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Volunteering Projects in Rwanda
You can become involved in helping to develop communities in Rwanda. This program has something to suit all skills and experience levels.
You have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of under-privileged children and adults by assisting processes to help eradicate poverty, reduce HIV infections, and help communities through capacity building programs.
Whilst sharing your knowledge and compassion with the local people, you will have a chance to make a personal contribution and connection to the people of Rwanda.
The Projects
Childrens Program
The after effects of genocide lead to thousands upon thousands of children homeless and forced to live in orphanages. A high percentage of these children have also lost their parents to HIV/AIDS. As a volunteer you will take on the role of an older sibling and be involved in daily care activities which include feeding, teaching life skills, and playing with the children. You will work along side the house mothers to assist with teaching, homework help, childcare, and the daily operational running of the home. Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate their own work by organizing arts and crafts, music, dance, games, and sports activities for the children. This role is suitable for a caring, motivated, and self-directed person who has a love for children and has childcare experience.
Literacy Program
The situation of schools in Rwanda is still unsatisfactory. Many of them lack books, scholastic and teaching materials, and school equipment. In fact, war and genocide caused heavy losses at the level of human and material resources as well as the decrease of the social capital. Estimates show that about 600 schools (almost a third of Rwanda's schools) were destroyed and 3000 teachers killed. What is more worrying is the fact that an important number of children do not attend school due to certain family chores and responsibility. Volunteers will work alongside local primary teachers to improve the level of English, math, health, hygiene, and science skills amongst students. Volunteers will also be involved in improving teachers' levels of English. Volunteers are not required to have a teaching qualification, but experience in subject areas like English, math, health, hygiene, science, and French would be advantageous. This program requires a one month minimum placement.
Medical Program
For volunteers with experience, or studying towards a medical career we have opportunities based in local clinics in Rwanda. Activities vary and will be dependent on your skills. Some activities you may be involved with are patient consultation, general nursing, family planning, antenatal and postnatal care, nutrition, dispensing medication and keeping patient records up to date.
There may be opportunities to assist within the HIV/AIDS department testing blood, providing ARV distribution, counselling, and education. There may also be the option to assist with home based care.
This project is aimed at medical students in the final stages of studying towards their degree or qualified nurses and doctors. Documentation of your medical school, nursing school, or other medical credentials will be required.
Community Outreach Program
Income Generating Activities - Volunteers will have the opportunity to work with local women's associations in developing sustainable business activities such as soap making, basket weaving, bead making, and subsistence farming. Volunteers will work closely with these associations to bring in new business ideas, providing training on small scale business practices and assistance on getting products to market. This project will be volunteer initiated; volunteers are required to have knowledge or skills in the management of small scale business.
Education - Volunteers will work with the community to provide informal education workshops. The workshops are run for children, teenagers no longer in the position to attend school, and different women’s groups. The focus will be on teaching English but there may be an opportunity to introduce a wider range of topics and assist with classes that address issues affecting those in the community.
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About Rwanda
Rwanda, in east-central Africa, is surrounded by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi. It is slightly smaller than Maryland. Steep mountains and deep valleys cover most of the country. Lake Kivu in the northwest, at an altitude of 4,829 ft (1,472 m), is the highest lake in Africa. Extending north of it are the Virunga Mountains, which include the volcano Karisimbi (14,187 ft; 4,324 m), Rwanda's highest point.
Rwanda is divided into 5 provinces: North, East, South, West and the Kigali Province.
Development in Rwanda
With about 60% of the population below the poverty line, Rwanda struggles economically. Most people depend on subsistence agriculture. Rwanda is now the most densely populated country in Africa and food must be imported to make up for the rapid population growth and not-so-rapid growth in food production. There are few natural resources and minimal industry in this landlocked country.
The 1994 genocide left its people severely impoverished and greatly hampered the country's ability to attract private and external investment. Now that the GDP has rebounded and inflation has been curbed, there is hope of turning things around.
Volunteer Impact
Volunteers provide assistance to disadvantaged socio-economic groups within Rwandan communities, focusing primarily on orphaned children, HIV/Aids groups, community groups, and school children.
As a volunteer in Rwanda you can provide love, affection, education and support to disadvantaged children. You will help to improve education in schools ensuring children learn and flourish. As a volunteer you can practice and teach preventative healthcare, and hygiene. Depending on your skills and interests you can also contribute to community outreach programs. You will also provide education, inter-cultural exchange and understanding in Rwandan communities.
What else can I do in Rwanda?
Visitors will appreciate the endless mountains and stunning scenery of Rwanda.
We recommend you visit the Parc National des Volcans, where you can scale the slopes of the Virunga volcanoes to encounter mountain gorillas at close quarters.
Take a dip at any of the unspoilt beaches around the shores of Lake Kivu, some of the best inland beaches on the continent.
Any visit to Rwanda surely should include a sobering visit to the Kigali Memorial Centre, a genocide museum in remembrance of the 1994 genocide - which also serves as a memorial to us all.
Costs
Application Fee – US $97
Your application fee is fully transferable and will secure your place on the Rwanda program, (or any other GVN program of your choice), at a placement date that is suitable to you.*
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*Your application fee provides you with access to any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years, as many times as you like without having to pay another application fee! |
Children under 18 are not required to pay the application fee when volunteering together with a parent/guardian. (Except for participants in our Youth Tour program who are required to pay a US$97 application fee.)
Program Fee – From US$ 43 a day*
- 2 weeks - US $1597
- 4 weeks - US $1997
- 6 weeks - US $2197
- 8 weeks - US $2397
Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us or apply online for details.
*Based on an 8 week placement
What’s included:
| Accommodation: | Volunteer guesthouse. |
| Meals: | Breakfast and dinner. |
| Project Donation: | Included. |
| Airport pickup: | On arrival date. |
| Training: | In-country orientation. |
| Supervision: | In-country staff supervision. |
| Support: | Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line. |
Additional Benefits:
- A Quality Volunteer Placement
Dedicated staff with the sole focus of facilitating the placement of volunteers, reviewing and improving programs and supporting the work of our partners. -
Program Guide
Your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process, and much more! - Fundraising guide
Your Fundraising Guide and Software which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip. - Personal online journal
Which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home. - Access to a non-profit:
Contribute to the ongoing support of the charitable + educational work of community organisations.
What’s not included:
Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, departure from the program.
We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $50 for your other expenses such as bottled water, lunch, personal items, beverages, and entertainment.
Schedule
Program Schedule
Start Date: 1st or 15th of each month
Length: 2 weeks - 3 months. Your stay can be extended beyond three months on a case by case basis.
Please note:
The Teaching program requires a one month minimum placement. School terms are usually between January 1st to March 31st, May 1st to July 31st, and September 1st to October 30th. Kindly note that school term start dates changes unexpectedly; the term may commence a week later than the scheduled date.
FAQ
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox. This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.
Tell me more about Rwanda
The first thing that comes to most people's minds when they think of Rwanda is genocide. After 12 years of mending, rebuilding, and finding new value in the traditions and natural beauty of the land, the Rwanda you see today is very different from what you heard about in the 1990s. You will be amazed by the impressive volcanoes, dense tropical forests, and the largest number anywhere of endangered mountain gorillas, 670 species of bird, and over 100 species of orchid. Not to mention its rich cultural heritage dating back to the pygmoid hunter-gatherers living there over 2000 years ago. French, Kinyarwanda, and English are all official languages, but a greeting in Kinyarwanda will go down especially well.
What is the climate like in Rwanda?
Rwanda has two wet seasons and two dry seasons. The short wet season lasts from October to November, and the main rainy season lasts from mid-March to the end of May. Rainfall is heaviest in the west and decreases in the central uplands and to the north and east. Average annual precipitation in Kigali is 1,000 mm and average temperature is around 20 degrees celsius (70 degrees fahrenheit).
What kind of volunteer work is available?
The volunteer opportunities are in the areas of teaching, children homes, HIV/AIDS education, and gender-based violence programs which include income generating activities.
Is there any time of the year when I can’t volunteer?
Volunteers are able to participate in the Rwanda program all year round. Teaching placements are only offered during the school terms which vary from year to year but are approximately as follows:
- January 1st to March 31st
- May 1st to July 31st
- September 1st to November 30th
Kindly note that school term start dates changes unexpectedly, it may commence a week later than the scheduled date.
When will I know specific details on the placement?
Your placement assignment is determined once you secure your place in the program by paying the application fee. At that point, you will be contacted by our partner in Rwanda with more details. Your preference of project will be taken into account and granted wherever possible and appropriate.
Where will I be located?
The program is located in the Kigali Province, primarily in the capital Kigali (Nyarugenge), Kicukiro, and Gasabo districts.
Tell me more about flying into Rwanda?
When do I need to arrive in Rwanda?
How do I get to the project?
Tell me more about the accommodation?
Do you make provision for special diets?
Are there holidays or festival I should be aware of when traveling?
What age do you have to be to volunteer?
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
- Diphtheria and tetanus
- Polio
- Hepatitis A & B
- Typhoid
- Yellow Fever - a certificate proving you have had this should be shown at the airport on arrival
- Rabies
- Tuberculosis
- Malaria (needs to be closely discussed with doctor)
How does GVN choose volunteers for this program?
Each GVN program has different criteria depending on our partner's requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next we look to see what skills or experience you have that relate specifically to the program. We are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.
After reviewing your application, should we require any further information from you, we will email you to request this.
Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
Yes, you need to speak English to volunteer, but you do not necessarily have to be a native speaker. Rwanda's three official languages are Kinyarwanda, French, and English. Swahili is also widely spoken. For the teaching project a basic knowledge of French is required. It is also useful for volunteers to have a working knowledge of Kinyarwanda, especially outside the urban areas and in remote parts of the country.
Can I bring my own family with me to the program?
Volunteers are welcome to bring their family members with them on the program. Each application will be considered on a case by case basis. Partners will also need to fill out an application form if they wish to take part in the program.
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The in-country fee covers your accommodation and 2 meals a day, your transfer to your program, and transport to your worksite during orientation. You will need to have additional money for bottled water, extra food for days off, transport to your placement, departure from the program, airport departure tax, and any personal shopping you may do.
How safe is it to volunteer in Rwanda?
We work hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and that you are well looked after. The people of Rwanda are warm and friendly, especially towards foreigners, so volunteers will feel safe and very welcome.
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
The Rwanda program can take a maximum of 18 volunteers at any one time.
What is the course content of the training?
A basic one day orientation takes place in Kigali. Volunteers are given cultural advice, a general introduction to language, an overview about Rwanda and information about facilities, project details, and their role as a volunteer.
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
The general expectation is that volunteers work between four and five hours per day with the option of additional hours. Weekends and evenings are free time.
Are we able to do any sightseeing?
Volunteers are welcome to take short breaks during their volunteer time. We recognize that volunteering can be quite intensive. There are often other volunteers who also want to do sight-seeing. You may like to meet up with other volunteers and join in local festivities and explore your local surroundings. Safaris and gorilla trekking are popular activities for many volunteers. We ask that if you wish to take a break from volunteering that you give our partner organization advanced notice. They may even have some good advice for you about where to visit.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
Considering the climate and culture, we recommend light coloured, cotton clothing that covers most of your body. The locals love to wear bright, bold colours so you will do well wearing the same. And the added bonus is that bright, busy patterns hide the ever-present dirt which is impossible to evade! Women should avoid wearing shorts as legs need to be covered. Something below the knee like capri pants or long skirts are fine. Comfortable sturdy footwear, as well as a pair of sandals/jandals for light walking, is also recommended. Don't forget sunglasses, a hat, and a sweater to keep warm in the evenings.
What resources will be available?
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
Volunteers will need to arrange their own visa. Nationals of the following countries may visit Rwanda without a visa for a period of 90 days: USA, Germany, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Uganda, Mauritius, South Africa, Kenya, UK, Sweden, and Hong Kong. For those volunteers from countries not listed above, you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Rwandan Embassy. In the case of volunteers coming from countries where Rwanda does not have an Embassy, volunteers will need to request for an entry facility; this can be done online. The cost of a tourist visa is US$60 (single-entry, up to three months).
Do I need travel insurance?
All GVN Volunteers must have insurance. You are free to take out insurance cover through any provider of your choice. However, as some policies do not cover volunteering, we recommend you check you are covered during your volunteer placement.
For your convenience we have arranged a comprehensive package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as “loss of deposits” cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/insurance/
How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully transferable to a later date or different program if you decide not to take part in the program, subject to the terms of service). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 12 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer’s expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.
Do I need a police clearance document to volunteer in this program?
Yes, all volunteers in this program will be required to provide a police clearance document. This is because volunteers will be working closely with children and other vulnerable individuals. To obtain a police clearance you will need to contact your local police station to find out what their procedure is. Normally, you will be asked to complete an application form authorizing the check to be done, pay a fee and a few weeks later the check will arrive in the mail. A copy of your police clearance will need to be sent to GVN before your placement begins and you will need to take the original with you when you volunteer.
Volunteer Diaries
Mini-vans, Mzungus, and Major Charades
Sunday, May 15th, 2011
Each morning I wake up at about 6:30am like clockwork. I?ve discovered that even if I?m tired, my body has somehow gotten used to that time and it?s no use to just lie there in bed with my eyes closed but mind awake. It gets light really early (and dark really early too for that [click here to read more]
Rwanda 2/24/11
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
This will be my last post about my journey in Rwanda. I?ve had a hard time missing Rwanda since the second I got on the bus in Gisenyi. As I?ve been pondering and pining away for the past, I have come to the conclusion that no matter what is going on in my life, I [click here to read more]
Rwanda 2/18/11
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
One of the things I?m most proud of about going to Rwanda is that I actually went! This post is for people who want to volunteer. I wanted to go to Rwanda so I did some research, talked to people, found a reputable organization, picked a time to go, found a program I would enjoy, [click here to read more]
Please visit journals.globalvolunteernetwork.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers
How to Apply
Program Requirements
As a volunteer in Rwanda you must:
- Be between 18 and 65 years of age (volunteers who are older than this are considered on a case by case basis)
- Have no major health problems
- Have some skills in at least one of the following areas:
- Childcare
- Teaching
- Medicine
- Business skills
- Intermediate French is required for the Teaching program
- Be eligible for a tourist visa to Rwanda
The Application Process
Your application process is free and seamless, and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organisations that allow you to transfer your application fee to another program at no extra cost.
Communication & Support:
Throughout the process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.
Volunteer Feedback
Jessalyn
Things are going really well! I can't believe the trip is already half over, it has been a blast. I have been working at the Githunguri Health Centre in the town of Githunguri. They have everything here from maternity services, to HIV counselling, to outpatient immunizations. I have been doing a variety of everything and have even had the opportunity to deliver a few babies. It's been great :)
Grace
My time here in Rwanda is almost complete and I have to be perfectly honest and say that I never want to leave. My work here has ranged from daily feeding the disabled street people around Gisenyi, working in the orphanage (I say working but mostly jumping around like a big kid), and I have also had the opportunity to work in the rural clinic educating the patients on HIV, its causes and treatment, I have been assisting the nurses treating the patients and have also painted cartoon animals on the walls of the pre and neo - natal rooms. As far as community outreach is concerned, I have been working with victims of gender-based violence, giving them a microloan to establish their own cooperative and establishing a fund to pay for health insurance and secondary education for all their children. Rwanda is one of the most vibrant and welcoming countries I have ever visited and the Rwandese people, who are amongst the poorest in the world have a generosity which puts the west to shame.
Articles
What do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other?
Jordan Lopez came to our attention for his adventurous nature and globetrotting antics! A first time volunteer who had previously never left the United States, Jordan recently completed a tour of 3 different volunteer projects in 3 very different regions. From a literacy program in Rwanda, teaching English in Vietnam, to a construction project...
Be The Ripple
Be the ripple.
This is what I had been telling my students over and over again for the past year leading up to my volunteer experience. Based on a quote by Robert F. Kennedy about the collective impact of seemingly small, individual actions, the "Ripple of Hope" was a theme of the leadership conferences I led. It was ironically, or...
News From Rwanda
Application Form
Why Volunteer
At GVN we align with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', so we work with local community organisations in each country. What this means for our volunteers is that they receive a unique and genuine cultural experience whilst being immersed in a local community.
If you're
- Graduating from school and not sure which direction to take, or you're not ready to jump into full-time employment just yet;
- Ready for a Career Break;
- An 'empty nester';
- Retired;
- Or ready for a change or new adventure
Volunteering abroad could be the very thing for YOU!
If you're looking for something worthwhile to do volunteering will give you the opportunity to travel whilst making a difference in the community you are based in.
Did you know taking a Gap Year can improve your college admission chances and success rate during your studies?
"Harvard College encourages admitted students to defer enrolment for one year to travel, pursue a special project or activity, work, or spend time in another meaningful way" – Harvard College Office of Admissions, 2010.
International volunteering is a great way to gain experience living in a developing country, learning about another culture and experiencing a different way of life. It is a fantastic way to grow as a person, to develop life skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, and is a tool for self discovery and identity formation.
Other personal benefits include, developing international friendships and networks, social awareness, and building independence.
Volunteering can increase your employability, help you to gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV/resume.
"Going to a foreign country for a volunteer experience is a huge boost on a resume. Employers love to see a person that can think outside the box and work past their comfort zone. The added benefits of teamwork, foreign language knowledge, and plain old hard work also add polish to the volunteer candidate. Since business now happens on a global scale, the volunteer is armed with useful, and potentially actionable, information." – USA Today, 2010.
Reputable Charity
The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a New Zealand Charitable Trust (non-profit NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our Charitable incorporation number is: CC46460. GVN has been verified and approved by Idealist (the largest volunteer portal on the internet. GVN is also a member of the World Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (WANGO), and our ‘sister’ organization the GVN Foundation has been granted special consultative status on the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Prestigious web sites such as Lonely Planet and Goabroad.com have placed web links to us. Additionally, when you apply, we can provide you with contact information for previous volunteers if you wish. GVN is also an approved member of the Site Trust Network and you can view our verification page.
Recommended by Bill Gates
Bill Gates personally recommended GVN by stating "I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network." Newsweek Web
Proven Track Record
To give you peace of mind, GVN has over eight years experience and has placed 13,500+ volunteers since 2002. Read volunteer's journals and testimonials or speak to a returned volunteer directly about their experience abroad through GVN.
Volunteer Support
GVN’s specialist staff provide personal support to volunteers, assisting not only with preparation for your placement, but whilst in-country, and follow-up on return home. GVN provides comprehensive Program Guides, project resources (eg teaching resources).
Community Focussed
GVN aligns with the idea of 'local solutions to local problems', therefore we work with local community organisations in each country. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.
Recommended by CNN
CNN listed the Global Volunteer Network as one of 10 organizations that can help you to make a positive impact on the world around you. CNN encourages you to visit our website to get more details on how you too can Be The Change.
Personal Security
GVN offer an insurance package tailored specifically for volunteers. Partner’s staff are always available (24hr/7days), along with this GVN also has a 24hr/7day emergency hotline.
Kenya. 
Vietnam. 
Peru. 
Nepal. 
