Volunteer with reconciliation and leadership projects in Rwanda

PROGRAM DATES: JULY 3 – AUGUST 14, 2013

Backpack with a purpose next summer with Operation Groundswell!

Uncover the political history of East Africa in this hands-on volunteering and educational program. Volunteers will connect with passionate and engaged youth from the As We Forgive Rwanda Initiative and assist in leading a screening and discussion program and to initiate a reconciliation-based income-generating project. Participants will work with a grassroots organization to help run a leadership camp to support education and training of local youth.

Rwanda's history is heavy and after this first leg of the trip, volunteers will have a lot to reflect on. You can visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center and other memorials in surrounding villages at your own pace. On the third day, we'll meet with officials at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda to ask questions and learn more about the process of justice and reconciliation. We will also explore how far the media has come by working first hand with local news agencies in the capital and engaging in meaningful conversations with experts in this field.

To learn more about our upcoming trip and project, click here.

As we always work on community-requested projects, our work is subject to change depending on the community's needs at the time we are there.

OG combines meaningful volunteer experiences with cultural exchange and off-the-beaten path adventure, which means you'll also get to explore the East African cuisine, culture, history, and geography. Get a glimpse of a sample itinerary of what you can expect from this OG trip to East Africa by clicking here.

PROGRAM FEE: 2650

• Program fee includes accomodations, housing, local transportation, all guided tours and entrance fees, organized discussions and activities, and two caring and passionate trip leaders with you 24 hours a day.

• International flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses (such as gifts, souvenirs) are not included in this fee

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Work with the As We Forgive Rwanda Initiative and engage in workshops to support Rwandans rebuilding their lives through reconciliation
• Visit the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and reflect at the Kigali Genocide Memorial Center
• Interact with local news agencies and examine the impact of both local and international media coverage of 1994′s genocide
• Help run a leadership camp to support education and training in the remote south west region of Rwanda between the Nyungwe Forest and Lake Kivu
• Survive mind-blowing rapids as you white water raft down the source of the Nile in Uganda