The volunteers who join Hope Shines in Rwanda not only receive the joy of working with enthusiastic children and adolescents, but a truly culturally empowering experience as well.
From learning about daily life in Rwanda, speaking to locals, visiting markets, enjoying local cuisine, exploring museums, and learning about Rwanda’s history, volunteers gain a more worldly perspective, as well as the compassion and desire to continue taking part in improving the world. We endeavor to provide an unforgettable and inspiring experience–not only for the kids, but for each of our volunteers.
Please email us here if you are interested in becoming a Hope Shines volunteer.
SUMMER 2011 CAMP
Volunteers have a choice to work at one or two different camps. In 2010 we expanded our outreach to include Children Support Centre (formerly ROC) and PAMASOR-Rwanda, both are non-governmental agencies which support orphans and vulnerable children. Depending on availability, volunteers worked at one or both camps. Each camp lasts five days, but our work as volunteers takes about ten, as we have extra work to do to prepare. We ask that you arrive on Friday or Saturday to be ready for Orientation which is held on Sunday. Camp starts Monday and lasts until Friday. On the next day, Hope Shines likes to say “THANK YOU” to its wonderful volunteers by sending them on a Safari Day Trip to Akagera National Park! Volunteers are free to stay in Rwanda to explore or to leave immediately after camp is finished. So, here is what your week will look like regardless of which camp you volunteer.
Friday or Saturday: Arrive at Kigali International Airport
Sunday: Orientation
Monday – Friday: Camp!
Saturday: Safari Day Trip
Sunday: You are free to explore, head home or travel.
Dates for the 2011 camps are as follows. The dates are based on when the children are off from school for summer break:
Camp 1: July 31st – August 5th. Safari: August 6th.
Camp 2: August 14th – August 19th. Safari: August 20th.
If you’re interested in joining us as a volunteer, and you can be in Rwanda for for either one camp or you can volunteer for both. During the week in between the two camps, we use this time to prepare the logistics for the second camp. You are welcome to help or to travel around Rwanda and visit the famous Mountain Gorillas or take in the scenic vistas of Lake Kevu.
Please download the Application and the important Volunteer Interest Letter, which contains a lot of useful information.
We will review your application and let you know as soon as possible, so you can prepare for your journey!
To apply, download these two forms now and return the application to Hope Shines:
Hope Shines Volunteer Application 2011
Hope Shines Volunteer Information Letter 2011
***If you have trouble downloading the application b/c it is in Word format, pls email us and we can send it to you as a PDF. Thanks!***
Send your completed application form to info@hopeshines.net.
Here are a few more pics of our vols in action!
