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Rwanda Humanitarian Expedition: A Transformative Field Experience

Dates: January 7 – 17, 2026
Cost: $1,950 (excluding flights)
Group Size: Up to 10 participants
Application Deadline: November 1, 2025

The date has been adjusted to better accommodate university students and participants returning from the holiday season.

 

This is not a typical internship or volunteer trip. This is a hands-on humanitarian expedition where you will step into the field, work alongside local leaders, conduct impactful research, and implement real solutions.

Are you ready to go beyond observation and take action?

What This Expedition Is About

The Nation Voice Foundation Humanitarian Expedition is designed for those who are passionate about global development, human rights, education, and social impact. This immersive experience combines field research, community engagement, and practical humanitarian work in Rwanda.

Who We Are Looking For

We are selecting dedicated individuals ready to:
✅ Step beyond their comfort zone
✅ Work directly with local communities
✅ Engage in hands-on projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
✅ Learn from grassroots leaders, educators, and human rights advocates

This expedition is perfect for students, recent graduates, professionals, and anyone looking to gain real-world experience in international development, humanitarian action, and social innovation.

What You Will Do

🔹 Field Research & Social Impact Studies

  • Conduct research on local social and economic challenges
  • Analyze the effectiveness of development programs
  • Contribute to policy recommendations and reports

🔹 Media & Advocacy

  • Document on-the-ground experiences through writing, photography, and video
  • Create advocacy content to raise awareness on education, human rights, and community development
  • Develop storytelling skills for journalism, international communication, and human rights campaigns

🔹 Education & Digital Literacy

  • Teach English and computer skills to students and young professionals
  • Help develop educational resources for underserved communities
  • Gain experience in teaching, curriculum development, and cross-cultural exchange

🔹 Community Development & Humanitarian Action

  • Participate in food security and economic empowerment initiatives
  • Work directly with community leaders and grassroots organizations
  • Learn leadership and project management skills essential for humanitarian work

What You Will Gain

✔️ Hands-on International Experience – Work on-site in Rwanda, gaining direct exposure to development projects.
✔️ Professional Skill Development – Strengthen research, writing, and cross-cultural communication skills.
✔️ Global Career Preparation – Gain experience relevant to careers in the United Nations, NGOs, diplomacy, and policy analysis.
✔️ Recognition & Future Opportunities – Receive a certificate of completion and a recommendation letter for graduate programs or future employment.


What Makes This Journey Special

Beyond your project work, we want you to experience Rwanda’s culture, history, and nature. Together, we will:

  • Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial: Gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s history and the resilience of its people.
  • Explore Lake Ruhondo: Discover one of Rwanda’s most beautiful lakes, surrounded by hills and volcanoes. If conditions allow, we may spend a night at a cozy eco-lodge by the water.
  • Community Walks: Meet local families, visit villages, and see daily life in Rwanda.

These experiences will leave you with memories that stay for a lifetime.


Program Cost & Payment Details

Program Fee: $1,950 (excluding flights)

What’s Included:

  • Accommodation.
  • Transfer from and to the airport
  • Meals.
  • Local transportation.
  • Participation in projects.
  • Cultural visits and guided excursions.
  • Training, project coordination, and support.
  • Teaching and project materials.

Not included:

  • International flights.
  • Visa and travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses.

Deposit & Payment Structure

To secure your place in the program, a $450 non-refundable deposit is required upon acceptance.

🔹 Where does the deposit go?
This deposit covers the essential preparatory expenses for the expedition, ensuring that everything is in place for a meaningful and well-organized experience. The funds are allocated to:

  • Development of educational materials (teaching resources for English and digital literacy programs).
  • Logistics and project preparation (coordinating with local partners, securing venues for educational sessions, and purchasing necessary supplies).
  • On-ground coordination (establishing connections with community leaders, pre-arranging activities, and overall program administration).

🔹 Payment Schedule:

  • Deposit: $450 (due upon acceptance, non-refundable).
  • First Payment: $750 (due 3 months before departure).
  • Final Payment: $750 (due 1 month before departure).

📌 Important: All payments must be completed at least 30 days before the program start date.


Refund Policy

We understand that unexpected circumstances may arise, so we offer the following refund options:

  • Deposit ($450) – Non-refundable as it covers preparatory expenses.
  • Cancellation 3+ months before departure → 50% refund of additional payments (excluding deposit).
  • Cancellation 1-2 months before departure → 25% refund of additional payments (excluding deposit).
  • Cancellation within 30 days → No refund, as funds have already been allocated to the program.

Note: Refunds do not cover external costs such as flights, visas, or travel insurance if they have already been purchased by the participant.

Safety and Support

We understand that traveling to Africa may raise questions. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our participants is our top priority. Our program is designed with a strong support system to provide a secure and enriching experience:

Safe & Verified Accommodation – Participants stay in trusted, secure locations.
Reliable Transportation – All travel is arranged with vetted, experienced drivers.
On-Ground Support – Local coordinators are available at all times for assistance.
Pre-Departure Preparation – Participants receive full guidance before travel.
24/7 WhatsApp Support – For real-time updates and immediate assistance:

WhatsApp Group – Provides program updates and general travel information.

Direct WhatsApp Assistance – For urgent questions and individual support.

We are committed to providing a safe, structured, and well-supported experience for all participants, ensuring both students and their families feel confident and informed throughout the journey.

You will be supported every step of the way.

How to Join the Expedition

Application Process

We carefully select expedition members through an application and interview process to ensure the best fit for both the mission and the team dynamic.

Submit Your Application to: [email protected]
📌 Subject Line: Rwanda Humanitarian Expedition – [Your Full Name]

Application Requirements:

To apply, please submit the following information:

  • Full Name & Age
  • University / College (if applicable) & Field of Study
  • Current Profession (if not a student)
  • Contact Information (Email & Phone Number)
  • Motivation Statement (Why do you want to join this expedition?)
  • Relevant Experience (Have you participated in any humanitarian projects, volunteer work, or international programs before?)
  • Skills & Strengths (What unique skills or experiences can you bring to the expedition? e.g., teaching, research, public speaking, media, project coordination)
  • Language Proficiency (Do you speak additional languages? Not required, but helpful for some roles.)
  • Health & Fitness Statement (Do you have any medical conditions or dietary restrictions we should be aware of?)
  • Emergency Contact Information
  • Passport & Travel Information (Do you have a valid passport? Will you need assistance with visa applications?)

Application Review:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You will receive a response within 7-10 business days.

Interview Process:

Selected applicants will be invited for a short interview to discuss their motivations, expectations, and how they can contribute to the expedition.

Commitment Agreement:

All accepted participants must sign an agreement confirming their understanding of the following:

  • The responsibilities and expectations of being part of the expedition.
  • The payment structure, including the non-refundable $450 deposit.
  • The Code of Conduct, which includes professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and respect for local communities.

Confirmation & Deposit:

If accepted, you will receive a confirmation email with payment details. A $450 deposit is required within 7 days to secure your place.

Final Payment Deadline: December 5, 2025.

Fundraising & Sponsorship Options:

We encourage participants to explore funding opportunities, including:

  • University grants or scholarships.
  • Crowdfunding platforms.
  • Sponsorships from local businesses or organizations.
    We can provide an official letter of participation for funding applications upon request.

Pre-Departure Orientation:

Before departure, we will host a Zoom orientation call to answer questions, provide final details, and ensure you are fully prepared for the expedition.

Join us. Rwanda is waiting.