As a late arrival from the Street Child Cricket World Cup in India, it was a joy to feel the now familar warmth of Rwanda again as I travelled to meet the team in Kayonza. Warmth in weather terms but, more importantly, warmth in terms of the welcome, with smiles beaming out from the vast majority of Rwandans I meet.
Typically, there was no record of my hotel booking when I arrived in Kigali after 2am, and after various good-natured disputes with both staff and the boss (on the phone), I paid a second time so I could get a few hours’ sleep and a cold shower.
But the next morning was a Rwandan delight. I took a ‘moto’ (motorbike taxi) through rush hour with backpack to the bus station, bus to Kayonza (which involved filling every last seat available and putting in unfeasibly large amounts of luggage to the extent – some went on the dashboard, limiting the driver’s view of the road!) and amazing views of the Rwandan countryside with locals working in the fields. Another highlight was seeing what can be carried on a bicycle – often huge branches of bananas but also occasionally sofas and the like!
Eventually I met up with the team after one final moto, and it was a joy to see Eddie (our local driver) again, who greeted me with a big hug. At the ground it was wonderful to see the kids loving their chance to play cricket and the team working together to give them the best experience possible. As a late arrival, I got the group of assembled youngsters to play a game of catch and was reminded what a joy a tennis ball brings to Rwandan kids.
In the afternoon, we coached a group of secondary school kids, who were at the very start of their cricketing journey. On our bowling station Ally, Josh and I nearly lost our voices shouting “karambure” (straight arm) – but it was gratifying seeing the children starting to improve their bowling. Even more gratifying were the conversations as we wrapped up: how is HIV linked to cricket? How long will I need to practise to get good at cricket? How many times a week should I practise?
Their clear enthusiasm was evident at the time, but afterwards that was re-emphasised with a conversation with the head teacher. The kids had asked if they could play more cricket tomorrow!
The weather then hit – but being a predominantly British team we didn’t let that stop us. We had a very pleasant drink overlooking Lake Muhazi (photo) as we sheltered from torrential thunderstorms and lightning.
Not for the first time, I was reminded of just what an incredible experience a CWB trip can be, igniting enthusiasm for cricket with the children, building friendships with our brilliant local coaches, and seeing and feeling the lovely spirit that has built up within the volunteer team.
It continued on Tuesday, too (and even some teachers joined in, as you can see from the photo).. By now, the team work as one. Eric Ndanga leads and gives everyone their responsibilities. Gabby oversees the cricket and we have experienced support from Fredy, a CWB ambassador with fantastic English. If the team ever need translation support then Eric, Fredy and another local coach, Joseph, are on hand.
Tuesday afternoon was five sets of ‘rapid fire’ strewn around a large (but undulating!) secondary-school field. The kids started as surly teenagers but ended the session loving their cricket and wanting more.
It is such a lovely feeling to know our efforts are changing the way some of them feel about sport, and cricket in particular.
We could be behind a desk in the UK … and we’re all agreed just how much we love being here instead!
Ed Lamb – Ended a marriage over my obsession with cricket, but is now too old to play properly and I’m a veteran of several CWB trips.
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