Ambassador Thorpe shared that while traveling to Gisenyi for the Commonwealth Games' King's Baton Relay, she stopped for a brief moment in Bigogwe, where she successfully milked a cow for the first time.
Bigogwe is located in the western part of Rwanda, in the Nyabihu District. It is a well-known area for cattle farming and the high-quality pasture found on its hills.
This journey gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture.
Traditionally, farmers explain that cows are not just a source of milk, but also a symbol of wealth, unity, and value among the people. In Rwandan culture, giving a cow to someone is a strong sign of love and partnership.
Visitors to Bigogwe often participate in milking cows. For someone doing it for the first time, it is not as easy as it looks, but they gain essential skills and knowledge.
Ambassador Thorpe shared her experience on social media, posting photos from her time in Bigogwe. She expressed her happiness about milking the cow for the first time, despite the difficulty she faced.
'On my journey to Gisenyi for the King's Baton Relay of the Commonwealth Games, I stopped in Bigogwe to try milking a cow for the first time. There was more milk on my pants than in the bucket! It was fun, and I learned a lot about the importance of cows in Rwandan culture,' she said.
Ngabo Karegeya, the founder of 'Ibere rya Bigogwe,' who started cow based tourism activities in the area, is known on social media for helping people visit cattle farms and promoting livestock farming.
Karegeya explains that his passion for cattle comes from his mother, who raised him around cows, feeding him milk, and forming a close bond with them.
Rania Umutoni
