About the program
Economic independence creates opportunities for women, their families, and their communities. Our Financial Empowerment through Microfinance Programme helps women in the rural communities build sustainable livelihoods through access to affordable finance and practical business training.
Every local participant completes practical business and financial literacy training on this program before receiving a small business loan. This training equips women with the skills to manage money effectively, develop successful businesses, and make informed financial decisions that support long-term growth.
By combining access to finance with business education, we empower women to build resilient businesses, create lasting economic opportunities, and secure a brighter future for themselves and the next generation.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential teaching and support to vulnerable girls and women
- Improve the future prospects of young women and girls
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Our Women's Empowerment Program offers international volunteers a meaningful opportunity to support vulnerable women and girls as they build brighter, more independent futures.
Whether you have professional experience or simply a passion for helping others, your time, skills, and encouragement can make a real difference.
As a volunteer, you will work alongside our local staff, learn about our community initiatives, and support women-led small businesses by sharing your knowledge, skills, and experience. You may also teach basic conversational English, helping participants communicate more confidently with international customers and develop the confidence to promote and sell their products.
Beyond teaching practical skills, you will help build confidence, inspire ambition, and encourage participants to recognise their own potential. By sharing your expertise and support, you will contribute to stronger livelihoods, greater economic independence, and brighter futures for the women in our program.
In return, you will gain an authentic insight into Rwanda's rich culture, warm hospitality, and vibrant communities while becoming part of a meaningful, community-led initiative that creates lasting change.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake many of following tasks:
- Work with women at the community centre
- Share knowledge and skills in your area of expertise.
- Help women to build confidence and start a business.
- Teaching conversational English
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 with business experience or vocational skills, volunteers who simply wish to be involved and have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude are welcomed. 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.
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.