John Podesta: “one of the most powerful experiences I have had”
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Today was an emotional moment for me and for the rest of our delegation. There is so much pain in Rwanda’s past, and out of that pain has come a society that is committed to reconciliation. They are trying to move forward together. This was one of the most powerful experiences I have had in any place. Out of the pain has come great hope. The people are trying to build a new country, where people live together in peace.
It’s wonderful to see this. And it is bringing new hope for the future.
Rwanda has a 2020 plan, to have growth be widespread and successful by the year 2020. We’ve seen a spirit of entrepreneurship today. We saw women sorting coffee and farmers with their specialty crops. In talking with them, there is a lot of spirit and optimism. Grow new opportunities. Put kids in school. Move forward as one country.
The people of America ought to be proud of what’s happened here and our support for the people who have come so far so fast. We’ve helped through USAID with the development of new industry and new entrepreneurs. PEPFAR is making a major difference in fighting AIDS and HIV. There’s still a lot to do, and we can help.
-John Podesta, President of the Center for American Progress
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July 20, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Thanks for sharing some of what is going on in Rwanda with us. The American people should be proud of what has happened recently in Rwanda. One has done tremendous work in Rwanda and other parts of Africa.
July 21, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Hello,
I’m not sure who the photographer is that posted the photo of Cindy McCain on the website for the July 20th entry but we’d like to use it in our stoy about Americans helping in Rwanda. Can we get permission to print this image?
Best–
Robin A. Smith Photo Editor/News
USA TODAY
(703) 854-4539