A day to remember

Rob on a moving days coaching.

The poignancy that we all experienced at the end of day two at ROP was echoed during the first session of day three. We returned to the Kicukiro Oval for our first coaching session there, located a stone's throw away from the Ecole Technique, scene of a brutal massacre of 2800 people during the genocide. The fact we coached over 150 smiling eager children over the course of the morning on the same ground where twenty years ago the very worst aspects of humanity were exhibited in such barbaric fashion gave rise to a strange juxtaposition of emotions. Although the children give no indication of their nation's dark past, we cannot forget the events that took place. We must strive, however, to balance this with encouraging the burgeoning development evident in abundance as we coach and spread HIV/AIDS awareness in this fascinating country.

The session itself was terrific, and very probably my favourite session so far. The energy of the children was seemingly limitless and the greater area over which we operated meant I for one shouted myself hoarse many times over. We conveyed our HIV/AIDS awareness messages, our crucial raison d'etre, in a multitude of elegant and effective ways. Admittedly both groups of children few coached from St Esprit were particularly well versed in their ABCs, but I really got the feeling that our methods helped to cement not only what the letters stood for, but both the underlining meaning of the words and the reasons why adhering to them are important.

A forty minute break between groups gave us ample time for some unbounded fun, with the children practising the skills they'd learned in the formal coaching in a more independent, and chaotic, environment. Project Leader Lee was at his Boycottian best, 'allowing' a series of kids to bowl at him in what must be Rwanda's only cricket net. Although he smacked yours truly around the park, most of the Rwandans had him looking distinctly village. It was clear from observing the quality of the bowling and the enthusiasm of the children that Rwandan cricket has a bright future. It was excellent to see a couple of the teachers getting involved too.

The team then split for the afternoon session, with Tracey and Lee heading to Kagarame whilst the rest of the group drove to Nderra school, located in a more rural area than we had been working in previously. I can only say that it is fortunate we didn't do the opposite, as two-thirds of the way in, the session at Nderra descended into what I can only describe as unbridled joyous chaos with the arrival of several hundred extra children of all ages. Myself and Alan were midway through a perfect visual message about the importance of abstaining and protecting ourselves when I suddenly noticed I was being watched avidly by an additional hundred or so primary school kids. I don't doubt that none of the could understand a word of what I was saying (who can?) but if the message filters through to only one of them, it will be a job well done.

After some resemblance of order was restored, by which I mean most of the kids went back to school, we were treated to an impromptu game of genuine cricket. The children involved had been under Eric's tutelage for a while and it showed. It reinforced the impression of the potential there is in Rwanda and gave the opportunity to give specific one-on-one coaching advice. What was really striking is how positively the children responded to Eric. Having a role model who is affable, inspiring and engaged is so important for children’s development in not just sport, but life in general.

We rounded off the day by returning to Fawe Girl's School, where we held two games of Pairs Cricket. The girl's involved had barely played cricket in any form, let alone one so similar to the sport we know and love, and it was astonishing to see how quickly they picked up the nuances of the game. Unfortunately my team were beaten by an impressive team under the guidance of Alan, but crucially fun was had by all. After the conclusion of the cricket, we stayed to talk and interview the girls and teachers and I was staggered by how erudite and eloquent some of the girls were. The conversation I had with one particular girl will stay with me forever. One of the important messages CWB has running through it is about gender equality, and the girls at Fawe Girl's School are a terrific advert for that. Truly a day to remember.