The opportunity to accompany the Zam Zam team to Rwanda was one of the most impactful experiences I have ever had. I left the trip with a genuine respect and admiration for the people and the country of Rwanda. Even after enduring so much hardship and tribulation, they were still some of the happiest and friendliest people I have ever met. Hearing their stories about how access to clean water had changed so many aspects of their lives, I left with a newfound appreciation for the work Zam Zam is doing and a desire to make our project as impactful as possible. I am so thankful to have been able to have been a part of this trip.
Collective Countenance - Experiences From Rwanda By Naveen Menon
Would I be welcome? Would it be difficult to assimilate to the countryโs culture? These were questions that wracked my mind as we flew to Rwanda. However, as soon as we began to explore the country with Zam Zam, I could see how wrong my preconceived notions were. Never in my travels have I experienced a culture so inviting and met a people of such genuine kindness and warmth. It was initially difficult for me to rationalize how a people that have faced and still encounter such hardships could be so joyful and compassionate. Their collective countenance has forever left a profound impact on me. The people in Rwanda are some of the most deserving people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. The dedication of Yusuf and the whole Zam Zam team was clearly displayed every minute I spent with them.
Privilege - Experiences From Rwanda By Erica Ryan
Aside from forever changing my world view and further highlighting the privileges in my life which I all too often take for granted, there was another much deeper and more profound effect that is difficult to explain. There were moments of intense sadness juxtaposed by moments of inexplicable joy. I shed tears of both pain and laughter, and I made connections with people I hope will last a lifetime. The people of Rwanda were immensely kind, forgiving and welcoming. Zam Zamโs dedication to serving these communities by creating greater access to water is truly making a difference for these incredible people. I would definitely recommend people to get involved in any way that they can, it will truly change your life in the best way possible.
Beaming Smiles - Experiences From Rwanda By Monica Zuniga
Itโs incredibly difficult to consolidate my experiences in Rwanda into just one short paragraph. The people of Rwanda are the most original and genuine I have ever met. Despite the difficulties they have encountered, they still had bright, beaming smiles on their faces. Their positivity and forgiving demeanor have been an inspiration to me. Being able to meet these people and learn about their beautiful culture, alongside with the Zam Zam team, has been quite the honor. Zam Zamโs passion and commitment for serving the communities of Rwanda is evident through every action they take. This opportunity was absolutely amazing, and I am incredibly thankful to have been apart of it.
Effortless Love - Experiences From Rwanda By Zarina Mujadedy
We came to Rwanda to build trust with the villages, immerse ourselves in the culture and meet the families we are serving. We were met with genuine happiness in every village. They embody true humility and dignity. To think that these families have been affected by the evils of genocide and yet they have overcome it with so much grace; it is nothing short of inspiring.
Zam Zam has provided them with sustainable gardens and clean water that has prevented disease and malnutrition. In return, they have forever enriched our lives by showing us compassion and love. Seeing people living the most simple life with contentment was the most incredible experience.
Entering each village, I was overwhelmed and humbled by the kindness and love we received. Children from the village would approach us asking, โwhat is your name?โ โhow old are you?โ The children would come to us with the most precious smile and hold your hand and walk around the village with you. There was a sense of comfort visiting every village, a sense of ease. I witnessed love, kindness, and sincerity in a way I had not before. What was truly remarkable was that it all felt effortless.
VILLAGE VISITS
Our first time visiting a Zam Zam water project. We have been connected through photos and videos over the years, but nothing can compare to experiencing it in person. We spent the day visiting four water projects in the Bugesera District. All of Zam Zamโs projects in Rwanda are constructed in the Bugesera District, which is where the genocide began. Many members of this community were affected by the genocide.
The first project we went to visit was that of Jim Lossi and his family. Jim leads student groups on a trip to Rwanda to learn more about the people and the culture. In 2014, Yusuf Nessary (president, founder) was on one of these trips, it was after that visit that Zam Zam came to fruition. We are fortunate to take this trip with Jim and his family and being able to visit the project together. He has played a tremendous role in Zam Zam from the beginning, we are grateful for his kindness and generosity.
My excitement begins to increase as we are approaching the village, seeing the homes on the side of the road, warm and inviting smiles, children and adults excitedly waving as we pass, rows of farms near and far, the rolling green hills. We walk toward the village and we can already hear the singing. It was overwhelming to have such a warm and inviting welcome. The Rwandan people have shown us nothing but effortless love. As we entered the area of the water project, drums are playing, people dancing with the most brilliant smiles. In response we are clapping and in awe of the site. I was overcame by tears seeing a water project for the first time - I was in awe. To see the bright blue painted water project and the people that have benefited from this water and seeing the flourishing gardens was surreal.
NAYLA
A young girl came up to give a testimonial about the impact the water project has had on her life. Nayla, would walk 3 miles to fetch water for her family, so she was unable to attend school regularly. Since the water project, she no longer needs to travel a long distance to fetch water, instead she uses that time to attend school. Now she is top of her class, allowing her to reach her full potential in the classroom.
MURAMA
The second village we visited was the Murama Village. The water project and gardens were implemented this past summer in honor of Yusuf Noor and his family the village has been benefiting from this project for many months. The chief of the village and another person spoke to express their gratitude to Zam Zam. One woman said, as a result of the vegetable gardens the amount of hospital visits has decreased and due to better nutrition it has improved her eyesight.
RWAMACUMA
One of the most recently constructed projects, in memory of Fatima Hassuneh. Fatima, passed away earlier this year at the age of 18 in a tragic accident, she was struck by a bus as she was crossing the street. Her family and friends have dedicated these projects to their beloved Fatima.
The water project is still under construction in Rwamacuma and they have been provided with goats. As we are driving up the road, we can see the welcoming celebrations commence. Over a hundred people were standing by the road ready to greet us all. Drums are playing, singing and dancing toward the water tank. Weโre circled around as the performance continues by everyone. We then proceed to another area to hear from the village chief. The chief expressed his gratitude for implementing this project and that they are happy to have the Zam Zam team come personally visit them. He mentioned they will continue the legacy of Fatima and pray for her and her family.
RUHANGA
The water project is still under construction, the tank has been put in place but the village is yet to benefit from it and the gardens. They have already received goats for their village - goats are a source of milk and cheese. When the goats have offspring, they give one to a neighbor to share the benefits amongst everyone. This project is also dedicated to Fatima Hassuneh.
As we were leaving the village, everyone walked with us and began singing a farewell song. The song was unique to this village, the message was telling us not to leave and to return soon - indeed, we will return.
Rwanda has easily taken a place in our hearts, from the moment we walked out of the airport to meeting all the wonderful people in the villages. Iโve never felt more at ease than I have in Rwanda. We will be back, God-willing, to visit our second home.
Felician
Meet Felician. On our way to a village, we stopped by a water source used by locals and we met this villager. He works as a bricklayer, so he rides his bike 3km each way to fill up 5 jerry cans that weigh over 40 pounds. Felician lives in a village that Zam Zam has a water project in but does not to use the clean water to make bricks so he travels that distance 8 times a day to provide an income for his family.
Augustin
Meet our Rwandan partner, Augustin. A product of a Rwandan mother and a Congolese father, his childhood was plagued with interracial disputes. While living in a refugee camp in Rwanda, Augustinโs father was killed by an assassin hired by his paternal uncle. Two years later his mother passed away from lung cancer. As the eldest of four and despite these tribulations, his demeanor is coated with an unwavering level of contentment and cheer. His father once told him that a man must accept his fate or else he will be defeated by it. Instead of giving up, he and his siblings have turned tribulation into triumph by excelling in their academics. โWeโre okay, we all made itโ he put.
His uncle has reached out to him, provoking him to come and โavenge his fatherโs death,โ however his heart has no space for vengeance or hate. Not an uncommon characteristic for people in this region.
"Hope" - Experiences From Rwanda By James Losi
Many years ago, Yusuf Nessary was a student in my travel aboard program sponsored by Saint Maryโs College of California. As he studied many topics here in Rwanda, he was the student and I was the teacher. He was the follower and I was the leader of the class.
Yusuf is now the founder of the Zam Zam Water Project. A vision that began to percolate while he was a student here. As I am sitting here in the audience, watching and participating in the ceremony that will dedicate a new elementary school in the Bugasera District, I have come to realize a dramatic and welcomed change in Yusuf. As he presided over the dedication of the new Zam Zam Water Project school, I realized that I have become the student and Yusuf has become the teacher. He has become the leader and I, the follower.
There is something indeed special about Yusuf, Zam Zam and the many volunteers and advocates that have embraced the vision and mission. Yusuf, the mission of Zam Zam and the many volunteers possess an unrelenting passion for realizing the mission of Zam Zam under this unique veil of teamwork, selflessness and a never-ending sense of fun. It is remarkable to witness. It is even more remarkable to be able to participate and be a part of such an organization.
As I watched the schoolโs dedication with great pride in my heart, I tried to imagine what came before the new school that stood before me. I also tried to imagine what was there before the new water wells were built. The answer, fallow fields and a sense of hopelessness. Itโs not that the villagers were sad, it was just that they didnโt have a clear vision as to how their lives could possibly improve given their undeniable lack of access to clean water.
Zam Zam changed their lives today. It provided them with their own supply of clean water along with a new elementary school. The villagersโ reaction upon the dedication of the school and wells was stunning and inspiring. They had a new found sense of hope and optimism. It was at that moment when I listened to the singing and watched the many dancers, that I realize that Zam Zam is not in the water business. It is in the โhopeโ business.
Today was a great day! It has been a day that I shall never forgetโฆ
Become a part of the Zam Zam team and you too can bear witness to people driving hope was there was none. It is also a great deal of fun. Please come join us.
Remember, Reunite, Renew - Experiences From Rwanda By Mashall Rezayee
After numerous connecting flights and layovers, we are finally here. As we arrived at the airport, there was a sign that read โWelcome to the Land of a Thousand Hills.โ Despite only being in Rwanda for three days thus far, I fell in love the moment I saw those verdant, rolling hills rise up beneath the wings of the plane as we descended toward Kigali airport. We have come together for the soul purpose to learn about the way of life, history, and culture of the beautiful people of Rwanda.
In order to better serve this beautiful country, we headed out to learn about the darkest part of Rwandaโs history. The Nyamata Genocide Memorial is situated in the Bugesera region. Nyamata and the surrounding region suffered some of the most extensive devastation in 1994, a result of targeted attacks during the genocide against the Tutsis by the Hutus. The historical importance and extreme devastation on the Bugesera region is why Zam Zam chooses to implement wells in this area. Prefaced early on that it would be emotionally taxing, it proved to be that and so much more. When the Genocide began in April of 1994, many residents of the region gathered and sought protection at the local Catholic Church. The church was thought of as a place of refuge and of sanctuary where the militia would not dare to attack. Unfortunately, this was not the case. Approximately 10,000 civilians were killed in and around the church compound on April 10, 1994. As the marauding killers approached, people gathered in the church and padlocked the iron door that safeguarded the entrance.
Immediately, I was overcome with emotion stepping into the church. Growing up I always had an affinity for the stars and upon looking up inside it looked as though hundreds of constellations had been laid out. Suddenly reality hit that the ceiling was actually riddled with bullet holes, meant to target all the women and children inside. Clothing and belongings of the victims remained thrown about, including the original alter cloth, stained in blood. I thought of all the young children in my own family as I saw tiny shirts and shoes amidst the chaos of things. Where would we have gone to hide? After stepping back outside thatโs when I noticed a childrenโs school next door. In melodic fashion children could be heard laughing and playing in the courtyard. Curious and bright-eyed they took interest to our cameras and dealt out high-fives. It was as if it was a reminder that though the people of Rwanda have been through such an unimaginable tragedy they remain resilient, hopeful, and determined to create a better future.
Our next stop was a family farm in Bugesera. We were greeted by a gentle old man who proudly showed us his crops. His hands were calloused and bruised but his eyes were beaming with joy. Placed on a table were a colorful arrangement of seeds and crops used in traditional Rwandan cuisine. The emphasis on sustainable agriculture was evident, and the grounds of his home were enveloped in vast lush greenery. I was reminded of my hometown of Portland, Oregon and in that very moment though I was a world away, I have never felt so at home.
That same day we stopped by the millennium village project. Within seconds of getting off of the bus I was invited to take a seat by a women wearing a vibrant blue dress. Without uttering a single word, she taught me a weaving technique and handed it off to me. The women were all producing baskets โ these survivors of the Rwandan Genocide are transforming a society torn apart by gruesome ethnic violence through the dignity of work, opportunity, and economic empowerment. Each basket I purchased had a name on it, and upon checkout they made sure to make note of each women. In just one day it was clear to me how the country supports its women. Our translator for the day Obed mentioned โwomen are the heart of the home, and we must support them because they teach our children.โ I have always worked with women and childrenโs rights and health promotion throughout my young professional career. To hear repeatedly from the citizens of Rwanda that women are championed and equally apart of the fabric of their society makes me hopeful for other countries alike.
Our last stop of the day was a small village on the outskirts of Bugesera. The design of this village is one in which promotes community and reconciliation after the genocide. The perpetrator and survivor live in close quarters, forcing them to see each other everyday. The perpetrator asks for forgiveness, and once granted the healing process begins. The strength of the people of Rwanda is unlike any other place I have ever visited or read about. How could you live next door to someone who tried to kill your family? How could you actually feel forgiveness? In all my travels, I've never seen a country's population more determined to forgive, build and succeed than in Rwanda.
Reminder to self: Embrace life, strive for inner change, and always forgive.
Education Is Life - Experiences From Rwanda By Sadaf Akbarzadeh
Salaam Zam Zam family and friends, peace and blessings upon you. As eight of us: Yusuf, Zarina, Wais, Deeba, Omar, Zareena, Mashall, and I began our trip together to Rwanda- our sole purpose is to share our spiritual journey with you in regards to the accomplishments as well as ongoing projects we have attained with your support.
The combination of four tiring flights expanding over 36 hours and changing logistics, my heart began to race with each passing flight. I held in hand my final boarding pass for our connecting flight to Kigali, Rwanda. My mind-raced back to my very first contribution to Zam Zam two years back to this very village. Circumstances were far different, as my initial involvement was solely for my brother's well-being as he was critically battling cancer. Now, fast forward I was in Africa and hours away from meeting the people who prayed with my family and i at my darkest. I have made a personal commitment to the people of Rwanda as they continue to bring peace of mind and peace of heart to our lives.
Now, stepping off the plane, we were welcomed by our Rwandan family with warm hugs and immense hospitality. I was at a loss of words and fought back tears.
I hope our team regains everything they expect on this trip and may the selfness of our committed supporters continue to be accepted InshAllah. May we continue to lose ourselves in the servitude of our villagers here. May we be the firm voice of the voiceless.
Humbly,
Sadaf Akbarzadeh
