Published June 07, 2009 @ 05:53PM PT

First, I would like to say thanks to all of the people who have joined our efforts! All of us at The Ihangane Project are so grateful for the support of people who see the importance of continuing support for projects in Africa even as our economy hits a serious rough patch. When I went to Rwanda for the first time in 2006, I was impressed with the amount of funding and technical support that large international organizations had contributed to create an HIV-care infrastructure. These groups were working with the Rwandan government and within the existing health care system (to a certian extent), although largely following the lead of the national decision-makers rather than those on the ground in local jurisdictions. As I saw all of the work being d... Read More

Published May 29, 2009 @ 10:09AM PT

One day, while walking to the top of "The Highest Mountain" in Ruli Rwanda, my Rwandan friend Ngarambe asked me why I was walking so fast. I didn't understand the question until I arrived at the top of the hill, completely out of breath, panting, and ready to keel over! I looked at my friend who was still making his way to the top, and I suddenly understood the meaning of the question. He arrived at the top, rested, smiling and without any change in his breathing pattern. "Ihangane", he said..."Be Patient". I have learned many great life lessons from my Rwandan friends, but this has been one of the most important. We named our organization The Ihangane Project, against the advice of many, for several reasons. The first is that it represents the reality that sustainable development takes... Read More

Published February 19, 2009 @ 07:45PM PT

Welcome to The Ihangane Project! Our organization is based on the belief that people are looking for a lift up rather than a hand out.  While in Rwanda in 2006, as a physician consultant for an HIV-related organization, I was impressed with the amount of local Rwandan people who had innovative ideas about how to address the daily struggles of those living in their community. They often reminded me that HIV-related issues in Rwanda may need to be addressed differently than we do in the United States. For example, providing income generation for impoverished women would likely be as affective against HIV acquisition as much of our current HIV prevention programs. They were looking for technical and financial support to develop these ideas, but were struggling... Read More