I tend to get a lot questions about my uncoming plans, the gist of them being “why would you go to Rwanda? (Thanks Bill Kelly) So here is my story:
When I returned from Tanzania last January, I started to think about what it would be like to live abroad on a long term basis. I had seen such an amazing change in the children I taught in only 4 weeks, I could only wonder what one could accomplish in a year or two. The children in the Juvenile Detention Center were so open to learning and grateful for any attention. The children were like little sponges, trying to suck up any knowledge, attention or love you threw their way.
As I was casting my net around for some possible options, I read a long article in the New Yorker about President Paul Kagame’s introduction of the Gacacca and the process of trying to reintegrate the perpetrators of the violence back into the community. This is an extremely difficult and still flawed process with good intentions, and there is something about it that made me want to be apart of it. Around this time, I found the WorldTeach program and felt like it would be a great match for me. When I accepted into the program, I began to learn even more and learned some shocking statistics. 99.9% of people living in Rwanda today experienced violence during the genocide. 68% lost a family member. As a result of the violence, the average age in Rwanda is 19. Today Rwanda is a thriving country and considered by many to be one of the safest countries in Africa. In addition, all Rwandan citizens are eligible for free health care. Primary School is nearly universal and there are 44,000 university students. Despite this stunning progress there are still major obstacles to overcome.
Because the majority of the current population was children during the genocide, they are in serious need of positive adult role models. With the country full of orphans, teachers provide much of the support, guidance and inspiration that would usually come from parents. It is important for this young and impressionable population to have strong, positive role models in order for the next generation of Rwandan’s to continue the peaceful progress made so far. Because Rwanda is bordered by the unstable Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, it is important for stable influences to ensure that the looming negative forces do not have room to get a foothold. Tanzania (one of Rwanda’s borders) has had an incredibly stable climate since their independence. This is in part because the first President emphasized a national identity (much like our American identity) over tribal. Now that Rwanda is coming out from the shadow of the genocide, they too must work towards casting on the identities forced on them by their Belgian colonizers’ and come together as Rwandans.
In 2003, Rwanda declared English one of the 3 official languages (French and Kinyarwanda are the others) and became the language of schools. I feel strongly that learning English from a native English speaker puts children at a distinct advantage. (Insert joke about my spelling and grammar skills here) So that is how I came to be heading to Rwanda in December to teach for a year. I will be teaching High School (probably) English, Math and Science (insert joke about my math and science skills here). I don’t know the specifics of what town, school or grade I will be placed in yet and probably won’t know until I arrive. Teachers are also expected to provide some sort of extra-curricular activity. My fellow volunteers are planning HIV/AIDS clubs, but I had a Yoga and Dancing clubs in mind.
Whats the point of this schpeal? Well, this volunteer trip comes at a cost of $6000. Any penny that anyone would like to donate to my cause would be HIGHLY appreciated.. So my fundraising idea is T-SHIRTS. Anyone who donates to my Rwanda fund will become the proud owner of a 'Rwanda 2010" t-shirt designed by me! If you want to donate, you can a. send me a check (I promise not to spend on prada) or go to http://www.universalgiving.org/donate/worldteach/id4947.do the WorldTeach account and click on "Donate on Behalf of Someone" ( find the link on the far right side of the options.) Youwill then be asked for the amount you want to donate($1-$6000), who is it for (Jane Brokaw), the volunteer's email address (janebrokaw@gmail.com), and to write a short message to the volunteer if they would like (include your T-shirt size!)
I am also expected to bring markers, construction paper, stickers, grammar and activity books. So if anyone is casting around for a Christmas present for me, stickers and other teaching motivators or classroom decorations would be thrilling.
Why do you have to pay to volunteer? (This was not written by me)
To go to Rwanda volunteers must fundraise at least $6,000. Many people, including myself, ask why one has to pay to volunteer. Well, here is the answer:
The reality is that there are significant costs involved in recruiting, preparing, sending, training, and supporting a volunteer to teach in a developing country. Consequently, WorldTeach, the volunteer, and the chosen country's host institution must work in a partnership to meet these costs. Thus, the program fee raised by the volunteer is part of the volunteer's contribution to the overall cost.
The cost to send one volunteer to Rwanda is currently $8,000 but luckily WorldTeach as already secured a $2,000 grant for each Rwanda volunteer. If you are interested in learning more about the explanation of fees
While in Rwanda my housing costs will be covered and I will receive a small cost-of-living stipend. Volunteers will be paid approximately $100 (US) per month from the Rwandan government which will be supplemented with another $140 (US) per month from WorldTeach, for a total living allowance of approximately $240 per month, which will cover the cost of food and other basic living expenses.
WorldTeach
WorldTeach is an independent, non-profit organization affiliated with Harvard. WorldTeach receives no funding from the U.S. government (LIKE THE PEACE CORPS) and no significant funding from other sources. WorldTeach has a small permanent staff and aims to keep costs down while providing a high quality service to volunteers and host communities. The host school or sponsoring organization provides housing and, in the longer-term programs, a monthly living allowance for the volunteer. Click here for a breakdown of the organizational expenses.
