Our Programs
Connect with Rwanda
Understanding International Development in East Africa
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Our Programs
Understanding International Development in East Africa
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Rwanda is an East African country that has undergone remarkable transformation from a country shattered by genocide to a thriving nation that has captured the attention of the global community. With a focus on environmental sustainability, gender equality, and technology-driven solutions, Rwanda has become a model for effective development strategies.
The program aims to challenge participants to think broadly and differently about their responsibility as globally engaged leaders using the “Listen, Think, Act” framework toward international development of our implementing partner, the Global Livingston Institute. It also seeks to help them to cultivate an appreciation for diversity through their engagement with both rural and urban communities in Rwanda.
Connect with Rwanda is a Cultural Vistas’ Bridge to Access program. Bridge to Access aims to engage persons historically excluded from international exchange through programs, scholarships, capacity-building, and support.
In 2024, Connect with Rwanda will be co-funded by both the Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation and the Cultural Vistas Bridge to Access initiative.
For more information please contact the Connect with Rwanda team at info@culturalvistas.org
Connect with Rwanda allows participants to view their own community and culture with fresh eyes, and to apply the insights they gain abroad back at home, exploring both the building blocks of prospering democratic societies and the importance of intercultural competence, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The 2024 program dates were May 15-29, 2024.
The program is currently for full-time students enrolled at either Morehouse or Spelman colleges or the University of California, Davis and is recommended for sophomores to upper-level students because of its intensity and depth of materials to be covered. Ability to draw ideas from knowledge accumulated in several courses in humanities and social sciences is expected.
The program provides an immersive understanding of Rwanda’s history, development, and culture by engaging students in both lectures and discussions as well as through direct experience in communities. Below is a sample overview.
History
Explored through pre-departure readings, lectures and discussions as well as visits such as to the Nyamata Genocide Memorial and Museum of the Environment and time for individual and group reflection.
Development
Lectures and discussions focus on economic development, women’s empowerment, and rural community development through visits such as to the Rwanda Parliament and discussions with women parliamentarians.
Culture
Lectures and discussions designed to prompt thought about Rwandan culture including an introduction to the Kinyarwanda language and visits such as to Mbyo Reconciliation Village.
Participants need to pay a participant fee and are expected to cover their personal expenses during the program. All major program costs are covered but additional covered costs may vary from year to year. Please contact info@culturalvistas.eu for more information.