Phase one of lighting the hospital in Nyabiheki refugee camp, 28 rooms, 36 lights with solar energy is completed. Along with the installation we trained ARC and refugee staff on the maintenance and up keep of the system.
I've been visiting Nyabiheki for the last three years, along with it's sister camps, Gihembe, and Kiziba since 2001. ARC does a great job managing these camps, but still they are not the easiest places to work or survive in and I have great respect for staff and the refugees.
One of the most conflicting situation for me as a photographer is the joy in seeing my refugee friends again, at the same time it is also very sad to know that their situation has not improved, they are still refugee's and unable to repatriate to their home.
Unfortunately Nyabiheki has grown from 5,000 refugees to almost 14,000 in the last year. What the refugees most desperately need is peace in D.R. Congo.
Special thanks to my good friend Rwanda Country Director, Barry Wheeler at ARC for providing friendship, understanding, guidance and support.
Louise R., thank you for friendship, last night laughs and your voice of reason. Leah E., thank you for sharing, Yogi tea, books, Stroopwafels, and pizza. I'm happy that I could at least share my Neosporen with you. Jennifer many thanks for giving up your Kigali room to me. (sorry we had to break down your door)
Yaya, thank you for all your logistical support, friendship, and turning me on to W. African music. As camp manager you are sympathetic, compassionate and fair minded in your work to help the refugee's.
I appreciate the help and great advise from Sam Dargen of Great Lakes Energy, Kigali.
(the Central Africa Great Lakes region, not to be confused by our Great Lakes, i.e. Superior)
Here at home I wish to thank Geri Jwanouskos, for introducing 50 Lanterns to the Sevite sisters of Ladysmith, WI. and for encouraging us to apply for the grant which helped to fund this amazing project.
Most of all, deep gratitude to friends, family and supporters of 50 Lanterns for your faith in
our projects to help bring light where there is none.
I leave for Honduras this week to distribute our Bogo lights along with International Health Services, more updates to come.
Peace and many blessings,
Linda
