Relationships First — Reflections from Week One of Our Seminar in Rwanda

Building relationships is important—not just with our kids, but in everything we do.

Right now, we’re in Rwanda, leading a seminar to help teachers in one district build inclusive schools. We just wrapped up Week One, and honestly—it’s been incredible. I’m truly in awe of how much progress these teachers have made in just four days. They keep telling us how helpful the information and activities are, and they’re already seeing how it will change the way they teach.  But I think a lot of this change is rooted in something deeper: the relationships we’re building with them.

The first day was intimidating. I was teaching a course I’d never taught before to 35 teachers—some with over 30 years of experience—and most speak very little English. Though to be fair, many of them speak English better than I speak Kinyarwanda! Every part of our training is done through a translator, and at times I’ve had to re-explain concepts to the translator when something didn’t quite land. It’s challenged me to speak more clearly and think more intentionally.

But this week wasn’t just about teaching—it was about connecting.

Everyone was nervous on Day One. But as we’ve prayed, laughed, danced, and hugged our way through the activities, something shifted. We’ve started to become friends. And that change has made a huge difference. The teachers now feel more comfortable telling me what’s working… and what isn’t. That means I still have time to adjust and support them better.

One moment that really stuck with me came when a teacher quietly shared,  “We had a student with problems like that. If we had known then what we know now, we wouldn't have had to turn him away.”

That simple sentence captured so much—regret, compassion, and hope. It reminded us why this work matters so deeply.

It’s going to be hard to say goodbye at the end of these three weeks. We’re already being asked to come back—because the teachers believe others need these tools too. It won’t be an easy journey, but they have strong support from their district leaders and the Rwandan government, both of whom are deeply committed to making inclusion a reality.

Even after we leave, we’ll stay connected through WhatsApp, and we’re all praying for the chance to return. But we can’t do this alone.

If you believe in the power of inclusive education and meaningful connection, we’d love your support. 

Funding helps us refine the training, return to continue this journey with these incredible educators, and grow the reach to even more schools across Rwanda.

You can contribute here: https://www.livingchannel.ca/donate

Or e-Transfer to livingchannelservices@gmail.com

Every gift makes a difference. Every teacher reached means more students are seen, understood, and welcomed.

I’m so excited to see where these teachers go next. They’re full of heart, energy, and a deep drive to transform their students’ lives—and we want to keep walking alongside them.

Together we can make a difference

Julia Deimert

Program Director, Living Channel Services.