Mama and TEDx in Kigali

We rushed home to make it to a TEDx event that was being held in Kigali on Friday!  Since I don't know how to explain it very well... 

I am copying the introduction to TEDx from the internet in the next few lines in blue.   

"TEDx was created in the spirit of TED's mission, "ideas worth spreading." The program is designed to give communities, organizations and individuals the opportunity to stimulate dialogue through TED-like experiences at the local level.

At TEDx events, a screening of TED Talks videos -- or a combination of live presenters and TED Talks videos -- sparks deep conversation and connections. TEDx events are fully planned and coordinated independently, on a community-by-community basis.

  What you'll find at every TEDx event...:

The content and design of each TEDx event is unique and developed independently, but all TEDx events have several features in common. TED's celebrated format: A suite of short, carefully prepared talks, demonstrations and performances (given live, or through TED Talks from TED.com) on a wide range of subjects to foster learning, inspiration and wonder -- and to provoke conversations that matter 

TED Talks videos: A minimum of two pre-recorded talks from the acclaimed TED Talks video series (these talks are available free on TED.com)  Bias-free programming: Lack of any commercial, religious or political agenda

              So, why did we rush home to be in Kigali for this event?   

Well, for one thing 3-4 of my AIC friends

 had a lot to do with the planning of it.  But more importantly to us was that Mama Arlene from Urukundo Children's Home would be one of the speakers...What we didn't know is that she would be the LAST one and that she would start speaking after 11pm.  

But the whole evening had some real highlights!

 TEDx took place in "THE OFFICE" in the city.  It is an up and coming "think out of the box" kind of place and many of the youth (folks under 35ish)  are flocking here to express their creativity. 

We were roof top for the speakers...

Using the resources they had.

 Innocent, Eva and Mathias... waiting and waiting
for things to start. 

My friend Juliet --the photographer for the evening. 

This set brought a little warmth to the "staging" area but
I don't think it was ever used.  

The whole stage complete with Dino.

Jonathan opening the evening. 

Gertrude was the 1st speaker.  She is an AIC friend
and chair of our Activity team. 

She is South African and was in solitary confinement
during the Apartheid.  Quite a story. 

This man had something to do with some
kind of computer training with IT.
Sorry i can't remember his name.  

Angel did a poem rap... 

about fabulous Rwanda!
It was superb!!!!

There were two other speakers....  a teacher

and a coach

and Finally----- at 11 something---
 Arlene was on.  

She spoke of her family in the States and her family in Rwanda.

What life was like when she was young.. much like life here now...and how she came to be here as a Mama for 40 kids and hundreds of kids in the village. 

 Little baby Jacob is the newest baby.
He came to Mama on day 1- about 
6 months ago. 

David has been reading since he was 3 and
he is quite a young man at 5.  

Claudine is the miracle story...or another one of them. 

Diana came to Urukundo Children's Home after
her mother had taken a bite out of her sweet baby's
cheek.  Diane is about 1 now and will someday
need surgery.

Arlene's message was one of love.
The love that Urkundo (which means love)
provides for its kids, the love she has for the kids,
for their education and the love of the children towards her. 

She was terrific and very inspiring.  The whole

evening was fun...  There were also 2 movie shorts....older TEDx
clips that were fun and creative,  as well. 

All in all it was a fun evening... but a tad long. 
Apparently this is the routine evening... for TEDx
and perhaps more for young people!

We older folk needed a little nap! 

All except Arlene... She was still going strong at 82!!! 

We're proud of you Mama Arlene. 
You did a great job!  

love,
margie