The Travel Diva

New world dawning

However, what television news does not show, is a trend in the citizens of the world who chose to no longer wait for governments to deliver of their empty promises and instead take command of what is in their immediate control, teaching other like-minded individuals by example.

As a reporter I travel to many developing nations, those with just emerging markets, and have seen this thread as a constant in all of them.

In poverty stricken Africa I met a Ugandan businessman who formed Rwenzori Coffee Company and empowered his farmers by teaching them how to tend to their plants and negotiate good market prices. Recently I met a group of Malawian coffee growers who were facing the near collapse of the industry and banded together to form the Mzuzu Coffee Company - now one of the most sought after coffee exporters in Africa. It only takes one person with foresight, a person who has lost faith in government policy and decides to take control of his own future, enhancing his community and benefiting everyone surrounding him. And in Sri Lanka I met a farmer who ploughs back all his profits into the community by buildings houses, schools, day-care facilities and clinics.

Last night I met another such man – a soft-spoken, unassuming fellow who saved more than 1,200 refugees from a bloody thirsty militia during the Rwandan genocide by turning his hotel into a sanctuary. He rationed food and swimming pool water (all services had been cut, including telephones and electricity) and without a weapon, single handedly defended his ‘guests’ by bribing generals, using his charm, business savvy and diplomacy. I am of course speaking of Paul Rusesabagina of Hotel Rwanda Fame, the movie which received numerous Oscar nominations.

People like Mr. Paul truly humble me and it gladdens my heart to see some hope for future generations.

posted by Cindy-Lou Dale @ Friday, August 03, 2007