After savoring a cup of rich, locally grown coffee and munching some pastries, I found myself doing what I often do during my coffee breaks—writing. Seated in a quiet corner of Akagera Café, I began crafting a piece about the venue, reflecting not only on the taste of the brew but on the deeper purpose behind the café’s existence.
Located in Rwinkwavu Sector, Kayonza District, Akagera Café is more than just a pleasant stop for caffeine seekers—it's the visible face of a community-driven initiative that’s transforming lives behind the scenes. Through its parent organization, the Akagera Coffee Project, the café is part of a broader movement investing in local farmers, empowering women, supporting early childhood education, and creating lasting opportunities in the region. With every cup, I could feel the journey of empowerment brewing behind the scenes.
Then, as I stretched and looked out into the garden, something unexpected caught my eye—a pool table. Placed under the shade, surrounded by greenery, it felt both familiar and surprising.
It had been a long time since I last played. The last memory I had with a pool stick wasn’t exactly a fond one. Back in 2018, inside a dingy pub in Nyabugogo, Kigali, I was thoroughly humiliated by a seasoned gambler. His skills were off the charts. It wasn't just a loss—it was a humbling experience.
But today, the energy was different. There was no crowd, no pressure, no seasoned sharks circling. Just me, the table, and an equally amateurish opponent. I wasn’t here to win; I was here to shake off the rust, to reconnect with a game I used to enjoy. This wasn’t a dimly lit Nyabugogo drinking den—it was Akagera Café, where even a simple game of pool felt like a gentle nudge toward balance and ease.
As I lined up my first shot, I could already tell I wasn’t as sharp as I once was—but that didn’t matter. With each missed pocket and every satisfying crack of the cue ball, I felt something slowly returning: muscle memory and confidence.
By the time we wrapped up the game, the results didn’t matter—what mattered was how I felt: recharged, grounded, and quietly content. In that peaceful garden corner, I had rediscovered an old pastime, stirred memories, and tapped into something deeper than competition.
Akagera Café had offered more than just good coffee and tasty pastries. It had offered a pause—a moment to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. And in doing so, it reminded me that impact doesn’t always roar; sometimes, it speaks softly through thoughtful spaces, shared stories, and even a casual game of pool.
In a world that often rushes past the quiet moments, this one stayed with me. Between sips of my favorite aromatic beverage and the clack of pool balls, I found a little piece of stillness—and a lot of purpose.