Considering that Rwanda has a turbulent and violent past, it is remarkable that the country is now on an upward trajectory due to recent development projects. Rwanda’s capital, Kigali, is modernizing rapidly as hotels, a national museum, and a few skyscrapers are being constructed. Rural areas are also being affected by new construction projects, including new roads and the laying of miles-long fiber optic cable. The government intends to provide its entire population with access to internet. These recent developments in Rwanda are truly exciting – one of the smallest countries on the continent is spending its own money (not donor funds) on projects that will push it forward into the 21st century. The government’s plan to lay more than $100 million worth of fiber optic cable, and connect its citizens through the web, will provide “some of the world’s poorest people with access to one of the richest resources: knowledge.” In addition, during the recent United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG) summit, Rwanda was hailed for its good work in achieving the MDGs, particularly towards maternal and child health. Go Rwanda!
- Clare Ortblad
SOURCE: NYTimes
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