Bridges To Prosperity – Rwanda

• October 16, 2024

Situated at the heart of Rwanda, Kigali stretches gracefully over a beautiful landscape. The city's well-maintained roads branch out, seamlessly connecting it to the rest of the country. With a population just exceeding a million, Kigali's distinctive charm is felt throughout the region.

Yet, just 5.6 miles beyond this urban haven lies a stark contrast. In the communities of Cyahafi, Rwanda, the Kiryango River serves as a symbol of missed opportunities. During the rainy season, it becomes a harsh reminder of the hardships faced by residents who depend on crossing the river to access vital resources. That is where the Bridges to Prosperity team comes in.

THE JOURNEY TO BUILDING A BRIDGE

On March 2, 2024, our team of volunteers landed in Kigali, and the next day, we began our road trip to Cyahafi in two Safari Land Cruisers. Taking on the challenge of building a bridge in Rwanda came with both anticipated and unforeseen difficulties. From navigating unfamiliar landscapes to overcoming language barriers, each logistical hurdle pushed our team to find creative solutions. Every challenge became an opportunity to grow, as resilience and determination transformed obstacles into moments of empowerment.

In partnership with Bridges to Prosperity (B2P), our team committed to building this bridge, aligning with B2P's mission to create "a world where poverty caused by rural isolation no longer exists." The dedicated team of volunteers joined forces with the local community and the B2P staff to complete the 120m Cyahafi suspended bridge in Rwanda. This bridge will provide year-round safe access to over 1,200 people in the area.

THE TEAM AND EXPERIENCES

This bridge was more than just a construction project. It was about creating lasting impact. Joel Blair, Southland's Safety Manager, joined the team with a simple mission in mind: "I wanted to put my name on something that would last longer than me." And that sentiment seemed to resonate with everyone involved. Building this bridge wasn't just about safety protocols and ensuring the well-being of the team-it was about creating a lasting legacy for future generations in Rwanda.

Ben Okundia, Deputy Project Manager, emphasized the importance of service. "If you're passionate about people and have an opportunity to help, don't be scared." He saw the project as more than just bridging a gap across a river; it was about bridging opportunity gaps for the local community. His motivation came from his desire to connect people to opportunities-whether that's bridging a river or bridging the gap between fear and service.

For Kitty DiFalco, who has been with American Bridge Company for eight years as a project engineer, the B2P initiative resonated deeply with her personal values. She described her work as helping "children, adults, and even livestock safely cross dangerous situations." DiFalco had first participated with B2P as an intern back in 2016, and this project further fueled her passion for ensuring the safety and well-being of people in underserved areas.

Aidan Williams, Southland's Communications Lead, reflected on the warmth of the Rwandan people and the cleanliness of the streets. He brought toys for local children, witnessing their excitement firsthand. "Seeing their faces light up with joy is a memory I'll never forget," he said.

The technical challenges were many, from rugged terrain to manual labor, but the spirit of collaboration kept the project moving forward. Brendan Bresser, Senior Field Engineer, noted that although certain methods were more labor-intensive than expected, the team adapted quickly and worked alongside the local community. "Some challenges we encountered here were not typical. Backfilling with an excavator could have been used instead of manual labor, but this site required throwing rocks into a hole by hand," he explained.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Connection

In the end, the Cyahafi Bridge project was about more than just steel cables and planks. It was about human connection-between volunteers and the local community, between the past and the future. As Kwadwo Osei Akoto, who has been with American Bridge for over 34 years, reflected, "This bridge represents not just physical connectivity but also bridges the gaps in opportunities and empowers individuals to dream bigger and reach higher."

Through hard work, passion, and a shared commitment to leaving the world better than they found it, the Southland and American Bridge teams have once again shown the transformative power of service. The Cyahafi Bridge will stand for years to come-a symbol of perseverance, collaboration, and the simple yet profound impact of connecting people to possibilities.