Heading to Urukundo and Mama Arlene, Rwanda, Africa
On Tuesday I, and three others, head to Rwanda, Africa to visit and work with my mother, Mama Arlene, and wonderful Urukundo staff members. While there, we'll also have the opportunity to experience the history and culture of "The Land of Thousand HIlls" through "Urukundo Travel With a Purpose. (Read more below.)
Here are some details if you'd like to come too.
Urukundo’s* Travel with a Purpose Volunteer
Experience the Heart of Rwanda with Mama Arlene and Urukundo*(Love)
Urukundo welcomes Volunteers to an unforgettable journey where a real impact can be made in the lives of children with Mama Arlene and the dedicated Urukundo teachers and staff. While volunteering you can discover the rich cultural tapestry of Rwanda through exciting tours and adventures.
Why Choose Urukundo Travel with a Purpose?
1.Give Back and Make a Difference
Come to Urukundo to join forces and make a positive impact; to both contribute and learn. Volunteer opportunities include working with teachers in Daycare, Preschool and Primary grades, children’s sports, music program, assisting in dental care, and supporting new mothers and their babies, mentoring musical instrumentalists. Come share your particular expertise.
2.Gain a New Perspective
Immerse yourself in a new country and culture for a transformative experience. Your trip to Urukundo will allow you to see the world with fresh eyes and gain a deeper understanding of a different culture and way of life.
3.Meet New People
Connect with the Urukundo faculty and staff, who are local community members, as you work together toward a common goal. Volunteers often form life-long friendships and connections, enriching their journey.
4.Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
Step out of your comfort zone; discover a new sense of purpose and redefine your life. This challenging and rewarding opportunity is a chance for personal growth, discovering strengths and weaknesses, and shaping your purpose.
Useful Information
o $USD money can be exchanged for rwf (Rwanda Franc) in the Urukundo campus office at the current exchange rate.
o Only one-hundred-dollar bills with a date of 2017 or newer are acceptable for exchange. Smaller bills are not acceptable for exchange.
o Local crafts and souvenirs can be purchased with rwf (Rwanda Franc).
Costs to Plan for Your Visit
• $95 Bank Wire Fee for booking tours with the Rwandan Tour Agency.
o 2 persons wire: 47.00 each
o 3 persons wire: 31.00 each
o 4 persons wire: 23.50 each
• $50 USD for Visa upon entry at airport. Good for 90 days.
• Transport from and to the Airport
o Via Car 1 to 2 passengers. $70 USD per trip, shared by all passengers
o Via Minibus 3 to 8 Passengers, $140 USD per trip, shared by all passengers
o Via Big Bus 8+ passengers, $200 USD per trip, shared by all passengers
Accommodations
$50 USD donation per day per person covers lodging 3 meals a day, purified water, and Fiber-optic internet WIFI. This can be prepaid by sending a check to HMR or upon arrival.
Guest House (2 options)
o Private rooms with a double bed and a single in each room and private bath.
o Male and female dorms with baths for groups.
Residence
o Three bedrooms are available with a choice of single occupancy or double occupancy. Both have a shared bath.
Urukundo Campus Volunteer Opportunities (Examples)
• Preschool and Primary School Teacher’s Assistant
• Children’s Library
• Music Program
• Dental Clinic Project
• Farm Animal Project
• Staff and Community Daycare Program
• Vocational Sewing School
• Mama-Baby Outreach Project
• All Faiths Community and Visitor Worship Center
• Kitchen Project – Worker/Kitchen Aide or Nutrition Advisor
• Sharing Your Expertise – Do you have a special ability, talent, hobby, or expertise? Let us know before you come, and we can help you determine how it might best be utilized.
The school is open 8 am - 5:30 pm. The Daycare is open 7 am - 7 pm. You can arrange your hours once you have experiences and decide where you can best contribute.
Sightseeing, Day-Trips and Overnight Excursions
Embark on unique adventures with our local Urukundo guides or with a Rwandan-licensed tour agency that will introduce you to Rwanda’s treasures and hidden gems. Further details and prices upon request.
• Kigali City Tour with Market
• Akagera National Park (Guided African Big Five Safari)
• Volcanoes National Park (Gorilla Trekking+)
• Nyungwe National Park (Rain Forest+)
• Kings Palace (Traditional Royal Residence, Inyambo Royal Cows+)
• Drone Zipline
• Mindleaps Dance Troupe
• Azizi Life Cultural Center
• Nyanza/ Home Grown Solution Museum
• Ethnographic Museum
We are here to answer your questions and inquiries to make your visit the very best.
• U.S. Contact: Patricia D. Brown, pdbrown@spiritworks.org, www.spiritworks.org
• Rwandan Contact: Arlene D. Brown, brown.arlene30@gmail.com
• European Contact: Louise Medland, lsmedland@gmail.com
Here is our website: www.hopemadereal.org May 9, 2024