DISQUS

DISQUS Hello! Mindtangle is using DISQUS, a powerful comment system, to manage its comments. Learn more.

Community Page

Mindtangle

Jump to original thread »
Author

Mugunga

Started by enguyen · 7 months ago

Mugunga is a large area outside Goma where many have fled to during the conflicts and natural disasters of the last decade. In the last month, its population has swelled once again, as people have moved there to keep safe from the fighting North and West of Goma. I’ve included an exc ... Continue reading »

5 comments

  • chris

    1 year ago

    It is utterly fascinating to read about your experiences and the situations you describe; so completely different from my daily life now. How long did it take you to get used to? Are you used to it?

    I hope the school and the kids stay out of conflict and that instability passes them by.

    Good inspiring work Eric, thank you for sharing.
    reply
  • enguyen

    1 year ago

    Used to it... No, not at all. The fundamental experience stems from a simple, knowable fact: I am vastly more fortunate than the people I meet/see here, and that disparity is completely arbitrary.

    That simple reality manifests itself in new and surprising ways every day; no matter how much time you spend integrating your experiences, the next day will remind you of that basic fact in a new way. From dinner table conversation, I find that even those who have been here for years have new reasons to shake their heads, new reasons to fight the inequity through their work.

    Thanks for reading, man.
    reply
  • Ken Nguyen

    1 year ago

    Emerging markets fascinate me, and Goma is no exception. Of course I've never been to one that was so closely located to violence. Have you had any conversations with the locals about how they feel about the current state of things? Are they generally hopeful for the future, or are they pessimistic about positive changes? What percentage of the population can speak English? What does your typical child say he/she wants to be, or accomplish when they grow older?
    reply
  • Grace

    1 year ago

    Picture of the classroom and your description fits the way we went to school in Vietnam: 50-60 kids in a classrom, elbow to elbow. This was one of the reason why no one was allowed to write left-handed. When visitor or teacher entered the room, all stood up and said greeting in unison. We did learn a lot though and became successful contributing human beings. Let's hope the beautiful children at Mugunga will become wonderful adults. War is so primitive and aweful!

    Thanks for sharing your unique experience in Africa. We miss you. Love, Mom
    reply
  • Laura Sera

    1 year ago

    Hey Eric! Just found your blog and am so glad to hear what you are up to. Art, Bridget and I reached home on Monday and our bags just made it last night. They got waylaid in Brussels. Tomorrow night we will be showing Lumo at our church and I brought home some bracelets that the women at Healing Arts made to share after the movie. I think about everyone there and at HEAL Africa all the time. Say hello for me. Stay healthy and safe. Laura
    reply

Add New Comment

Returning? Login