Umuganda - A Process to Beautify Rwanda...

I made a promise to blog about Umuganda, and I admit it's really an interesting topic to share.  Umuganda is the Kinyarwanda word meaning 'contribution.'  Researching the issue, I found a blog from the excellent organization Kiva (www.kiva.org), and given my shortage of time, I will re-produce some of that blog here, for a former Kiva Fellow working in Rwanda (for the original post, go here).

In Rwanda, there is a mandatory community service day from 7:00am to noon on the last Saturday of each month.  The day is called Umuganda, meaning “contribution”.  The start of this practice predates colonial times and is still practiced today.  All able bodied persons over the age of 18 are expected to participate in volunteer community work.  Participation in Umuganda is usually supervised by a manager, or Umudugudu, who oversees a group of households (usually between 50 and 150).  Not participating in Umuganda without authorization can lead to a fine or arrest.

On this day, business activity halts, no public transportation operates, and people are seen everywhere working.  Most commonly people participate by cleaning streets, cutting grass and trimming bushes along roads, or repairing public buildings.  People with skills may offer their services for free on this day.  For example, doctors may offer free medical service and teachers may offer free classes.  Similar to microfinance, Umuganda helps to further economic development and makes the country less dependent on donor contributions.

The benefits of Umuganda are not merely economic.  The day is intended to build community involvement and strengthen connections between people.  Also, since everyone is expected to work, it gives people a chance to come in contact with all members of the community.  One benefit of this is that people can access authorities and inquire or voice opinion about various issues.

Okay - back to me now...

I admit, I have not participated in Umuganda activities, yet, but I will.  Should we do this in the States?  You bet!  Before I leave, I'll get more information, including a little research on the laws, and penalties for not participating, and share it with ya'll.