Description

Developing World Connections works in partnership with out host partner, Building Bridges with Rwanda, in the community of Gashora. Gashora is 45 minutes from the capital Kigali and the Sector population of about 20,000 people. During the 1994 Genocide, the District of Bugesera was the epicenter of the genocide. In recent years, the Government of Rwanda has implemented many development projects in the district including irrigation projects, new schools, health centers and water projects to bring new hope to this area and create sustainable livelihood.

The current project in Gashora is to continue the construction of Covaga Innovation Centre that will become a hub of innovation and economic development. Currently, members of Covaga weave baskets and bags from pampas grass; however, when the facility is completed, the cooperative will begin the production and export of quality woven furniture from the water hyacinth plant. In December 2011, the vegetable and fruit garden project was launched. It will be developed with the support of Rwandans and international volunteers as a foundation for food production and nutrition where residents of Gashora can replicate its best practices into their homes as kitchen gardens.

Highlights

Volunteers benefit from working in a group, which offers the sense of team work and group accomplishment. Volunteers work with and alongside locals. By working together, one benefits from a real sense of global citizenship and solidarity. All experiences are led by an experienced team leader who helps facilitate the experience. Volunteers benefit from the lasting friendships developed and from the life changing impact of such a unique and meaningful experience. Participants may choose to spend time afterwards exploring some of the most beautiful scenery, exotic sites and rich cultural heritage of Rwanda.

Qualifications

No special skills required.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Adventure Travel

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2,000 (CDN)

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The cost of a 2 week international volunteer experience in Rwanda is 2,000 CDN. Cost includes food, in-country transportation, 2 - 3 star level accommodation and project and program expenses. Included in the CDN2,000 is a CDN500 direct project donation. This cost does not include airfare. However, the entire cost of an international volunteer experience paid through Developing World Connections, including airfare, is eligible for a charitable tax receipt in Canada and/or U.S.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Anyone with an open mind, an adventurous spirit, and a caring soul. Families. Singles. Couples. Adults. Youth. We have had volunteers range in age from 9 to 83 years old and their backgrounds have been as different as their ages. No special skills are required and if you have physical limitations, you can work according to your ability.

Age Range

1-2 week short-term trips: all ages; 4 week student trips: 16-29 years old

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 5-30

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

one day

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Developing World Connections's Mission Statement

It is our mission to be a conduit for hope and to make a positive difference in the world. We exist to connect regular, everyday people with communities in the developing world to work alongside each other while making a real and lasting impact for the benefit for our entire global community.

Year Founded

2004