Ambassador

Saturday we had the opportunity to meet the new ambassador to Rwanda, Erica Barks-Ruggles. She was sworn in January 2015 having come from S. Africa. Staff of the Embassy and Americans working for NGOs and living in Rwanda were invited to the outside social for food, discussion and later an outdoor movie. We left before the movie as we try not to drive too late on the roads at night.

Highlights of the ambassadors comments:
*The embassy is there to promote US investments and trade to build the global economy and health & education.

*US policy is determined by US interests and most of the times they align and coincide. Projects must be sustainable and build democratic institutions.

*Peacekeeping - Rwanda is the 5th largest peacekeeping country in the world and 2nd in Africa after Ethiopia. There is a great coalition agreement between the US and Rwandan governments, US and Rwandan NGO's and the private sector.

*There are 30,000 US visitors a year that spend $300M.

*Assistance partners spend $180M / year with 65% supporting health projects, 25% education and 10% economic development programs.

*115 peace corps volunteers in Rwanda specialize in health and education, English learning and teaching in rural schools.

*New initiatives for 2015 will focus on peacekeeping, wildlife and climate change.