October 9, 2009 Letter from the Board New Executive Director   We are proud to welcome Board member Jeff Ramsey as the new Executive Director of the Imbabazi Center.  Jeff hails from Columbus, Ohio, and will relocate to the Imbabazi in October 2009.  He has been a frequent traveler to Rwanda and has been associated with the Imbabazi since its inception in 1994.  He is well acquainted with the children and brings years of knowledge and experience to the orphanage operations and farm management programs.   Jeff will oversee the general orphanage operations, educational placement and oversight, the Gucutsa program (transitioning our older children to independent living), and land management projects – to include agricultural cash crops, the expansion and improvement of our dairy herd, and the culling and harvesting of lumber from the eucalyptus forest on the Imbabazi property.  It is anticipated that these projects will in time generate sufficient income to keep the Imbabazi viable for many years to come.   Roz Carr Cultural Center   On June 19, 2009, a dedication ceremony was held for the Roz Carr Cultural Center.  This building was the original Imbabazi facility and has been renovated to include a museum, a retrospective of Roz Carr’s life, a computer and multi-media center, a music room and library.  The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, members of the military, Imbabazi staff, board members, the children, and visiting guests.  A tour of the facility was followed by a luncheon in Roz’s garden.   Computer classes and music lessons have begun - for both our children and residents of the community.   Gucutsa Program (Transition to Independent Living)   The Gucutsa program is an alternative educational and training program to prepare the children for independent living.  In the Rwandan language and culture, Gucutsa refers to the time when a child is weaned from its mother and is able to exist on his (or her) own.  Special Projects Coordinator, Zachary Dusingizimana, is spear-heading the program.  Our first Gucutsa candidates are adjusting well to life outside the Imbabazi.  Zachary and other staff members regularly monitor their progress in their new jobs and group living situations, offering guidance and encouragement.   The Gucutsa program is showing early signs of success.  Four of our older boys have completed their vocational internships and are now living completely on their own.  Seven additional boys and girls are close to becoming self-sufficient. Participants in the program return to the Imbabazi periodically to share their experiences with the younger children and offer advice.  It is the Board’s first priority to prepare the children to become responsible citizens and independent adults.  As more of our young adults complete their education, the Gucutsa program will be key to the success of the Imbabazi family.   For additional information on these and other projects, go to Imbabazi section and click on “Current Projects” or “Future Projects.”