S. Sports Envoys, Max Fennell and Greta Neimanas, speak about their stories and careers as professional athletes. The U.S. Department of State’s Sports Envoy program recruits passionate, community-oriented professional athletes to promote cross-cultural understanding and empower the next generation of athletes as leaders through sport. Max is the first African American Professional Triathlete in the United States and Greta is a two-time Paralympian and a two-time World Champion in Paralympic cycling. Although their backgrounds and stories differed, both individuals embodied what it takes to perfect one’s craft and become the best – intense devotion, discipline, and resilience. Thanks to Pacifique for the invite, and to Max and Greta for so openly and honestly sharing their stories and tips with us!

To conclude an exciting week, we co-hosted a full-day event on May 23rd with the BAL as part of their BAL4Her initiative. BAL4Her is the league’s commitment to promoting gender equality among fans and local stakeholders while developing pipelines and recruitment opportunities for women to fully participate and be visible across BAL operations. As part of the initiative, the BAL collaborates with corporate and community partners to provide financial support and raise awareness (through events and social media) for organizations that drive the female agenda forward. Considering that gender equality is a pillar of ST programming and that we operate through a gender lens, i.e., developing and evaluating programs with careful consideration of how gender impacts/and is impacted by them, ST’s work aligns seamlessly with the purpose of the BAL4Her initiative. Our co-event started off with a ‘BAL4Her Leadership Conference’ that provided emerging female leaders aged 18-30 (‘mentees’) with unique access to inspiring industry leaders (‘mentors’), workshops, and learning opportunities. The mentees were pre-selected prior to the event by the BAL through an application process. Thankfully, a good number of our Shooting Touch coaches and alumni attended the conference as mentees, which just so happened to also include an exclusive lunch with the Rwandan Minister of Sports!

After hearing inspirational speeches from Clare Akamanzi (CEO of NBA Africa), Amadou Gallo Fall (President of the BAL), and Nelly Mukazayire (Rwandan Minister of Sports), one of our own ST Abakecerus (‘grannies’), Violette, courageously took the stage and captivated the crowd with her story. Even though she spoke in Kinyarwanda, her passion, energy, and love were palpable. I believe what most made my allergies act up was how she addressed the whole crowd, yet simultaneously managed to directly inspire and encourage the young ST coaches and alumni in attendance. Reflecting on this moment, two things capture my emotions – 1) gratitude for the front row seat to witness the generational impact of ST’s work, and 2) immense pride to wear Shooting Touch across my chest. Following Violette’s speech, after which she received warm embraces from both Clare and Nelly, three panelists took the stage to share reflections related to women breaking barriers. These panelists included Vanessa Kodisang, Head of Culture and Engagement at Mastercard Foundation, Somdev Sen, CMO of MTN Rwanda (a mobile telecommunications provider), and Ingrid Karangwayire, Executive Secretary of BK Foundation. Although all three panelists hold powerful positions, I was moved by their humility and encouragement to the attendees to not get discouraged by the many obstacles they have faced and will likely continue to face on their journeys.

The later half of the BAL4Her Leadership Conference consisted of ‘breakout circles,’ wherein the mentees split into groups with one to two mentors per group and headed to separate spaces to discuss themes surrounding leadership, access and mentorship, and breaking barriers. While I did not get to sit in on any of these discussions because I was ensuring lunch was ready, the fact that the groups did not want to break for lunch was a good sign of their effectiveness. During lunch, Christelle and I found out that Amadou was not going to be able to attend the afternoon portion of the event led by Shooting Touch because he was due back in Kigali for a meeting. In true ‘think on your toes’ fashion, Christelle invited Amadou to quickly stop by our court (five minutes down the road from the conference) to see it and greet our grannies before returning to Kigali. Before I knew it, we were giddy with disbelief in the back of the President of the BAL’s car heading to our Nyamirama court. Upon arrival, Amadou gave a brief speech, and then was swiftly encircled by our dancing, fun-loving grannies. Seeing the President of the BAL bust a few moves was definitely not on my bingo card for the year, but it will undoubtedly go down as a top five work moment. Shout out to Amadou for taking the time to visit our court and women!

Following Amadou’s visit, the rest of the BAL4Her staff, mentors, and mentees joined us at our court to watch our grannies, 100 women aged 50 and older from our four courts in Kayonza, participate in a ‘Grannies to Heroes’ basketball clinic. The clinic consisted of four stations – dribbling, passing, shooting, and defense – with 25 grannies per station. After speeches from Clare and Nelly, we hopped right into a warmup and then started the stations. At the start, many of the first-time visitors were timid to hop in the stations, but something about seeing 50+ year old women absolutely getting after it makes you stop and say, if they are out here, what am I letting stop me? Evidently, the fear subsided as by the end of the clinic, everyone had worked up a good sweat. Our staff knew that the CEO of NBA Africa and the Minister of Sports would be present for the clinic, but I don’t think any of us predicted they would be running around and fully immersing themselves into the stations.

Working in such a small country that has an affinity for basketball and its growth, and where Shooting Touch has become well established and respected, sets the stage for numerous opportunities to directly interact with higher-ups in Rwanda and the wider-basketball ecosystem. These interactions have been a very neat (and unexpected) aspect of this Fellowship experience. For the most part, such interactions tend to be atypical for higher-ups given the nature and location of our work, but it is intriguing to see how they embrace this change. Something about the realness of Shooting Touch provides a much needed break from the confines and hierarchies of politics – at ST courts we are all just trying to promote gender equality, health, and a good time. From the CEO to the ST Abakeceru, together, we go further!

Friday, May 30th

09:42

The day after our exciting leadership conference and basketball clinic, the BAL invited the grannies that participated in the clinic into Kigali to watch a BAL game. Considering a majority of our Abakeceru have never left their village, this trip into the city was a monumental moment in their lives. Despite a long drive, our grannies showed up and showed out. Two of our grannies were pulled down to the court to compete in a layup competition during a break in the game, and I will never forget the way the arena erupted when Triphine drained the layup/jumper. After the game, some of our staff and grannies took a group photo with Amadou, Clare, and Nelly on the court. I am grateful that the BAL used their platform to recognize both Shooting Touch and the real game changers, our Abakeceru, who are the heart of ST and so deserving of the spotlight. Following the group photo, the grannies broke out in song and dance, which echoed throughout their section, quickly grabbed the entire arena’s attention, and continued on the walk back to the buses. After witnessing numerous outsiders’ reactions, it is safe to say that the grannies brought Kayonza to Kigali, and undoubtedly left their mark.

*Thank you to Mthoko, Zaiya, and the rest of the BAL staff for being so fun to work with, and for always looking to highlight Shooting Touch!*

Monday, June 2nd

09:40

To wrap up another eventful and rewarding month, we hosted visitors from the University of Tennessee at our Rwinkwavu court. I absolutely loved the way this group embraced our women and eagerly jumped right into the practice, dancing, and health lesson. Having hosted a handful of international visitors at this point, I have three main reflections:

1) Without fail, these visits showcase the power of sport in transcending language barriers and cultural differences – the understanding and love for the game is truly a universal language.

2) These visits often humble our guests – no one knows the nuances of ST courts (e.g., the space, balls, rims, backboards) better than our women who play on them everyday.

3) Our beneficiaries exemplify a love for the game in its simplest form which, in an age of social media where it feels many are driven by being the next highlight reel, is a refreshing reminder of what really matters.

Another month has flown by, and it is hard to believe only three remain in this Fellowship. With another eventful month ahead, I look forward to all that June is about to teach me, and I will continue to soak in all the moments, big and small. Above all, I will keep learning how to embrace the ache, the beauty, and the emotional whirlwind of loving people – and places – around the world.

Let's Work!

June 22, 2025

Three months in, I’ve continued to find comfort in the way of life here in Rwanda. From the slow mornings to the airy and open spaces, breezy moto rides, and the amazing people I’ve grown closer to, it’s been a joy. My eyes have been opened to how much the little things matter—and that you can expect anything to happen in daily life.

For example, one morning, Courtney and I went to get breakfast at a café not too far from our house in Kigali. As we began to walk home, we heard a loud crowd in the distance and saw people running past us in the opposite direction of our house. Out of curiosity (some people wouldn’t recommend this), we followed them—and stumbled across the Tour De Rwanda! By coincidence, the last day of the bike race, with riders from countries all over the world, happened to be passing right through our neighborhood. We stood with the crowd, in awe of the cyclists’ speed and smooth turns, and even met a photographer who I randomly asked to snap a picture of us! What started as a regular morning became an unforgettable moment.

Speaking of unforgettable, playing in the Umurenge Kagame Cup Tournament has been one of those experiences I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. This annual league brings together teams created throughout the different sectors, districts, and provinces of Rwanda. I’m lucky enough that Coach Nico from Nyamirama asked me to join the team to represent Kabare, Nyamirama in Kayonza District. If you know me, you know how passionate I am on the basketball court. Going to battle and pulling out three hard-fought wins in the second round with my new teammates was just what my competitive spirit needed. We are now the Eastern Province champions and will go on to face the North, West, and South provinces for the National Championship in May. Seeing the excitement of everyone—including the Kabare women’s team (who also became Eastern Province champions)—and even the town and district leaders who came to support us, makes me so proud to be part of a journey that means so much to the community. It reminds me how fortunate I am to be working in a space that I love.

Kagame cup action

Road to Champions vlog

As you can see, sports are a massive part of Rwanda’s culture. Courtney, Duwe, and I also went to a soccer game at the newly built Amahoro Stadium, where Rwanda faced Lesotho in a World Cup Qualifier match. The energy in the stadium was ground-shaking, and we were warmly welcomed by other fans. I felt a shared sense of pride rooting for the team and realized just how immersed into the culture I truly am. For their passion to be rubbing off on me—I truly felt at home.

Fun at Amahoro - Reel

On a different note, I actually find these blogs a bit hard to write because, with everything going on, I’m really just trying to live in the moment. This fellowship is already almost halfway done in the blink of an eye, and I’m only now starting to realize all the adjustments I’ve made so far.

Speaking of adjustments, the work we are doing here requires a lot of them. Coming in as the marketing Fellow, I had some general skills in video editing, graphics and outreach. But lately, I’ve been using these skills more due to the frequency of events we have and the nature of there being so much beauty to capture on and off our courts where so much impact is happening. I’ve designed some really cool t-shirts and flyer graphics for our events, and taken some candid pictures that really embody the joy our program brings to the local community. You can feel the energy in a few of these recap videos I’ve made from our events.

*The second t-shit I designed (featuring the team and local leaders)*

Bugesera health for equality day recap

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY RECAP

I’m genuinely excited to keep learning and growing in how I capture and create for Shooting Touch—doing my best to share even a glimpse of what it really feels like to be here every day, working alongside these incredible communities in rural Eastern Rwanda.

ON THE MOVE

June 2, 2025

Over the last few months, we have been super busy out here in Rwanda. Some of the highlights were hosting the U.S. Embassy at one of our biggest events of the year. Getting on the jumbotron at the Rwanda vs. Lesotho soccer game, traveling to Kenya and getting to see the largest slum in Africa - and an awesome non-profit fit right inside, and getting to play A LOT of basketball.

I have begun getting into more of a food routine - commonly eating a very similar collection of foods each day. My diet consists of rice, beans, potatoes, avocados, mangos, onions, and many eggs. My neighbour sells eggs at her house and she knows to load up the 30 pack every couple days. I have decided that no matter how often I eat avocado toast with eggs on top, it is delicious every time. A huge revelation for me has been discovering how incredible sauteed onions are. Not sure how this slipped through the cracks for me back in the U.S. but it is now a staple. As my diet has gotten a bit more consistent and my stomach has adjusted, I have been holding onto weight better than I did in the first few months.

Another recent food revelation is how delicious goat meat is. I’m not sure why the U.S. is anti-goat, but is it incredible. One of my favorite foods out here is goat kebabs (called brochette). I will certainly be sharing this flavor sensation when I get back to the States. However, in recognizing that some folks might have some mental apprehensions over it, I plan to introduce covertly. You thought that was beef in the bolognese??

I’ve found that it is easy to get caught in my routine and not explore as much as I did in the beginning of the fellowship. I have been trying to get out more because I never know what I’ll walk into. For example, while visiting an Art Gallery in Kigali (whose owner, Innocent, actually taught a few lectures at UNC last spring), I noticed there were a few high-school aged kids playing a large cow-hide set of drums and dancing to the drum beat. Out of pure curiosity, I asked Innocent if there was a performance or if the kids just come and dance for fun. He said that they are on a dance team and are practicing for an upcoming performance. He then asked if I wanted to learn how to play the drums. Not wanting to interrupt their practice, I politely declined. However, Innocent insisted and so I hopped in and began playing. After a learning period, the kids began dancing to my drum beat, although it was not quite as succinct as when they were playing the drums.. Then the kids asked if I wanted to learn the dances and after these kids showed me the kindness of dancing to my off-tempo beat, I said, “Sure, I’ll hop in for a song or two”. The next hour and a half of dance class left me dripping in sweat as my drill instructor and now friend, Astride, barked, “Incorrect, start again” many times over. These kids were not messing around and I felt lucky to be able to learn a few pieces of their culture.

My new moves came just in time for one of our biggest events of the year. International Women’s Day is a big deal at Shooting Touch and each year we host a big celebration complete with a 3v3 basketball tournament for four age groups, a 5km march, extensive health testing, traditional drum and dance performance, and this year, a guest appearance by the Charge D’Affaire of the U.S. Embassy. The event was not without chaos as at about 2AM the night before the event, we were informed by the police that the march was cancelled due to difficulties around traffic control that day. This presented a bit of a problem as about a thousand people were planning to be at that march and there wasn’t exactly an email chain or facebook group available to let them know of the change of plans. Fortunately, after an extensive sector-wide game of telephone we were able to convey the new agenda and the event ran smoothly and everyone had a great time. Four courts participated in the tournament, displaying some serious rivalries between the coaches, players, and courts. There was a tournament for U13 kids, U18 boys and girls, and the women and the players represented their “Home” Shooting Touch Court. The games got super competitive and were exciting all afternoon.

Players from each of the courts take tremendous pride in representing their village in these events. These communities are very tight knit with many families living for generations in the same area. There is a lot of history in these communities and the players do not take that lightly.

Before I knew I was going to live in Rwanda, one of the few things that I knew about the country was that a genocide had taken place in the 90s. I was advised that prior to moving, it was crucial to research and try to grasp an understanding the causes, scope, and effects of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. The events in 1994 have effects that trickle into nearly all facets of society. Upon arrival in Rwanda, one of our first stops was a trip to the Genocide Memorial in Kigali, which I can only describe as an emotional, graphic, and powerful description and reminder of the horrors that transpired 31 years ago.

As I have attempted to educate myself, a few facts have stood out:

The primary cause of the the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi were the social structures created by colonization in Rwanda following WW2. However, when the violence began, Rwanda received nearly no help from the west - in fact, the west denied that a genocide was taking place after countless reports.
After western countries denied support to stop the violence, the current Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, led a militia and ultimately defeated the government in place that was perpetrating the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Instead of instituting a country led by his labeled ethnic group, he outlawed ethnic labeling and declared that all people in the country are Rwandan, nothing else. While Kagame has faced criticism over the years in the global media, I have never seen a country that loves their leader as much as Rwandan’s love Paul Kagame. I got to witness this first hand while attending a John Legend concert in Kigali. President Kagame was sitting in the box directly to my right and instead of watching the concert, many folks in the crowd faced away from the stage and just stared at Kagame. The announcement of Kagame at the concert resulted in pandemonium of support.
The effects of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi permeate nearly every aspect of the country. Everyone over 31 years old has memories of what took place.

Every April, there is a week of remembrance for the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. During this week public sporting events are cancelled, music is not allowed to be played, much of the transport is limited, and many restaurants and businesses close down. While many of my Rwandan friends are typically pretty quiet regarding the topics of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, during this week many of their stories are shared. It’s one thing to hear the numbers, statistics, and chain of events of what transpired, but to hear your friends personal stories is truly heart wrenching.

To learn more about the 1994 Genocide Against The Tutsi, you can check out this link.

During a week off from work, I traveled to Kenya. My first stop was Nairobi - the capital city and one of the largest in Africa. I stopped by CFK Africa, a nonprofit founded by Rye Barker, a UNC graduate whom I met in Chapel Hill, a few months back. CFK has built a health center, pregnancy clinic, youth center, and sports program inside of Kibera - the largest slum in Africa. Kibera is a square 1km territory of government-owned land, filled with improvised housing for up to 1 million people. CFK is deeply embedded in the community and their work is incredibly important and inspiring.

After the trip to Nairobi, I traveled to Mombasa, a beach town right on the Indian Ocean. The journey was exciting as I got to take a train straight through a safari park, seeing elephants, giraffes, ostriches, and zebras from the train. I spent the next few days hanging out by the beach, which is a drastic contrast in terrain from the land locked Rwanda. On my return to Nairobi for my flight, I caved…. And went to the nearest KFC. You should have seen the looks of horror on the faces of the folks in that restaurant as demolished a 5 piece bucket and large fry in 8 minutes.

Upon moving to Rwanda, I had no reference for any other countries in Africa. However, after seeing Kenya (which I loved), I could truly appreciate Rwanda. Rwanda is likely the cleanest and safest country in Africa. I can walk freely through any part of the city or village during all hours of the day and night. There is a comfort that comes from how reserved the folks are here. It is ambitious and growing rapidly in an incredibly sustainable way.

Speaking of comfort, I got a nice healthy fix of March Madness games. I found that by using a VPN and the March Madness mobile app, I could stream fairly seamlessly. The only hiccup being the time zone but I am down to watch the Heels anytime, even at 4am. Although the next day is typically a bit on the slower side, especially after a loss. I showed my friend and Shooting Touch Coach, Isaie, March Madness and explained what a bracket is. As a total hoop head, Isaie was pretty stoked about the concept of making a bracket and put some good time and research into it. Fast forward to the final four and Isaie’s bracket was in the top .005% of brackets worldwide. Isaie made sure to check in with me after every round to see if his bracket was beating mine, which after a devastating first round Tarheel loss, my bracket was busted. Needless to say, I owe Isaie lunch.

Marching Forward (Despite Feeling Incomplete or Afraid)

May 31, 2025

Wednesday March 19

18:55

Remember in my previous blog when I said March was about to be a busy month? Considering it’s more than halfway through March and I’m just now starting my first entry, busy is an understatement! If these past few weeks have taught me anything, it’s that nonprofit work requires an ability to juggle several things at once and wear many different hats. Compartmentalizing is a skill that you build (whether or not you want to) because if you fail to, you become easily susceptible to analysis paralysis. How do I know this? You probably guessed it - from personal experience. While I can physically juggle (shoutout to SWRCUS), my metaphorical juggling skills need work. From a capability point of view, I can do more than one task at a time, however, dispositionally speaking, moving on from one task before I’ve completed it in its entirety makes my skin crawl. Needless to say, I have had to move on from many tasks before full completion this month, owing mostly to the nature of the work, and in part to the operational time difference between the Rwandan and Boston ST staff. This has applied not only to my work experiences, but also to my personal endeavors. If March had a motto, for me it would be: Marching forward despite feeling incomplete or afraid (in work and in life). How’s that for an aha moment?

We flew into the month at a speed akin to the hundreds of cyclists who raced through the streets of Kigali as part of the Tour du Rwanda in early March. Kojo and I stumbled upon a portion of the race after leaving a cáfe and seeing people (excitedly) running toward a crowd gathered at the end of the street. Our curiosity led us into a quick jog to learn what the commotion was all about. In doing so, we stumbled into a front row view of one of Africa’s most celebrated cycling events. Something about being in a crowd of people cheering for absolute strangers, who we later learned were tackling the final stage of an eight stage, 804 kilometer race through 23 districts in Rwanda, gave me goosebumps and watery eyes. Those 30 minutes were easily some of the most serendipitous of my life.

Thursday, March 20

09:38

Following an exciting and spontaneous start to March, I attended a 3-day conference in Kigali, called the Africa Health Agenda International Conference (AHAIC). As this was my first time attending a conference, I learned a lot about topics related to global health from expert panelists, as well as the ins and outs of attending conferences. Despite not feeling ready for the conference due to my lack of experience, I felt the fear and walked through the doors anyway. My overly ambitious self quickly learned that attempting to attend as many discussions as possible without scheduling in any breaks actually detracted from my experience. For an introvert like me, alone time is crucial to recharge, especially after hours spent talking to new people. I also learned that I still eat like an athlete when it comes to unlimited access to a buffet (and showed no shame about it).

The recent (and abrupt) U.S. administrative actions regarding international aid were definitely an elephant in the room throughout the conference - to such an extent that, when relaying all of the countries in attendance, the opening speaker joked that the African attendees should definitely check in on their American friends. Regardless of one’s stance on the decisions made, the response in the room was admirable. Leaders from all over Africa emphasized how the recent U.S. funding revocation provided a wake-up call and opportunity for Africa to become self-sufficient by focusing on building self-sustaining, innovative, and homegrown health care systems and financing techniques. While this response will not stave off all of the very real, detrimental and immediate effects of the funding loss, if effectively implemented over time, it points to a future in which external factors, like cuts to international aid, will be small potholes for African countries as opposed to road cave-ins. Given many African countries’ current health spending capacities, i.e., $40 per person compared to a U.S. $14,500 per person, the speakers accentuated the value and cost-effectiveness of strengthening preventive health measures through community health workers at the primary care level. This approach is one that would also benefit the U.S., especially considering that despite our staggering health care expenditure, our health outcomes are no better than other high-income countries (in fact, we rank the lowest in many common health metrics).

*"Here's to strong women, may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them”*

Tuesday, March 25

15:09

Following the AHAIC, Shooting Touch hosted a ‘Basketball for Equality’ event in the Rilima sector of Bugesera District. To be candid, in the week leading up to the event, my gastrointestinal system was in a ceaseless battle against the runs, and losing pretty convincingly. I spent a handful of days wasting away in bed while trying to stomach the blandest of foods, and wishing I had my mom near.

This experience reaffirmed that no matter how old (and hopefully wise) I get, I’ll always crave my mom when I’m feeling ill and/or vulnerable. Although not feeling 100%, I am grateful that I was able to attend the event in Rilima because it provided another tangible example of Shooting Touch’s widespread impact.

Hundreds of people from the surrounding community gathered to watch the basketball tournament, receive health testing, and listen to guest speakers discuss critical topics, like the importance of creating a gender equal society in order to move forward as a country. I played more of a background role throughout the event, and learned a lot by observing the Rwandan staff and coaches. Most importantly, I saw how things would run perfectly fine without the Fellows and/or international staff. Although at first, this realization generated conflicting feelings about my purpose, further reflection led to a decentering, and a heightened awareness that I would not want to be a part of an organization that is not led by the locals, for the locals (read: it’s so much bigger than me and my ego). At the same time, Sam’s departure from Shooting Touch highlighted the profound impact an expatriate colleague can have when they constantly decenter themselves and amplify the strength of local staff. Murakoze cyane, Samu!

Monday, March 31

14:34

The second half of March continued to move at a pace faster than I could capture. From prepping for and delivering International Women’s Day (i.e., ST’s biggest event of the year), to hosting U.S. students from Nobles Boarding School, to (very slowly) moving into my house, it’s safe to say my daily caffeine intake tripled for the month. Wrapping up March, I feel a profound mixture of inspiration, exhaustion, connection, and gratitude. Between last minute schedule changes the day of IWD to some less-than-ideal living conditions emerging during the busiest work period, this month tested me more than I’ve been tested in my life (note: a very different kind of test than an ACL tear recovery). Due to some incomplete sealing jobs around my windows and doors, heavy rains flooded my house in a wet welcome to the rainy season in Rwanda. Even with the many days of torrential downpour, my running water stopped working for roughly five days toward the end of the month, which is a common issue in Kayonza District. Most friends who I spoke to about my situation commented that they don’t know how I do it, but I think it is rather simple - when you have no other choice, you find ways to keep marching on.

Sure, I probably smelled a little more than normal because I have not perfected the bucket shower, I cooked (and in effect, ate) way less to conserve water, and my house could really use a deep cleaning right now, but I was still fortunate enough to have a roof over my head, a dry place to rest my head, and samosa in my belly (see below). Simplifying the situation helped me persevere, as did leaning on my Rwandan friends and colleagues. It was undoubtedly a team effort - Chantal deep cleaning my windows, Denise and Delice helping me navigate language barriers at local shops, Didas (my guard) lowering the hooks for my curtains (with a clay stone in absence of a hammer), and Emmy doing everything in-between. They say it takes a village, and I really experienced firsthand how lost I would be without mine.

In particular, Emmy, a friend of ST that helps build our courts and is simply that ‘guy’ when you need something, very generously helped me overcome every move-in hurdle this month. From spending a whole day finding and organizing furniture delivery to my house, to hiring a reliable security guard for my property, to bringing a plumber to the house to add a small stopper piece to the faucet in my kitchen (i.e., the water would run when I turned the handle, but would not stop unless I went outside and turned off the main water source), Emmy deserves more brochettes and potatoes (the Rwandan grab-and–go cuisine) than are probably available in the country. Potentially even more valuable than the physical assistance provided, he helped me navigate the many cultural nuances of the move-in process.

For instance, my jaw dropped when I saw my mattress frame arrive as individual wooden planks tied together on the back of a bicycle, which the workers then assembled upon arrival. After witnessing my dumbfounded look, Emmy responded, “well, how else did you expect it to arrive?” Emmy provided solutions to issues before I even knew they would be issues. No running water? Buy a water tank that stores up to 10 jerry cans of water for washing and cleaning in the next shortage (and not have to worry about catching rainwater in buckets). No beams to hang your curtains on? The guys are en route with wooden sticks that can be cut according to the sizes needed. The one activity that I attempted solo, well, you can see below how that turned out. Fear not, I found creative ways to cover my window until I could properly cover it, and I was able to repurpose the original kitenge cloth.

Each year to commence International Women’s Day, Shooting Touch organizes a 5K March starting from a predetermined location down the road, and ending at our Nyamirama court, where upon arrival, we kick off the event. Unfortunately, we had to cancel the march this year because the authorities were unable to block the road and ensure our safety. I was most looking forward to experiencing the march, so the cancellation was definitely a bummer. However, we created solutions on the fly and continued marching forward despite last minute changes that left us feeling on edge, making it clear that we were receptive to the lesson March arrived to teach us (over and over). Thanks to Kojo’s quick thinking, we organized the beneficiaries and event attendees in a ‘mini-march’ around the court. The best part about this solution was the way the whole team bought in. Our coaches lined the court to make sure everyone stayed on path, and kept the energy levels high. The energy was so contagious that I even felt compelled to jump in and dance around for a few laps (big deal for an introvert).

Despite the abrupt schedule change at the start of the day, the remainder of the event ran rather smoothly. Thanks to ample communication and pre-event coordination of the U.S. Embassy’s visit to IWD (shoutout to Pacifique), we were able to show John Armiger, the Charge D’Affair, and his team what Shooting Touch is all about. As this was my first time hosting and interacting with diplomats on an exclusive basis, the nerves were definitely present. Thankfully, I received ample support from Nobles, especially Alex Gallagher, who serves on Shooting Touch’s Board of Directors and therefore thoroughly understands the work we do. He has also visited Rwanda every other year with Nobles’ students for the past decade, so he can attest to both the growth in programming and the shift in cultural norms and attitudes that he has witnessed since his first visit. If you’re looking to plan a purposeful and ethical educational trip abroad for high school students, you should definitely talk to him!

Following the busyness of IWD, we hosted Nobles for an exclusive day with Shooting Touch at our Rwinkwavu court. To start the day, Alex ran a coaching clinic for all of our coaches, while Kojo and I delivered a ‘Nonprofit 101’ workshop in the library (with Mami, a dog in Rwink that follows the Fellows around everywhere). Similar to my feelings before the AHAIC Conference, having never led a workshop prior to this left me questioning if I was ready. Thankfully, the Nobles students’ high level of engagement and curiosity made the workshop facilitation super easy. For the final activity, we split them into two groups and tasked them with creating their own nonprofits, one based domestically and the other in Rwanda. Needless to say, the nonprofits each group created were detailed, thoughtful, and impressive given the 30-minute window they had. I would not be surprised if we were in the presence of future nonprofit founders!

After a productive morning, we gathered the group back together to debrief and plan for our next activity: home visits. I always feel a bit nervous heading into these visits due to their intimate and vulnerable nature, but I leave feeling purposeful and re-energized after directly hearing about the impact of ST’s programming on individual lives. I also feel obligated to give the Nobles students their flowers - I think about who I was at 17 or 18, and know for a fact that I would not be ready for a trip like the one they made to Rwanda. When visiting Joseline, our host for the day, my group established a well-balanced and respectful mixture of asking her questions while allowing quiet time and space for her to share her story at her own pace. The reflections that the students made during our post home-visit group debrief once again left me impressed - at such a young age, they showed an ability to decenter themselves and fully embrace another culture, while openly questioning their own biases and stereotypes. This is a testament to Nobles’ schooling and staff, but also to the student’s willingness to put themselves in a position to do so.

The remainder of the month was filled with more good things - a Rwanda vs Lesotho World Cup qualifying match in the beautiful Amahoro stadium, representing the Eastern Province in the Kagame Cup tournament, and celebrating Coach Delice’s birthday. As I am technically a Rwandan resident per my visa, I am eligible to compete in the Umurenge Kagame Cup - an annual tournament run across the sectors of Rwanda to promote good governance and health through sports, as well as to mobilize citizens for sport and competition. My team (and the boys’ team) won the Eastern province and will now compete against other provinces in May.

While I’ve enjoyed playing again, what I’ve most cherished about the tournament are the opportunities for connection it provides. Many of the coaches and players are Shooting Touch beneficiaries or alumni, so we are actively strengthening our relationship AND increasing Shooting Touch’s exposure across the country. Does it get better than that? Outside of work and the tournament, I’ve also focused on creating opportunities for the team to connect, which has been surprisingly easy as most of the staff express interest, it is just a matter of planning and mobilizing everyone.

It has been a month of trial and error, but three things have enabled me to march forward despite feeling incomplete or afraid:

(1) giving myself grace on this learning journey

(2) staying open to learning from locals and creating opportunities to connect

(3) trusting that I’ll find solutions and make the most of any situation (with the help of my village)

Thus, marching forward despite feeling incomplete or afraid - it’s about embracing the journey and focusing on progress, even when you don’t feel fully ‘there’ or ‘ready.’ I will continue to march forward with my fears, leaky ceilings, cold showers, not-fully-sealed windows and doors, unexpected power outages, and pending work tasks, because without them, I would not be challenged to appreciate the whole journey. Plus, if I waited until I was ready, I never would have known what it feels like to sip a latte on a warm, sunny day while winding down into the valley on the back of a moto. Or to feel the cultural barriers shatter as I laugh until I cry with colleagues that become like family. And let me tell you, those feelings alone make it all worth it.

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.

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