Reflection 3

About identifying a problem, I have learned that we always need to focus on the issues that the community faces and obtain user feedback. Once we have enough information, we can move ahead and search for a solution related to the issue that the particular person faces, and not try to solve an issue that we think is the problem (as people may not find this an issue at all). We need to find new perspectives and come up with creative, innovative solutions to formulate an effective plan and overcome any obstacles we may face. I also learned that teamwork is always better when solving problems, as you get diverse perspectives and collective responses. Another thing is that we should not directly jump to conclusions - we need to be patient and collect as much information as we can so that we actually solve the challenge that people in the community are facing and not a challenge that we think they might be facing. We need to clearly define the problem and take time to plan an approach.

BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE:

Demand-side:

• Cities attempt to untangle traffic and unclog skies

• Infrastructure is essential for supporting safe, pleasant, and abundant bicycle use

• stricter liability laws protect those on two wheels

• with more infrastructure and more riders, safety improves

• And the more bicycles there are traversing a city, the more it reaps numerous returns on investment, including the health benefits of cleaner air and greater physical activity.

Supply-side:

• Urban dwellers seek affordable transportation

• Diseases of inactivity

• Billowing greenhouse gases become impossible to ignore

Rwanda (Africa) has recently started an initiative called Gura ride. "GURARIDE, founded in 2017, is a Green E-mobility public bike-share (PBS) transport system company committed to the sustainability of Micro-Mobility in Africa with Rwanda being its first entry point. Our goal is the migration of transportation, using innovative technology, from fossil fuel-based vehicles to other non-pollutant means of transport. GURARIDE brings the benefits of a vibrant and unique technology taking over the first and last mile transport industries across Africa"

The category of Project Drawdown used in this solution is transport. This solution aids in minimizing greenhouse gases through the evasion of emissions and/or by sequestering carbon dioxide already in the environment. Project Drawdown conducts an ongoing review and analysis of climate solutions—the practices and technologies that can stem and begin to reduce the excess of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Using bicycles as a means of transport greatly reduces the greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere thereby reducing global warming. By shifting to an alternative of cycling from point A to point B, Rwanda has been able to greatly minimize the demand for fossil-fueled transportation or replace it altogether.

Outlining the benefits of cycling, which he said included health benefits, fighting climate change, by reducing motorized pollution, the minister added that the bicycle-sharing scheme dovetailed with national policy for an environmentally aware, integrated transport system. The company aims to create green job opportunities, contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, “overhaul car dependency” and improve standards of health through cycling.

I had a fantastic time over the 2 weeks of the model incubator program as I learned a lot, met new people from different cultural backgrounds and various parts of the world, and was able to enhance my teamwork and communication skills. I enjoyed every part of the program starting from the chat roulette on day 1, to having open space each morning, and to collaborating with my team to solve an issue that is abundant in the world using sustainability. Communication was initially kind of a challenge, but as we grew more comfortable around each other, we became good friends and were comfortably able to share our perspectives and ideas with each other. I have been able to form lifelong friendships and amazing mentor connections.

So, that brings me, for the most part, to the present. Have I grown as a person, both personally and professionally? Yes, most definitely. I am definitely more open-minded and creative now. I can look at things from a unique perspective. This program has given me profound knowledge in the sustainable business world that I will call upon daily. The environment is something I am passionate about. I want to change the world, and I believe that even one small step makes a huge difference. I am one step closer to achieving my dream. Truth be told, I miss every moment of these 10 days, and I wish it would have gone on for longer. My time at SECIP has allowed me to hone my skills and explore my interests in a way that has been both intellectually challenging and immense pleasure.