I'm back in kigali, staying at the okapi, although I'm about to move to the solace ministries guest house, which is more convenient for the interviewing.
I continue to be fascinated by all the little details of Rwandan life, particularly the collective culture and its pluses and minuses. The minus is public opinion, what people say and think and how much rwandans act to avoid censure. Sylvia told me that Rwandan couples often will not divorce, because it is too shameful. Instead they put on the appearance of happiness in public, and in private lead separate lives.
She and Eric both say that the force of public opinion is diminishing in the city, which is good sociology.
I asked about the street children. Apparently their parents send them out to beg, to make a little money for the household. I say parents but it is often only one parent, maybe disabled by the genocide or for some other reason. The effect is that they don't go to school, which perpetuates the poverty. Apparently it is illegal to give them money in some places, and people who do so are fined.
Also, there is no social security in Rwanda, except for people who work for the government, so people work till they die.
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CArl - I sent you a comment about your success with Vincent and social security - but forgot to look for the secret word that is required before a post is published.
ReplyDeleteI hope you got it privately - it was very complimentary on your stalkg V until he caved in and reminded me of your pacing in front of Lowengrub's office. When you retire you might consider writing a book about how to get grant money in academia!
hope things continue to go well.