Investing in the Future of Rwanda

2 March 2015Calder M, Privett '15, MUN Captain

It was a cold and blustery night by the shores of the Mill Bay. Huddled inside the MacLean classroom was the prestigious NHSMUN delegation. Greeted by a warm smile, the delegates of this year’s National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) team met Brentwood Parent, Mrs. Ellen Frisch to discuss foreign investment and economics in Rwanda. Her background in international relations and investment provided our delegates with the unforgettable opportunity to further our knowledge for our 13-day peregrination to New York over Spring Break. Mrs. Frisch provides management consulting services that have led her company (Ellen Frisch & Associates) to pursue projects in Africa. Throughout the one-hour session, she explained the types of industry, cultural relations and historical background of Rwanda and answered piercing questions from the sharp minds of our delegates. The following Monday, Ms. Michelle Redfern met with our delegation to share her experiences as a social worker in a refugee camp shortly after the Rwandan genocide in 1994. It was an emotional presentation. The camp, named Mugunga, housed and fed over 250,000 displaced people. "Refugees," she explained, "only received $1 per day for health care," which was entirely inadequate. Most supplies were transported into the camps as a result of foreign aid. The camp was located near the foot of Mt. Nyiragongo, a volcano, which meant the barren landscape covered in pumice rock was very difficult to live on and work with. She remains in contact with many of the Rwandan friends she met during her time there. We felt honored that Ms. Redfern was willing to share her experiences with us. Our delegates would like to thank Mrs. Frisch and Ms. Redfern for spending time with our class and sharing their knowledge about Rwanda. It was a privilege to have had this experience, and their knowledge will aid us tremendously in New York as we represent Rwanda at the Model United Nations! Calder M, Privett ’15, MUN Captain ?

Where Students Choose To Be