Roz Carr Cultural Center
The building pictured above was first built as a pyrethrum drying house on Roz’s plantation. When the pyrethrum industry collapsed in the 1970s, the building fell into disrepair until 1994, when it was refurbished and converted into the first home for the Imbabazi children. There were two dormitories on the top floor, one for the girls and one for the boys, and a large open area on the ground floor for eating and playing. By 2005, Roz had acquired so many children that new dormitories were built to accommodate them all.
Thanks to a generous grant, this building has been restored to its original glory and named the Roz Carr Cultural Center. It is the last of the original pyrethrum drying houses still standing in Rwanda and is of some historical significance. The building now consists of a museum to highlight the process of drying pyrethrum and to showcase Roz Carr’s amazing life and legacy.
While the orphanage was in operation, the center housed many resources for the children, including a computer lab, music room, library, sewing room, and classroom.
Music Room
Thanks to Rick Bay and the Australian-based organization Sound School, the Roz Carr Cultural Center was equipped with a music room that included both traditional and modern drums, guitars, a keyboard, and much more. The children received music lessons with the help of local musicians and musically-talented visitors.
Technology Center
Thanks to generous donors, Imbabazi opened a computer lab in our orphanage's technology center. The children benefitted enormously from this project as they were able to learn important skills, such as typing, Microsoft Office, and English, from the numerous educational programs that were installed. The benefits of this resource center were extended to the local community by offering computer classes to local students and leaders.
English Language Training
English language training at Imbabazi was originally conducted by our Peace Corps Volunteers. The children were grouped into English “clubs” according to their competency level. Classes utilized different resources and creative teaching techniques, such as computers, music and art to improve their language skills. We provided weekly English classes to orphanage staff as well as local government officials, community health workers, school teachers, and students in the community.