Volunteer in Rwanda

  Rwanda

Kigali

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Year Round

Description: 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 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 an after school literacy program by tutoring teenagers that do not attend school. 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 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.

Qualifications: 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

Cost in US$: see website

Experience Required: yes

A university degree is required to teach classes independently however, volunteers with high school qualifications may help as teaching assistants. A basic knowledge of French is also required for the Teaching project.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and South African Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Rwanda Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of varies

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Global Volunteer Network's Mission Statement: The Global Volunteer Network (GVN) is a private, Non Government Organization (NGO) based in Wellington, New Zealand. Our incorporation number is WN/1194442. Our vision is to support the work of local community organizations in developing countries through the placement of international volunteers. We believe that local communities are in the best position to determine their needs, and we provide volunteers to help them achieve their goals.

Year Founded: 2000