Volunteer in Rwanda

The Global Volunteer Network currently has opportunities to work with children, and their community through our partner organization in Rwanda. Since 1994 genocide, Rwanda has been working to climb out of the shadow of the past. Rwanda has mostly passed the point of needing emergency aid, but the genocide will have long lasting consequences such as poverty and HIV/Aids for years to come and there is much work still to be done.

Volunteers will assist our partner organisation's mission to facilitate processes to help eradicate poverty, reduce HIV infections and help communities in capacity building programs. This is a Christian-based organisation, however, volunteers from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Program

All projects require volunteers who are self-starters and can conduct their daily activities with minimal supervision. You will take part in a flexible schedule in one or more of the following areas, depending on program needs and volunteer skills. For example, you may work in the morning at a school and in the afternoon tutor teachers in improving their English.

The volunteer opportunities are in the following areas:

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 this includes 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 daily operational running of the Home. Volunteers are also encouraged to initiate their own work by organizing art and crafts, music, dance, games, 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 level of English. Volunteers are not required to have a teaching qualification but experience in subject areas like English, Math, Health, Hygiene and Science and French would be advantageous.

HIV/Aids Program

It is estimated that approximately 150,000 people are living with AIDS in Rwanda, with 78,000 of those women, and 19,000 children under the age of 14. The aim of the HIV/AIDS program is to decrease the spread of HIV through raising awareness and education, increasing access to homecare and providing emotional support to those affected by HIV/AIDS within the community. Volunteers have the opportunity to work with community mobilizers to assist with counselling and taking care of patients both at home and at hospitals. This will involve taking patients to the hospitals and doing a follow up of their nutritional needs. No medical training is required for volunteers in this program but volunteers should have a compassionate spirit, HIV/AIDS knowledge and basic counselling skills.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to work with local women associations in incoming generation activities such as local soap making, basket weaving for commercial purposes and subsistence farming. Volunteers will work closely with these associations to bring in new business ideas, providing training on small scale business practices. Volunteers should have a basic knowledge in management of small scale income generating activities.

Gender-Based Violence Program

Gender-based violence (GBV) has been a widespread problem for women both during and after the genocide. GBV can be manifest as domestic violence, sexual assault and rape, and psychological abuse. Many women are forced to stay in violent relationships due to financial dependence on their spouses. Volunteers will be involved in promoting education to GBV victims through counselling, visitation, follow-up and school programs. Volunteers will also tutor English and mentor a group of youth, many of whom are from child headed families. Volunteers should have knowledge of GBV, good listening and communication skills.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to work with local women associations in incoming generation activities such as local soap making, basket weaving for commercial purposes and subsistence farming. Volunteers will work closely with these associations to bring in new business ideas, providing training on small scale business practices. Volunteers should have a basic knowledge in management of small scale income generating activities.

Program Location

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

Program Schedule

Volunteers can stay from a period of two weeks to three months. Your stay can be extended beyond three months on a case by case basis. Volunteers start on the 1st or 15th of each month. School terms are usually between January 1st to March 31st, May 1st to July 31st, and September 1st to November 30th.

Program Requirements

As a volunteer in Rwanda you must:

• Be between 18 and 65 years of age
• Have no major health problems
• Have some skills in at least one of the following areas:
  • Childcare
  • Teaching
  • Hiv/Aids education
  • Gender-based violence
  • Business skills
• Basic French is required for the Teaching program
• Be eligible for a tourist visa to Rwanda

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Rwanda Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal
• Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
• Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the Rwanda program is:

• Cost for 2 weeks - US $647
• Cost for 1 month - US $847
• Cost for 6 weeks - US $1047
• Cost for 2 months - US $1247
• Cost for 10 weeks - US $1447
• Cost for 3 months - US $1647

The in-country fee covers administrative charge, airport pickup, a direct donation to the project, meals during your placement, and supervision. You will need to budget for your other expenses like bottled water, personal costs, beverages and entertainment. If you are willing to live on a tight budget you can get by on US$20 per week. The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, visa, shots, travel insurance, transport to placement, departure tax and your bus trip back to the airport.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• International Travel Advice
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the Rwanda Program

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 organizations that offer a full money back guarantee on your application fee if you decide not to go.
Click here to apply for the Rwanda program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently volunteering, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will fully refund your application fee if you decide not to go.

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application 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.

To apply for this program, click here