AIESEC Global Volunteering Report- Allan Waithira
My name is Allan Waithira, a graduate from Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, and an AIESECer who did a volunteering project in Gashora, Rwanda between May and July. My project focused on implementing quality education, as outlined by the United Nations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program. As a person passionate about creation of a more united African continent, going to Rwanda was a dream come true, as I would get to benchmark and enjoy the mutual and friendly relations shared by Kenyans and Rwandans. Additionally, I was looking forward to share my culture, and learn the Rwandan culture, while at the same time leveraging the challenges facing Gashora village into sustainable solutions.
As a volunteer, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in Rwandan culture, interacted with local students, and learned about the traditions, languages, and customs of the community I was serving.
Working in a kindergarten school, Journey of Success, I assisted in classroom activities, including teaching basic literacy, numeracy, and life skills. I engaged in interactive teaching methods, games, and creative activities to make learning enjoyable for the young children.
I also had the chance to improve my language skills, particularly in Kinyarwanda and French, as I communicated with the children, fellow volunteers, and community members. Since Kinyarwanda is essentially Bantu, it was easy for me to learn it, a thing the local community members appreciated.
I was often get involved in community development initiatives beyond the classroom. I participated in community outreach programs, organize events, or collaborate on projects aimed at improving the local community’s well-being, including visiting families to get a gist of the kind of life some Rwandans lead.
Fortunately, I joined an artist’s club in the same organization I was working and learnt a lot about expressing oneself through art.
In the course of my exchange, I forged meaningful connections with local students, teachers, and fellow volunteers, creating lasting friendships and professional networks. To that regard, even after my return to Kenya, I am working on some collaborative projects with some friends from Rwanda, Ghana, and Belgium.
Generally, my volunteering project in Rwanda was a transformative experience. I was able to develop leadership skills, gain a global perspective, enhance my problem-solving abilities, and cultivate a sense of empathy and social responsibility through my interactions and experiences.
In summary, volunteering with AIESEC in Rwanda offered me a chance to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, visit notable attractions, experience local cuisine, and engage in cultural excursions during free time or organized trips. I am really thankful to the kind and fantastic people of Rwanda for their immense love and warm welcome, AIESEC Kenya and Rwanda for facilitating this exchange in hope of global connectedness and fulfilment of the UN SDGs, as well as Journey House Actions Rwanda for their generous accommodation.
Here are some of the photos from the program.
DeKUT AIESEC Students in Stade Amahoro, Kigali, Rwanda
Three students from DeKUT participated in a Micro-Enterprise Project at the University of Rwanda, Busogo Campus in Rwanda where they were training other university students on Business Management skills. The students are Martin Munga (BSc. Civil Engineering), Nicholas Njuguna (BSc Mechatronics), Ivy Mwafaida (BSc Actuarial Science). More students are expected to participate in the AIESEC Exchange programmes in the future.