Human Rights Delegations to Rwanda

  Rwanda

• Other Cities in Rwanda: 
Kigali

Term: Spring, Summer 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks and 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Varies for Each Delegation

Description: Rwanda Delegations (General Description): GYC Delegations to Rwanda explore the roots of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, how this legacy of violence has impacted the country and its people, particularly Rwandan youth, and also how the country is rebuilding today, with great success overall. We examine issues of truth, justice and reconciliation in the context of post-conflict Rwanda and what is needed to strengthen local institutions and programs dedicated to promoting a culture of respect for human rights. Participants connect with young Rwandans and participate in a variety of collaborative projects aimed at promoting human rights. The delegation also meets with leading human rights defenders, government representatives, international institutions, youth and others from local communities to learn more about the political, economic and social challenges faced by Rwandans today. NOTE: In 2010, we are increasing the number of delegations to Rwanda due to high interest in the program, and availability of the Program Director and Partner Organizations. We are excited about the added benefit which will come from more continuous work in Rwanda! In addition, we are diversifying our programming in Rwanda in 2010, such that some delegations will differ in focus, appealing to a range of activists with different skills/interests and ages.   

Memorial Delegation to Rwanda

Dates: April 3rd 25th, 2010   
Application Deadline: Jan 10 (with rolling admissions until December 20 for up to half of the delegation)
-Age Range: 18 35
-Program Tuition:USD2200
Overlapping with the start of the Genocide Memorial period and the official national memorial week of April 7 14, this delegation will focus even more deeply on the 1994 Genocide of the Tutsi in Rwanda. Site visits and volunteer fieldwork will have a particular focus on working with organizations serving survivors of the Genocide and/or working on issues of trauma counseling, healing, and reconciliation.

Youth Human Rights Delegation to Rwanda
-Dates: July 1st 23rd, 2010
-Application Deadline: Jan 29
-Age Range: 18 30
-Program Tuition:USD2200

This delegation will include a workshop focused on cross-cultural examinations of human rights and conflict resolution. Site visits and volunteer field-work catered to the needs/skills of the individuals who apply and the particular needs of local partner NGOs at the time, as per our general description above.

Arts for Peace Delegation to Rwanda
Dates: July 31 Aug 22, 2010
-Application Deadline: Jan 29
-Age Range: 18 35
-Program Tuition:USD 2200

On this delegation, the core activities the human rights workshop, site visits, and fieldwork -- will be particularly, though not exclusively, focused on and infused with the arts, both performing and visual arts depending on who applies for the delegation. We will employ the arts as a tool for cross-cultural human rights education in a workshop setting, as well as a tool for raising awareness, inspiring action, and aiding in healing processes.   

How to Apply: We invite interested young leaders to apply. We are looking for participants who are between the ages of 18-30 -- April and August Delegations to Rwanda will accept 18 35 years -- and who possess U.S. or Canadian citizenship or residency as well as international students studying full-time at a U.S. or Canadian college or university. Most importantly, applicants should wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of human rights and social justice, and contribute to local human rights efforts in the delegation country. Participants will become part of a growing global movement of youth acting together for compassion, human rights and responsibility.

Highlights:
GYC's Human Rights Delegations are a unique, first-hand opportunity to cross cultural boundaries and learn about the daily reality of human rights as experienced in a complex and increasingly globalized world. Each delegation weaves together three core sets of activities that effect change on all of the aforementioned levels, and then some:
-a human rights training workshop with local youth activists
-site visits to local organizations
-hands-on fieldwork projects

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: Are you engaged in promoting human rights and understanding?

Do you want to make a difference in:

      (a) your experience and that of your affiliated institutions and organizations?

      (b) the lives of young human rights activists in rebuilding nations like Bosnia and Rwanda?

      (c) the experience of human rights organizations in these countries?

      (d) collective local and global communities and networks?

Cost in US$: $2200

Salary / Pay: Health and travel insurance for all participants will be covered in country.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18-30

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Rwanda Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 12-16

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Youth Connect's Mission Statement: Global Youth Connect is dedicated to empowering youth to advance human rights and create a more just world.

Year Founded: 1997