Bugesera: Exploring a World of Possibilities at Imbuto Hub
Earlier this week, I visited Imbuto Hub Bugesera to explore the possibility of introducing Turning Pages to the facility. As a youth-led, Afro-centric initiative that cultivates a reading culture while fostering comprehension and critical thinking, I saw an opportunity for the program to thrive in this space.
Upon arrival, I paused to take in the architectural splendor. The building's sweeping circular roof surrounded an open courtyard, with a basketball court at its center. Modern and striking, it was the kind of place that made a curious visitor eager to discover what lay inside.
Outside the building, sitting areas are nestled in a garden. Nearby, a coffee and soft-drinks outlet, cabanas, and facilities for various sporting activities add to the appeal.
Upon arrival, I paused to take in the architectural splendor. The building's sweeping circular roof surrounded an open courtyard, with a basketball court at its center.
A 360° tour
My first stop was the coordinator's office, where I walked him through the background of Turning Pages, its current state, and its vision for the future.
In the middle of the open space inside the state-of-the-art structure lies a basketball court, where two boys were locked in a heated one-on-one game. There was no trophy to be won, but winning was everything. They reminded me of my younger self.
I was tempted to lace up my sneakers and join them on the court. But I still had the rest of the facility to see. Besides, I didn't have sneakers anyway.
Next, we visited the library. My host must have known that, as a writer and a reading proponent, I would feel right at home among the books. It was a fitting place to begin exploring the hub.
From there, the coordinator took me through the health and wellness corner, learning studio, media studio, fashion studio, beauty studio, tech lab, and day care. The hub brings together an impressive range of interests and opportunities under one roof.
The library was a fitting place to begin exploring the hub.
An unexpected contest
After checking out the whole facility, we approached the basketball court. One of the boys had left, but the other was still shooting hoops. I challenged him to a shooting contest.
We started with free throws. He won. Then came mid-range jumpers from the elbows, my sweet spots during my competitive playing days a quarter of a century ago. Time may have passed, but the muscle memory was still there. This time, I beat him hands down.
He proposed a three-point shootout. The game has evolved, and three-pointers have become bread and butter for many players. But treys have never been my cup of tea, and I suspected the youngster was good from beyond the arc. With the coordinator waiting, I found the perfect excuse to chicken out.
In the middle of the open space inside the state-of-the-art structure lies a basketball court.
A book club in the library
When the tour was over, we returned to the library, my favorite room in the entire establishment.
This time, I pulled out copies of Musanze: Through the Eyes of a Domestic Tourist, one of the titles used in Turning Pages. What followed was an impromptu book club session.
There were three of us seated around a round table: the coordinator, the librarian, and me.
I have always preferred round tables for these sessions. They bring participants together, encourage meaningful engagement, and give everyone an equal footing.
The small group also meant that each of us had enough time to share our thoughts.
There was one small complication, though. Neither of my fellow participants had read the booklet beforehand. In a regular Turning Pages session, participants prepare by reading the book before they meet. This time, however, everything had happened spontaneously.
I began with a quick preview of the publication to bring them up to speed.
The ensuing discussion gave me invaluable insights. When I invited the two participants to critique the booklet, they suggested ways to improve the next edition. Had they read it beforehand, I suspect I would have gained even more from their observations.
Still, this was a pilot session. The brief introduction gave them enough context to participate in the discussion. The aim was to demonstrate how Turning Pages works and explore the possibilities for future sessions at the hub.
Even in this brief format, the session served its purpose.
The coordinator has explored Musanze extensively. His familiarity with the district enriched our discussion, bringing local insights that added depth to our assessment of one of Rwanda’s tourism hotspots.
This time, I pulled out copies of Musanze: Through the Eyes of a Domestic Tourist, one of the titles used in Turning Pages. What followed was an impromptu book club session.
A potential reading ambassador
The young librarian brought another interesting dimension to the session. She has a background in writing, including fiction and poetry. I could see potential for her to contribute to Turning Pages beyond her role at the library.
Lately, I have been handing over responsibility for running the program to young people. In the process, I have assembled a team of young reading ambassadors capable of moderating sessions in my absence. With the stars aligned, she could one day join their ranks.
A world of possibilities
Imbuto Hub Bugesera impressed me with its combination of learning, health, sports, and opportunity. I could see how Turning Pages might complement the activities already taking place there.
My visit was exploratory, and our small gathering was only a demonstration. But I left with fresh insights and a clearer sense of how Turning Pages could find a place in a space rooted in the community.