Akagera and Nyanza Volunteering Programs

Our Rwanda Volunteering Program aims to foster connections among young people from all over the world and help them explore different lifestyles through joint activities carried out in Rwanda. in partnership with us is delighted to support such exchanges by providing structure, guidance, and assistance to help participants build meaningful connections.

You can find information about the current programs under News, or write to us at info@közelafrikához.hu-ra. 

Nyanza Volunteering Program

Background of the Program:

In 2023, as a pilot project, we sent a university student, Máté Koszó, from Boston College in the USA to spend six weeks volunteering in Rwanda. For four weeks, the volunteer taught English and entrepreneurship skills to a group of Rwandan students from E.S. Nyanza. This program proved to be highly successful, providing an opportunity for young people to connect and learn from one another. Máté was warmly welcomed and greatly appreciated by both the students of Nyanza and the leadership of the Youth Center hosting the course.

The goal is to provide knowledge that can help participants break free from the constraints of agricultural labor. Additionally, shared sports activities and cultural experiences will, of course, also be an integral part of the program.

Sometimes you might see us refer to this program as an "exchange," but why do we call it an "exchange"?

Because both the presenters and the participants will return home richer. They give something and receive even more in return. Getting to know each other’s cultures, sharing common experiences, and building connections are very important elements of the camp. Our volunteers prepared with great excitement for the July trip—and it was well worth it. During our visit to Rwanda this year, we witnessed the fruits of the summer courses. One of our hardworking students, Elie, started his own beekeeping business based on the entrepreneurial skills he learned during the summer program. Elie comes from extremely poor circumstances, but that did not stop him. His determination and what he learned helped him build his own beehives with his own hands. We hope that at our next meeting, we’ll get to taste his honey and support his business by buying some jars. This success proves that it is definitely worth running this program year after year.

Sign up at info@kozelafrikahoz.hu if you would also love to be part of this experience!

Akagera Volunteering Program

Background of the Program:

The Közel Afrikához Foundation has been working since 2019 to provide education for children in need in Rwanda and Mali. Together with our local partner, the Akagera Good Neighbors civil organization, we help economically vulnerable children who are at risk of ending up on the streets or are already living there, with broken family backgrounds and without social or financial support. These children are unable to attend school due to their financial situation and are often forced to steal food from the market. With the help of Akagera Good Neighbors and of our supporters, we make it possible for them to attend school by covering the costs of school uniforms and school meals. This is important not only because it prevents them from stealing and ensures they have at least one stable source of food, but also because it motivates them to study and break free from poverty. During the summer break, the children do not attend school and do not receive school meals, so they are often forced to steal food again. The goal of the volunteer program is to provide meals and meaningful learning opportunities for them even during the summer. In recent years, we have successfully sent volunteers to Rwanda to promote cultural exchange and mutual learning. 

Sign up at info@kozelafrikahoz.hu if you would also love to be part of this experience!

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