Each year, FACE AIDS takes a select group of students on the Rwanda Student Leadership Trip to learn more about the context in which FACE AIDS and Partners In Health work and how we aspire to make a difference.
"The FACE AIDS Rwanda Student Leadership Trip was one of the most influential and important experiences in my life so far. The trip reaffirmed what I want to do with my life: work to make dignified and affordable healthcare accessible to all, especially those who are most vulnerable."
- Amelia Angevine, Clark University
"The Rwanda Student Leadership Trip was the most inspiring and relevant experience of my life. It's hard to explain in words, but when you can, as a student, physically see a world in which health injustices and socio-economic disadvantages go hand-in-hand so openly, you think a lot harder about the role you can play in the world. This trip will be my constant motivation to never be complacent."
- Dipika Gaur, New York University
What Do We Do on the Trip?
This service-learning trip travels through the capital city of Kigali and the three rural sites of Partners In Health and FACE AIDS — Kirehe, Burera, and Rwinkwavu. Participants have the opportunity to meet FACE AIDS chapter members in Rwanda, visit members of pinmaking associations, and see the Partners In Health clinics and hospitals. View a sample itinerary below.
The primary goals for the trip include are to:
- Strengthen the FACE AIDS global youth movement by connecting American and Rwandan chapter members.
- Enable chapter members from different US universities to form a strong community with one another.
- Educate American chapter members through experiential learning and provide opportunities for personal growth.
- Expose chapter members to the complexity of delivering comprehensive health care in resource-poor settings.
- Deepen the relationship between FACE AIDS and Partners In Health.
For the two months prior to the trip, participants engage in remote education and training, culminating in a trip orientation.
Read blog entries from past trip members.
What Are the Dates of the Trip?
The dates of the trip are chosen based on the school schedules of selected applicants; however, the trip typically runs for ten days between December 15th and 30th. We work hard to schedule the trip to accommodate exam and holiday schedules, but this is not always possible. If it's not possible, don't worry — Christmas in Rwanda is wonderful!
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of the Rwanda Student Leadership Trip is $800 plus airfare to Kigali, which can range from $1,500 to $2,500 depending on the city of departure and when we book tickets. The $800 includes all transportation within Rwanda, all meals within Rwanda. and all entrance fees, partner gifts, and other associated costs within Rwanda. This does not include the cost of personal health and travel insurance, vaccinations, or spending money.
We recognize that this is a lot of money, and we do everything we can to support participants to raise these funds, including offering suggestions and guidance on setting up sponsorships and procuring donations.
How Do I Apply?
NOTE: Applications for the Rwanda Student Leadership Trip are now closed. Please check back next year!
Applications become available a few months prior to the trip. If you have any questions, please contact FACE AIDS Managing Director, Nicole Krenitsky at nicole@faceaids.org.
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive in Kigali, Rwanda
Opening dinner with Peter Drobac, PIH Country Director
The Role of PIH in Rwanda
Day 2:
Kigali
Breakfast
Orientation: Trip Norms, Cultural Sensitivity, Getting Acquainted, Schedule Review
Lunch
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Reflection
Dinner
Day 3:
Kigali to Rwinkwavu
Breakfast and morning information session
Visit Nyamirama Health Center, Adopt a Health Center Campaign
Lunch
Rwinkwavu Orientation with Edward Shyaka, Kayonza District Project Manager
Tour of Rwinkwavu Hospital and Health Center
Tour of Rwinkwavu Gardens with Sebu Gaston, PIH Agricultural Program Director
Nutrition and Food Security in Rwanda
Dinner
Reflection
Day 4:
Rwinkwavu
Breakfast and morning information session
Discussion on PIH's Program on Social and Economic Rights
Home visits with patients
Lunch with Toni Habinshuti, PIH Deputy Country Director
Meet with FACE AIDS Youth Chapter Intore Nyamibwa
Practical Empowerment Project: Malnutrition
Dinner
Reflection
Day 5:
Rwinkwavu to Kirehe
Breakfast and morning information session
Tour Kirehe Hospital and Health Center
Discussion with Alice Uwingabiye, PIH Kirehe District Project Manager
Lunch at the FACE AIDS House
Discussion with Elyse Dushimimana, PIH Social Worker
PIH School Fees Program
Meet with Rwandarera Cooperative, tour fields
Dinner with Rwandarera
Evening homestay with families
Day 6:
Kirehe to Kigali
Breakfast
Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial
Reflection
Lunch at the FACE AIDS house
Visit FACE AIDS Youth Chapter New Life Without AIDS
Practical Empowerment Project: Circumcision
Dinner
Reflection
Day 7: Christmas!
Kigali
Christmas brunch and gift exchange
Optional church service
Free time to explore
Christmas party
Day 8:
Kigali
Meet with Clinton Health Access Initiative
District Health Systems Strengthening in Rwanda
Meet with Populations Services International
Visit Gardens for Health International
Food Security and Support of People Living with HIV/AIDS
Work in the gardens
Dinner
Day 9:
Kigali to Butaro
Breakfast
Tour Butaro Hospital with Commode Dushimimana, Architect for MASS Design
Health Facility Design in Rwanda
Lunch
Meet with Community Health Program Coordinator Vincent and Burera Community Health Workers
Role of CHWs in Patient Care for Infections and Chronic Illness
Hike!
Dinner
Reflection
Day 10:
Butaro to Kigali
Breakfast
Home visits to Twa community
Housing and Socioeconomic Rights: A Unified Approach to Healthcare Delivery
Lunch
Reflection
Travel to Kigali
Day 11:
Kigali
Reflection Session
Lunch
Souvenir hunting and Kigali city walk
Pack
Dinner
Day 12:
Kigali
Breakfast
Final reflection
Depart for the U.S.