Day of the African Child

 Today I went to Nyamyumba, the sector of Rubavu district that overlooks lake Kivu, to observe the sector’s belated celebration of Day of the African Child. (They said they were celebrating on a Sunday so the children would be free to participate, but I’m pretty sure they just couldn’t get organized in time for Wednesday.) Several classes from each of the sector's primary and secondary schools assembled for the festivities.

Although the day was quite long, I enjoyed watching the children’s performances, particularly the dancing. Pictured below is the sector's executive secretary, giving a speech. Behind the crowd you can see lake Kivu and clouds settling over the Congolese mountains. Also note the kids who climbed the trees for a better view, wearing only foam sandals or with bare feet. (Click to enlarge.)

The celebration was not without irony: following multiple speeches against child abuse of various kinds, as the crowd of children crept forward to better see the acrobatics, karate, and drama performances, several headmasters used sticks to beat the children back.

At the end of the festivities, I was pulled up to dance the traditional Rwandan intori dance. Afterwards the sector’s executive secretary told me that I dance very well!