Compromised Dreams: 3 Stories of Sacrifice and Loss

Lunch at the small office I work for in Kigali usually consists of pleasant conversations and laughter. One day last week, it was just myself and two coworkers, Josephine and Yvonne, and we began to talk about our futures, sharing how many children we each want and imagining what it…

Lara Heskestad

Lara Heskestad is originally from upstate New York and currently works for a small NGO in Rwanda.

Why healthcare is progressing in Rwanda

Healthcare in Rwanda has come a long way over the past couple of decades, with leaps in access to quality care that have made Rwanda a model for success compared to its neighbors. But what are some of the real reasons behind the positive outcomes of these efforts? Why is…

Lara Heskestad is originally from upstate New York and currently works for a small NGO in Rwanda.

Boko Haram is a social problem not just a security issue

The new Nigerian government needs to start taking more aggressive action against Boko Haram as well as addressing the social issues that have resulted in the ever-increasing support for the militia. Everyday I read news reports on those killed by the militant group but what real action is being taken?…

Crisis in Burundi

When Burundi’s ruling CNDD-FND party won majority of the parliamentary seats on June 29th polls, the future could not have appeared brighter for President Pierre Nkurunziza. For one thing, it has set the mood for July 21st presidential elections. However, Mr Nkurunzizaís bid for a third mandate has plunged the…