Over the past 3 months I have spent my time adjusting to the life in Banda Village. The adventures have been numerous and the lessons priceless. My goals and objectives were based entirely around what I thought the experience would be like, and it has been so much more.
The moment I arrived in the forest I was enchanted,
and after a slippery intense ride down the water soaked clays we arrived. The
night was dark, but the greetings were warm and friendly despite the weather. I
had no idea what my surroundings actually looked like, and my mind raced
through the night...what am I in for?
People interested in people... difference, both
physical and cultural bring about curiosity and sometime uncertainty. The
people are warm and friendly; interested and excited. The landscape of Banda is
not a flat running track – altitude comes and goes within every 5 minute walk.
Banana plantations and fields of cultivated lands stretch out and over the
close hills. The atmosphere is warm and electric, but so relaxing and
refreshing at the same time.
The challenge of training potential team members for
the up and coming Eco lodge development was one which I anticipated to be
challenging and exciting. It was, and became a constant source for creation as
I adjusted each section to the class needs. The learning was twofold; much of
it was on my part.
The idea of training isn’t a foreign concept to most
people, either you have been trained or been an actual trainer at some
stage...simply enough. However, in Banda the basic necessities for a person to
simply survive far outweigh any other option they may be presented with. The
daily chore of water collection, farming and care for other family members is a
constant. A large focus on my training was that of “African Time” and how that
wasn’t a good reason to miss manage your time, a simple concept allowing people
the opportunity to be too flexible in their daily operations. After many years
experience in the “service & hospitality” industry I have reached the
conclusion that time is essential. For many of us, arriving late for a meeting
or appointment is unacceptable and simply a sign of disrespect.
Life in Banda is simple...people walk, everywhere, not
a bit here and there; they walk great distances in terribly difficult terrain.
The children are introduced to the standard practice of bearing heavy loads on
their heads form the moment they learn to use their feet. There is not an
underlying rule about being too young to work or carry. The women of Banda are
remarkable and responsible for the majority of daily chores. Siblings care for
siblings and often a child of 7 or 8 carry and look after their younger brother
or sister.
The setting of this community is inspiring in every
sense of the word. The mountains tower around the village, peering at
development from a distance. The Nyungwe forest echoes from nearby and
stretches many miles. The sounds of children playing and primates screeching
fill my ears with complete contrast and surface symbiosis. I have often
wondered why the houses in Banda never seem to face the forest, or the
view...the forest is known but not a stranger to investigation. It has been a
life source for this community forever. The forest brings clean rain water down
the steams, reduces erosion and provides arable land – intern a source of
livelihood for many. Titled as poaching it simply means food and revenue...an
understanding passed down from time to time.
I aimed to bring hope, and with that hope the
opportunity to learn, grow and develop. By many regards this has been true, and
much of it on me. I have learned the value of running water, the simple things
I have taken for granted...candle light conversation and actually talking with
people instead of standard television mindlessness. My biggest challenge has been a lack of communication; I
only wish I could have communicated more...broken conversation filled the daily
walk around the village.
I can say
this with certainty....this is a magical place grasping onto development and
help with both hands; not out of necessity but shear will to develop and grow.
Each day my team members would arrive from the day’s chores from far off, some
as many as 5 kilometres off, hot and tired but charged and ready to be
involved. The greatest understanding I gained was the simplistic manner of
choice; work of any kind now, outweighed the potential promise of work to come. The team grew and shrank all in
one...daily development for those growing, and some disappearing into the
distance of current livelihood. One thing is certain; Team Banda will be
dedicated to providing a great hospitality service to anyone who dares the
adventure that Rwanda and Nyungwe has too offer.
My time is up, for this adventure at least and I say
with certainty this will not be my last visit to Banda. I am truly grateful
that Kageno presented me with this opportunity and allowed me to live the Banda
life. My departure is one of confusion...split by sadness and joy. Joy for the
return to family and friends at home in South Africa, but sadness for the
simple Banda life I leave behind; the sound of children laughing in the
distance, the peace of nights rest and the sea of smiles and curiosity that
flow continuously. The challenge of new bird identification and understanding
another word in a confusing dialect – so much to learn, so much to long for, so
much to love.
This is an experience superior to high end luxury
travel, people are brutally honest and clear, but warm, friendly and generous
in its truest form...not being paid to smile, just smiling to welcome you. You
will be blessed to have come to Banda, make sure you do.
Simon Collier
Hospitality Training Consultant
What a wonderful and eloquent article my Sims. I knew, from all that you told me, that the Banda experience was one in a life time! Now, on reading your article and reflecting on your words, I feel truly humbled.
Posted by: Lyn Collier | 13 December 2009 at 10:24 PM
Great article son - I'm proud of what you did and the manner in which you have written this article.
Posted by: P. Collier | 30 November 2009 at 06:09 AM