Volunteering Projects in 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.

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).

The volunteer opportunities are in the areas of teaching, children homes, HIV/AIDS education, and gender-based violence programs which include income generating activities.

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.

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.

The program is located in the Kigali Province, primarily in the capital Kigali (Nyarugenge), Kicukiro, and Gasabo districts.

• 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)

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.

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.

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.

The in-country fee covers your accommodation and meals, 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.

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.

The Rwanda program can take a maximum of 8 volunteers at any one time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, Canada, 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).

As with any overseas travelling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as a "loss of deposits" cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc (up to US$8,000). If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance.

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 8 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.