Community Development Africa
Love Volunteers partners with a local charity in Rwanda to support this essential program. The Abagore Farming Co-operative (‘Abagore’ means ‘women’) supports participating families by providing supplies and a willing volunteer labor force to assist with the labour intensive farming program. Many of the families the charity works with are headed by women, so the co-operative was set up to give them the opportunity to earn money to look after their families. These families have been affected by the country’s troubled history, and by the economic fall-out. The women supported by this co-operative grow maize, carrots, and cabbages and farm a small amount of pigs to sell in markets in the area. Through these actions they will not only earn an income that will benefit their families, but will also be contributing to food security in the community, ensuring that people can improve their nutrition and health. The women in the Abagore Farming Co-operative learn the value of trading skills and go on to then train more women in the community. Our partner supports the women in accessing markets in the area and helps them to become small business leaders, which in turn creates more jobs for the community.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide volunteer labor to support women growing crops to support their families
- Teach economic and trading skills to women in the community – and thus empowering them
- Contribute to food security in this impoverished nation
- Expose volunteers and children to different people and cultures
How You Can Help
This is a farming program with an extremely important community development element to it, and one that is essential to the community in which it operates and the families it helps to support. Volunteers on this program can expect to help in every aspect of this agricultural co-operative, from assisting with tending the land, harvesting crops, selling crops at local markets, and in assisting with educating the women involved in the project on sustainable agricultural techniques. Volunteers may also be called upon to teach English to the participants in order to improve their future livelihoods. This program is ideal for volunteers who like physical work, that are enthusiastic and don’t mind getting their hands dirty, that like working in teams, and people who love to interact closely with others. Participants must be physically fit and enjoying being outdoors, with work hours varied and dependent on the task at hand.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Working on the land - tending to and harvesting crops
- Selling crops at local markets
- Educating participants on sustainable farming practices
- Teaching English language skills
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help create a brighter future for people living in marginalized communities of Rwanda. While this project is best suited to those pursuing a career in the fields of anthropology, social entrepreneurship and/or economics, or those with a background in farming and agriculture, volunteers who simply wish to be involved in a more ‘varied’ project are also welcomed as there are many ways you can assist and individual projects can often be tailored to suit the particular skills and interests or each participant. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
Rwamagana is about one hour east of the capital, Kigali and is a relatively big town by Rwandan standards. Many cities are accessible from Rwamagana, including Kilgali which has a number of interesting museums, Cyangugu where Obo National Park is one of the main tourist attractions, Gisenyi where you will find Gishwati Forest, and of course Gikongoro which is home to National des Volcans and Parc National Nyungwe Forest.
The Genocide Memorial in Kigali provides good insight into one of the world’s greatest tragedies. This excellent museum is laid out in three sections. The first contextualizes the Rwandan genocide, detailing the events leading up to it and the international response. The second section brings it into the wider context of genocide in other countries and the third is a heart-breaking tribute to the children that died.
Situated in the far northwest of Rwanda, the Parc des Volcans is home of the rare mountain gorilla. This is Rwanda’s biggest tourist attraction, and at $500+ for one hour with the gorillas it is also a substantial earner. If you can afford it it’s an excellent experience, and even possible as a day trip from Kigali. However, make sure you book your permit in advance as there are a limited number issued each day. A gorilla visit can entail a 1 to 4-hour trek through the forest, led by experienced trackers who have spent their entire lives living in or close to the forest.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 2 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Kigali International Airport volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to their guesthouse accommodation where they will join a short welcome session. On Monday, volunteers attend the full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Rwanda. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Kigali International Airport, Kigali, Rwanda (CODE: KGL)
Accommodation & Meals
Safe and comfortable accommodation will be provided during your stay in Rwanda. Volunteers have the unmissable experience of living within the community which is a great way to experience cultural immersion. Volunteers will be accommodated in a large 5 bedroom house where it may be necessary for volunteers to share a twin room depending on how many people are participating at the same time. The house has a large living room and open plan kitchen and dining. There is a cooker, toaster and a kettle available for use if required. The bathrooms have flush toilets and showers, however, there may be times when water is not available so wash basins and jerry cans will be provided. Linen is provided.
The shared rooms will be split by gender. If necessary it may be possible to secure a private room (additional fees apply).
There are internet cafes close by to the guesthouse.
Breakfast and dinner will be provided at the guesthouse during your stay by an onsite cook, and lunch can be bought cheaply at local markets, street stalls and cafes. Volunteers are welcome to buy bread and other snacks as required, and are required to buy their own drinking water. Your hosts will provide you with a selection of local Rwandan foods during your volunteer period, but you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. This might take some adjusting to but is part of life in Rwanda. If you have special eating needs, please let us know ahead of time so that we can make arrangements for you. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but also as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.
Please keep in mind that living conditions are basic and running hot water is not common in Rwanda which is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience, and a flexible attitude, you will quickly get used to your new surroundings.
Fees
That’s just USD 27 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
COVID-19 requirements:
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Full details on the Republic of Rwanda Ministry of Health website here.