Three Lessons I Have Learned From Rwandan Communities | Joel Olson | TEDxLangleyED

What do you think of when you hear the name “Rwanda”? The first thing that comes to mind for many people is “genocide”. However, after moving to Rwanda 18 months ago, Joel has experienced a powerfully different Rwanda.
Joel will share three valuable lessons that he has learned about community while living in Rwanda. They apply to all of us regardless of our background, life experience, or vocation.
These lessons from the Rwandan people should inspire us to look within our communities and ourselves in order to create transformation. The country of Rwanda and the people have a lot to teach us about forgiveness, reconciliation and the power of community. Joel Olson was born and raised in BC's Lower Mainland, mostly residing in Langley, BC. Joel is married to Amy and together they have three children aged 10, 8 and 5 years old. He worked as a Grade 6 & 7 teacher and educational leader in the Langley School District from 2005-2016. Joel has a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership (K-12). His thesis research included improving parent-teacher communication using technology, with a focus on effective practice for teachers and school leaders.
In August 2016, Joel and his family moved to Rwanda, Africa to use his passion for educational leadership. He is currently working with the Wellspring Foundation for Education as a technical consultant and education adviser in a Kigali school. He comes alongside school leaders, develops teachers, involves parents, and partners with the local community to implement sustainable initiatives at the Wellspring Academy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@Magajiada]

Wow! so proud of the Rwandan people

[@davidk9382]

Thank you Joel. As a Rwandan, nothing makes me happier than to hear of people going there and feeling what I've felt all my life: A sense of awareness to what makes life worth living. I am so excited to come back home and settle down after my studies abroad (in fact I studied a few years in Canada, lovely people, probably my favorite western country by a large margin, although I don't like playing favorites). I hope one day maybe we can meet and come up with more amazing solutions for this beautiful land and people. Education is number one and you have done God's work, and it is not thankless. I thank you with my deepest heart.

[@deionle9355]

love you all rwanda vietnamese american from california

[@pasteurbyabeza]

so proud to be rwandan

[@realworlddramatv7113]

Thank God for Mr.Paul

[@theogenekayiranga7440]

SO greatly put! Well done Joel. I have had a great privilege to work with you. You spoke very highly of Rwanda!

[@cynthiamutete9167]

Thank you Joel. This is powerful...we should learn from Rwanda.

[@lucerto9252]

I agree

[@steveeriksen7351]

Well Done Joel!

[@taeyongkim7636]

I'm proud to be one of your student of 2019/2020

[@whissama7645]

We literally need more people like you... In the world...

[@penelopesinclair6819]

That's my teacher

[@evaristemusonera4005]

I like this. Thanks Joel.

[@pretzl5299]

Love you Joel

[@moniquemukarugwiza1460]

Wow, great job Joel.

[@emmanuelj2118]

This was good presentation . The true representation of agaciro based thinking . I wish all ambassadors to Africa , especially in Rwanda go in with this kind of understanding . Rwanda is very friendly and humane country that value it's dignity above .

[@citrusblast4372]

Point number 3 is basically focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses

[@realworlddramatv7113]

Hi hru🙏🏾Am really looking forward to move there and will love more info/ Suggestions bc am Canadian ❄️🇨🇦 Ghanaian 🇬🇭 I love the community work and the support or the leaders. Please am so depressed and now with COVID-19 😔🧐You understand❄️❄️😔😔😷😷am sick of this jail 9-5

[@mutamulizaclementine687]

Love u

[@c.mussoniii9257]

I don’t have idea the umuganda was new.....never is late to learn something new

[@Satish-ei5to]

Heard so much about astronomical transformation of Rwanda but not about the visionary who started this movement. Can someone enlighten about the brain behind this change.

[@himbazachrista2467]

More* than 1 million

[@adolfmudau9956]

Americans need to do umudugudu and umuganda

[@adolfmudau9956]

They must leave the names as they are so that they can remember easily

[@citrusblast4372]

Europe whats your excuse? Rwanda is about the same size as belgium and yet they are so united, meanwhile almost every european country is divided to some extent. At least in america they have the excuse of being a huge country so a high level of cohesion is difficult to sustain, but countries like england worry about leaving the eu of fear of becoming weaker. Become like rwanda

[@maryshaffer8474]

Hutus and Tutsi no go

[@standupforgood7810]

The Ubuntu approach and not allowing any form of money would be a much better direction. You say "Health coverage" like its this magical place you can get to if you have something to offer in return, when in reality, in a sane society, Everyone deserves "Health coverage" no matter what. If everyone will come together for 4 hours a week, then imagine how hard they would work to help a full Access share community with all needs met at 0 financial cost.

[@citrusblast4372]

Jews take notes