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May 07 2008

Video: Rangers’ Families

Published by admin at 8:07 pm under Uncategorized

This is Diddy. I am back at Rumangabo Station and I want to tell you about the living conditions of the wives and children of some of our Rangers.  

Below you will see a video of a building at the station in which 9 families live. I have been in this area for 17 years and I know that in that time this colonial-era building has never been improved or updated.

  

Each unit consists of two small rooms in which the whole family lives in squalor. They cook using wood fires- just imagine what the smoke is like in such a confined space. There aren’t any toilets and the place is crawling with insects and parasites. No running water either, so they either have to carry water back from a village 3km away, or they collect rainwater.

  

The Rangers are in charge of protecting some of the most important wildlife in the world, and this is how they and their families have to live. I think you will agree with me that this situation is a disgrace.

  Hopefully in the future we will find the money to bring this building up to standard.

 

  

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11 Responses to “Video: Rangers’ Families”

  1. # Annieon 07 May 2008 at 9:24 pm

    Hi Diddy! So good to hear from you….was beginning to get worried…man…this is a very sad situation for these rangers’ families……….those precious children! They may be the next protectors…………I plan to donate soon ….to do whatever I can to help WD………..thanks for opening our eyes to some of these sites…………stay safe!

  2. # Lucia Cristiana, Brasilon 07 May 2008 at 11:18 pm

    Hi Diddy, I hope ranger’s future are brilliant like their great work. Welcome Pierre.

  3. # Lisa, Californiaon 07 May 2008 at 11:42 pm

    Hi Diddy, Very good to hear from you. Yes, I completely agree that the conditions in which these Rangers and their families live is unexceptable for Rangers doing the most important work of protecting, as you so rightfully stated, “some of the most important wildlife in the world.” And the woman and children deserve so much better, as well. It’s heartbreaking, really. Although, to see the children’s smiling faces, even in these conditions is absolutely heartwarming. They are champions in my eyes. Do these children attend school? Thank you, Diddy. Lisa

  4. # Robert Williamson 08 May 2008 at 12:13 am

    Hi Diddy, this is Robert from the Ending Charcoal blog. Ephrem and I are working on bringing better stoves to the area — ones that burn hotter, use less charcoal (or none at all) and put out much less smoke. We will do our best to bring some of these stoves to the ranger families.

  5. # Iris, Parison 08 May 2008 at 3:06 am

    Hello, Diddy!
    I’m new to this site but will be a frequent and interested reader.
    Thank you for your blog and the video on the ranger’s families living quarters. It is much food for thought… Keep up the good work, keep safe and bon courage! Iris

  6. # Rebecca Cooperon 08 May 2008 at 8:14 am

    Hi Diddy, It’s so good to hear from you again. I haven’t posted before, but have been working to raise money for WD. I am hoping to partner my school in Alexandria, Virginia with the school in Mutsora where I know many of the ranger’s children attend. I can think of no better way to repay you all for your hard work than to help your children get a better education. May God bless you today and always.

  7. # sheryl, washington dcon 08 May 2008 at 8:38 am

    Good to hear from you Diddy.

    I had no idea the ranger’s families were living in such harsh conditions. Please feel free to use my small monthly donation to help them with whatever they need. I hope things improve for everyone soon.

    Thanks for all the hard, and dangerous, work your doing to protect Virunga and its wildlife. It’s greatly appreciated.

    s.

  8. # Theresa Siskind St Petersburg FLon 08 May 2008 at 9:26 am

    Robert, that is a wonderful idea about bringing some of these stoves, for them. Diddy, perhaps if we tackle one problem, at a time. Perhaps sanitation, a well for drinking water, for starters. Is this feasable? I know this will involve a survey to find the nearest below ground source of water. What do you guys think? You could have it on your donate section, funds for the well. Am I crazy, maybe…but I really think we could make this happen!

  9. # Christine C.on 09 May 2008 at 3:10 pm

    Terrible…I had no idea…please use my monthly donation to help improve the Ranger’s living conditions as well…

  10. # cathy-californiaon 11 May 2008 at 9:53 pm

    Theresa, I agree with you. How about focusing on clean drinking water as a first step? What will this cost?

  11. # Wanda, Atlantaon 12 May 2008 at 8:53 am

    A breakout of the costs in some order would help us raise the money –

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