Economic Development

As Peace Corps volunteers we came here to do a lot of things; to teach English, to find ourselves, to better the world, to learn about a foreign culture, to pad our resumes. The list is long and varied and some answers are more honest than people would like to hear but at the end of the day, “encouraging development” always makes its way on there. Economic development is probably the most widely understood use of that term and although we are education volunteers and currently we are only trainees, I have already begun to see our impact on the local economy. Our salaries, although meager, have indeed been an influx of cash into the areas where we reside. The bar we frequent for brocettes (grilled meat on a stick) has been able to finance a complete paint job; going from a drab whitish-gray to a festive and eye scorching orange with Rwandan colored trim (blue, green and yellow). Additionally, there are two stores located within walking distance of our main building affectionately named “The Hub.” Up until this week there was a clear line as to which store was getting more business. Despite being smaller and smelling like a shoebox, Donati’s on the corner was the go to spot as they had sodas, phone minutes, and petroleum three of the most key ingredients to a trainee’s survival. The other goods such as Amandazi (like a fried dough ball), water, bananas, and matches were available for the exact same price and brand at both. The only advantage store number 2 had was avocados and aroma. As training has worn on Donati has become our friend and proven himself the better businessman by special ordering things for the Muzungus and always keeping Fanta in stock. But it seems the X &  Y theory of economics finally made its way to our tiny village. This week a new set of people took over shop number 2, set out a fancy new sign declaring their improved ware, and got right back in the game. The shops now sell literally the same items with shop number 2 having more food such as carrots and potatoes and traitor that it might make me I have switched camps immediately. There is something nice about being able to walk physically inside the store without touching any of the walls or other patrons, and it appears the new owners know something about shelf displays instead of throwing things around willy-nilly. Plus we came here to spread the wealth around right? And Donati already has his fair share of loyal supporters.