a vision for 2050

This was Rwandan dancing at a dinner we had during the conference on medical education in Rwanda. The conference has been excellent. We met some fabulous people who are doing interesting work in many areas to improve health care and medical education in Rwanda. There were representatives of organizations from USA, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, South Africa, Ethiopia, and, of course, Dr Jeanne (chief of anesthesia) and I presented on the CASIEF project. CASIEF is the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Internation Education Fund and it is through CASIEF that Genevieve and I are in Rwanda.

We met people who have spent decades in Africa and expressed opinions that Rwanda is one of the few countries in Africa where you can make a difference. Part of that must be because of the incredible openness we have found in the people. There is also a huge sense of goodwill and a desire for partnerships. Rwanda has a long term vision for development, which is quite comprehensive. There are goals for 2020 and 2050!

There are always signs of people's warmth: the residents all shaking each others hands before teaching rounds, the triple kiss, greetings and smiles on the streets.

We are heading to Virunga to see the gorillas this weekend and we'll be back on Sunday.

Patty