Africa Volunteer Work – RC2
There are a number of ways to assist with health and education doing Africa Volunteer Work. This community project accepts volunteers to assist with various programmes. A volunteer’s length of stay varies from 2 weeks to 3 months. You can teach, help build or provide medical care.
January 2007 was the opening of a preschool in Gashangiro, near Ruhengeri town. The school has about 200 children, ranging in ages from 2 years to 6 years old. Rwandese teachers are on staff but volunteers are very much needed and appreciated. You can share life skills and knowledge with both the students and teachers. Additionally, adult classes are also often held at the school. Classes offer English lessons, traditional dance lessons and parenting/hygiene seminars.
A small medical clinic on the school ground treats students and many of the neighboring families. Ailments range from small cuts and infections to burns and more severe cases. Consequently, anyone with medical knowledge would find this work very rewarding.
There is a home repair project ongoing for widows and teenage heads of households. For instance, you may assist outfitting a family home with a new roof, insulation, windows and/or doors. However, this project is seasonal during the dry months. Rains normally fall March until May, and September to November.
Your help with the community will be invaluable. To be acknowledged and heard gives people self-confidence. To be educated opens doors they did not know existed.
School terms (approximate):
- Nov 2 – April 2
- April 19 – July 9
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive today at Kigali International Airport. A representative from the charity will meet you to travel with you to Ruhengeri. Normally, your accommodations are with the family of the founder of this community project. The founder Cathy Emmerson is originally from Maple Ridge, BC, Canada. Cathy has spent the last many years working tirelessly to make life better for Rwandan kids in Ruhengeri (Musanze).
Days 2 – 14
Begin your volunteer work in health and education projects. You may work with children or adults of this local community. You could work building or repairing a house for a local person in need. Another option is to teach English to adults. In addition, if you are medically trained, you can assist in the village clinic that seems to always be busy.
You might go shopping for goats to be donated to destitute families. Together, you will determine which community project can best use your skills. Days of work are normally Monday through Friday. Weekends are yours to relax and do as you like. Breakfast and dinner will be served at your homestay daily.
Day 15
Finally, today you can make your way back to Kigali on a short 2 hour bus ride.
About Rwanda
The Republic of Rwanda, “Land of a Thousand Hills” is a small landlocked country. Stunning mountain scenery can be seen. Volcanoes National Park hosts the mountain gorilla population. This is where an unforgettable wildlife experience can be had. Gorilla tracking is considered one of the most exciting and rewarding activities on the planet.
Rwanda is situated on the western arm of The Great Rift Valley. This pretty country sits in a watershed between Africa’s largest rivers – The Nile and The Congo. Images of “Gorillas in the Mist” will abound.
