In December 2008, WorldTeach will begin an exciting year long program that will send 20 volunteers to teach in public high schools in and around Kigali, Rwanda's capital and largest city.  Kigali is situated in the center of the nation, and has been the economic, cultural, and transport hub of Rwanda since it became independent in 1962. 

This country is one of the most colorful and vibrant in Africa today.  The dynamic President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has instituted many programs that have helped pave the way to prosperity and development since the genocide ended in 1994. 

By partnering with the Ministry of Education of Rwanda, volunteers will teach English, math, science, and possibly other subjects at schools throughout this geographically small country of nearly ten million people. Most schools are bilingual, teaching in both French and English, although the native language is Kinyarwanda.  Teachers are highly respected individuals throughout Rwanda.

Students today were small children during the genocide and many of them are orphans as a result.  The students you will be teaching still need help coping with what they experienced and this will be an important part of the volunteer's role while teaching in Rwanda.  In memory of those who lost their lives, April 7 is Genocide Commemoration Day and school will not be in session for the entire week.

Volunteers should also plan on running a variety of extra-curricular activities for the students, such as HIV/AIDS clubs (considering the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS throughout Africa), coaching sports teams, and getting involved in acting, singing, or library clubs.  It is anticipated that many of the volunteers will want to work with these clubs and truly benefit the youth they are aimed to help.

Departing in late December 2008, the volunteers will have one month of in-country orientation and will begin their teacher service in January 2009.  Volunteers will live at school-provided housing, which may vary depending on the placement site.  The most common living arrangement is in a school hostel or dorm.  This is typically a furnished apartment or a shared house with other teachers on school property or in a nearby village.  The volunteer's service will end in late November of 2009.

Volunteers will be paid approximately US$100 per month from the Rwandan government which will be supplemented with another US$100 per month from WorldTeach, for a total living allowance of approximately US$200 per month, which will cover the cost of food and other basic living expenses.

The program fee is US$7,990. There will be matching grants of up to US$2,000 awarded to volunteers who fundraise at least that much of the fee, thus reducing the cost to US$5,990.

If you would like to join our official interest list for the Rwanda Year program, please write to info@worldteach.org.  We will be sure to contact you!

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