7-Muna Tree Proposal Rwanda.pdf

threads of identity: unravelling heritage in rwanda Malcolm X College

May 2026

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Modern-day Rwanda is a small landlocked country on the African mainland. It is bordered by the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania. Early human settlement in the region dates back to the Ice Age.

Various small kingdoms arose until the emergence of one powerful kingdom that consolidated control in the region.

The region was later colonised, first by Germany and then by Belgium. Belgian colonial occupation sowed and reaped many of the seeds of division and tension between Rwanda’s major ethnic groups. These divisions and tensions culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Hundreds of thousands of people were massacred. Thereafter, the country collapsed. However, drawing on the leadership of women and other marginalised people groups, Rwanda has since rebuilt itself. It is now recognized as one of the top ten fastest-growing economies in Africa. The agriculture, mining, and tourism sectors collectively make up a good portion of this small country’s economic output and have been integral to its rehabilitation. Nonetheless, a sizable proportion of Rwanda’s population still lives in poverty - material or otherwise. The government is committed to growth and development strategies with the primary goal being to move Rwanda to “middle-class” status. The bustling capital city, Kigali, lies at Rwanda’s centre and is representative of the ever-evolving and dichotomous nature of Rwanda’s social, political, and economic landscapes.

This program introduces participants to a rich web of cultures through discovery of triumphant spaces and solace that have thrived within Rwanda. Participants will undertake an immersive exploration of significant historical sites, museums, and vibrant communities that have played pivotal roles in shaping the tapestry of history and culture as known in Rwanda. Participants will engage in discussions led by esteemed historians, accomplished business leaders, and inspiring community figures, fostering mutual appreciation and forging deep intercultural connections.

As the program culminates, participants will carry back with them a treasured piece of heritage that spans the African continent, contributing to the unification of the global community.

Heritage - Educational Site Visits

● Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre

● Gisimba Genocide Memorial

● Nyamirambo Women’s Center

TRANSFORMATIVE LEARNING JOURNEYS

EDU Africa aims to promote the process of student transformation by utilizing the unique context of Africa to help students broaden their intellectual horizons and grow personally, cross-culturally, professionally, and as global citizens.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this program, students should be able to:

Copyright 2025 by EDU Africa | All rights reserved

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1. Develop a deep understanding and appreciation of various cultural perspectives and practices (IC)

2. Assess how memory and memorialization contribute to justice and healing (IG)

3. Recognize the interconnectedness of the world and the impact of local actions on global issues (GC)

4. Demonstrate increased personal self-awareness (PG)

5. Build confidence in expressing ideas and opinions in a culturally sensitive manner (PG)

6. Enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills in a multicultural context (PD)

Note: Specific learning outcomes and activities can be constructed in collaboration with EDU Africa’s dedicated curriculum development team.

DAILY PROGRAM

Prior to departure

- EDU Africa facilitates virtual preparation sessions for participants, providing them with important health, safety, and cultural information before travel.

- Students are to complete Transformation Questionnaire 1

2026 Travel Accommodation Meals Included Activities

Learning Outcomes Achieved

May

Arrive KGL Hotel des Millies D Airport transfer

Check into accommodations

May Hotel des Millies BLD

EDU Africa orientation Kinyarwanda lesson Walking city orientation Welcome lunch at Heaven Restaurant Question Coffee Masteclass Debrief and reflection session

1, 4 1, 4

1, 4, 5

May Hotel des Millies BLD

Dance and drumming workshop at Inema Arts Centre Gisimba Genocide Memorial Engagement Debrief and reflection session

1, 4 2, 3, 6

May Hotel des Millies BLD

Lecture: Rwanda Pre-Colonial History Kigali Art Museum Kigali Genocide Memorial (incorporating special pre- and post-activity reflection)

2, 3, 5 1 ,2, 4 2, 3 ,4

May Hotel des Millies BLD

Nyamirambo Women’s Center (Traditional Cooking/Weaving Workshop And Cultural Exchange Activities) Local marketplace cultural immersion

1, 3, 4

May Hotel des Millies BLD Full-day engagement with Azizi Life 1, 3, 5

May Hotel des Millies BLD

King’s Palace Museum Gatagara Pottery Free Afternoon

2, 3, 5 1, 4, 6

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May

Kigali – Akagera

– Kigali

Hotel des Millies BLD Akagera National Park game drive 1, 4

May International

Departure BL Farewell meal Evening International departure

Abbreviations: KGL: Kigali, B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

This program engages students with the principles of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

LOCAL PROGRAM FACILITATOR AND/OR GUIDE

All EDU Africa programs are implemented by trusted program facilitators and/or guides. Our program facilitators and guides undergo an intensive 12-module training series. The training modules include details on EDU Africa’s transformation goals, reflective practices, emergency procedures, child protection policies, and communication skills, among other elements. We source and carefully select our facilitators and guides from the region to ensure that they can effectively meet specific program themes and needs. Their embodiment of EDU Africa’s values of friendliness, collaboration, innovation, stewardship, and learning helps them to holistically support both leaders and participants throughout their program. This guarantees that the planned itinerary and activities come to life. The assigned program facilitator/s and/or guides will be available at all times to assist with any student and educator needs, thus ensuring the smooth running of the program.

POTENTIAL PROGRAM CONTRIBUTORS

Azizi Life is a social enterprise and cultural tourism organisation based in Rwanda. It aims to empower local artisans, predominantly women, by providing them with economic opportunities, training, and a platform to showcase their traditional crafts and skills. Azizi Life offers immersive cultural experiences for visitors, allowing them to engage with Rwandan communities and learn about the country's rich cultural heritage.

ACCOMMODATION

Hôtel des Mille Collines

The Hôtel des Mille Collines, a famed historical landmark and modern four-star hotel, offers guests a full suite of amenities including three restaurants (notably the rooftop Le Panorama), two bars, a beautiful outdoor swimming

Page | 4 pool, a fitness center, an outdoor tennis court, spa services, and multiple meeting rooms, all complemented by free Wi-Fi and breakfast. Its central Kigali location places it conveniently near major attractions such as the Union Trade Center (a five-minute walk), the pivotal Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre (a short drive), and important cultural hubs like the Inema Arts Center and the Belgian Peacekeepers Memorial.

CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

EDU Africa Orientation EDU Africa offers a comprehensive orientation session at the start of the program to kickstart participants’' acclimation period and prepare them for transformation. It is led by the local Program Facilitator who will support the group for the duration of their stay. The orientation provides a brief introduction to the immediate surroundings, contextualises the country setting, and provides information pertinent to the group’s safety and overall experience throughout the program. It builds on content introduced in virtual preparatory sessions and, in the event that virtual preparation did not occur, ensures that the learning experience(s) to follow is foregrounded within the transformative learning framework. The Program Facilitator will typically provide participants with an outline of the program at this stage and clarify the roles, responsibilities, and expectations with the participants while in-country.

Gisimba Genocide Memorial Centre The Gisimba Genocide Memorial Centre, formerly Gisimba Orphanage, is a social centre dedicated to the defense and protection of the rights of children in Rwanda. It was established in the 1980s and not only survived the 1994 genocide, but also played a pivotal role in sheltering and saving over 400 children and countless adults from certain death during the genocide. Following a nationwide shift from orphanages to a foster care system in 2012, Gisimba Memorial Centre created an after-school program related to socio-educational programs, providing academic and artistic enrichment to the vulnerable youth in Kigali. Students will engage with the youth and get involved in the nutrition program offered at the centre.

Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre The Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre is a 3-story museum built on top of walk-through gardens and mass graves where over 250 000 Rwandans who fell victim to the 1994 genocide are buried. The museum gives detailed video, picture, written, and artefact accounts of the history leading up to and during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. With optional guided or audio voice notes, the museum is an intensely informative, educational, and emotional space. The top level of the museum gives a general look over all the genocides that have occurred in world history. The visit to the Genocide Memorial will be followed with a reflection session to help students process their experience.

CO-/EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Walking Orientation of Kacyiru Area As the capital city, Kigali serves as both the physical and political centre of Rwanda. Speckled with tech start-ups, local coffee roasters, quaint book shops, and art galleries, Kigali is a city bursting with energy and has all the makings of a true metropolis. The rolling hills, however, give it the added charm of the countryside. A city walk is an excellent method through which students can get to know the city at a glance. Students will be taken on a guided walking orientation of Kacyiru, the part of the city where their accommodations are located, and sites of historical and cultural importance will be introduced and contextualised.

Dance and Drumming Workshop at Inema Arts Center Located in Kigali, Inema Arts Center serves as a hub for arts and creativity in Kigali. It was established in 2012 by local painters Emmanuel Nkuranga and Innocent Nkurunziza. It functions as a creative space for 10 resident artists of various media. The centre also operates various community programs and initiatives dedicated to promoting arts and creativity in Rwanda. Students will visit Inema Arts Center to enjoy the gallery and workspaces following their visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial and conclude the visit with a a traditional and participatory dance performance and a drumming workshop.

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Rwanda Art Museum Home to Rwanda’s last president before the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the Rwanda Art Museum, formerly known as the Presidential Palace Museum, exhibits pieces of Rwandan contemporary art as well as artwork from other parts of the world. The museum gives visitors an opportunity to explore the development of Rwandan art over the changing times. As a heritage site, the museum also displays debris from the plane crash that claimed President Juvenal Habyarimana’s life.

Akagera National Park Game Drive Akagera National Park is close to Rwanda’s eastern border with Tanzania. It was rehabilitated from near destruction when African Parks in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board assumed control of the park in 2010. Today, Akagera National Park is considered the largest protected wetland in its region. It comprises a variety of other ecosystems including woodland and savannah. This is also the only park in Rwanda that is home to the Big Five game animals (elephant, leopard, lion, rhinoceros, and cape buffalo) which, along with other wildlife such as giraffes, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species, students will have the opportunity to spot while on a game drive.

King’s Palace Museum Visit The King’s Palace Museum offers a detailed look into the Rwandan monarchical system of old and its abolition in the early 1960s due to colonialism. The palace, which was King Mutara III Rudagigwa’s residence until his demise in 1959, was reconstructed to its 19th Century state using traditional material. It now serves to display Rwandan history from the 15th Century.

Gatagara Pottery Gatagara Pottery is a cooperative run by local professional potters mainly from the Twa people of Rwanda. It was founded in 1977 by Belgian ceramists and now employs 13 people who take charge of the pottery process from start to finish. The clay is made at the centre from resources they harvest from local swamps and hillsides, and the finished products are fired right there at the cooperative premises. Students will take part in this practical pottery experience as they learn about Rwanda-style pottery and how it is created. They will also try their hands at creating their own pieces, guided by the local artisans. Students will also be able to purchase pottery pieces from Gatagara shop, if they so wish.

PROGRAM EVALUATION

Transformation Questionnaires EDU Africa’s Transformation Questionnaires are pre-and post-test student self-evaluations designed to help gauge their transformation in line with EDU Africa’s transformative learning goals. Students complete Transformation Questionnaire 1 at the start of the program, providing a benchmark score against which we compare their results for Transformation Questionnaire 2 (completed at the program’s end). A report is drawn from the student data collected and shared with faculty in the weeks after the program has ended.

Reflection Sessions Reflection sessions encourage students to think through, process, and make meaning of their experiences in the program. Through a combination of formal and informal reflection techniques, students will be asked questions and invited to engage in structured activities that encourage them to articulate their thoughts and feelings, internalize any lessons or moments of growth, and ultimately, to transform, in line with the program learning outcomes. Each reflection session will focus on the preceding cultural and academic engagements and experiences. Specific reflection and debrief sessions will be held before and after visiting Kigali Genocide Memorial Centre in order to help prepare students and allow them to process the difficult experiences of visiting this site. In addition to the formal reflection sessions, students will be guided through brief informal reflections each day thereby giving them an opportunity to discuss and reflect on their experiences in the course of their engagements. The final reflection

Page | 6 sessions will focus on the learnings from the program as a whole and the personal growth demonstrated as a result of the overall experience.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCES

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment for all our program participants by supporting functional differences, disabilities, and any other special needs. If participants have any specific needs that we might be able to accommodate during the program or have requirements for extra time or resources, please let us know in advance so that we can do our best to assist them. As part of our pre-departure processes, our Program Designers will ensure that participants complete our Participant Information Form which asks for details of any allergies, medical conditions, and other special needs.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Our Program Designers do the best they can to ensure that our programs are accessible to as many participants as possible. However, there may be areas in which an individual may not have access or cannot be accommodated with regard to a functional difference. This section lists some elements for participants to consider before they travel.

Participants in this program should be aware of and be prepared for the following:

● Signing and adhering to the policies outlined in EDU Africa’s Participant Agreement Form, which include protocols for Notifiable Medical Conditions such as COVID-19.

● Obtaining travel insurance (highly recommended) before travel. This should include adequate cover for baggage, curtailment, and provision for any forms of disruptions to travel due to Notifiable Medical Conditions such as COVID-19. Please note that participants who choose not to take out relevant travel insurance must be prepared to directly cover any such expenses as stated above should they arise while they travel.

● Obtaining medical insurance (compulsory) before travel. This should cover any potential medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should participants become too ill to participate, including helicopter rescue and air ambulance services, as well as cover any forms of medical expenses that may be incurred due to illnesses from Notifiable Medical Conditions such as COVID-19. Please note that participants who choose not to take out relevant medical insurance must be prepared to directly cover any such expenses as stated above should they arise while they travel.

● Carrying their own luggage as much as possible to minimise cross-contamination with germs (help will be available when necessary in adherence to any Notifiable Medical Conditions protocols)

● Dealing with ambiguity, for example, there may need to be last-minute unforeseen changes to the program itinerary

● Respecting and adhering to the communicated medical ethics relevant to the institutions they will be visiting or volunteering in

● Committing to ethical community engagement in accordance with the presented guidelines

● Adhering to general ethical boundaries if involved in a service-learning program

● Visiting potentially triggering or traumatic areas/sites e.g Gisimba Genocide Memorial, Kigali Genocide

Museum

● Walking long distances over the city orientation

● Living in a setting away from consistent internet for the duration of the program. Wi-Fi (only available as provided by accommodations)

● Coping with lack of electricity during scheduled and/or unplanned power outages, and any effects that this may have on the itinerary

● Being in open game vehicles in a reserve where there are wild animals

● Managing dietary needs with limited available options in certain communities

● Learning to adjust to communicating and interacting with others who may have different accents, values, beliefs, cultures, and traditions for the duration of the program

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● Interacting with materially poor environments (as evident, for example, through the appearance of general and housing infrastructure, modes of transport, clothing, etc.) and demonstrating respect and acknowledging dignity in all circumstances

● Being aware that they may be approached by people selling their wares or asking for food or money. While your local facilitator/guide will assist in managing these situations, participants should recognize that it is not impolite to say “no, thank you” and walk away.

ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY AND COST

The itinerary is correct at the time of submission. It is flexible and may be adjusted to meet students’ needs. In all cases, we will do our best to preserve the quality of what is presented herein. However, we reserve the right to modify the itinerary, locations, accommodation facilities, and costs if any changes dictate. All quoted accommodation is subject to availability and confirmed numbers.

Cost for the program based on per person sharing:

Number of paying persons FOC Price per person (USD) Single

Supplement

20 7 $3 065 $885

30 10 $2 820 $885

What this includes:

● Virtual pre-travel preparation support

● All transport, fuel, tolls, and road taxes

● Full use of a vehicle for the duration of your program

● 24-hour services of an EDU Africa Program Facilitator and/or Guide

● Accommodation in a 4 star hotel as listed above

● All meals as specified in the daily program

● All activities as listed above

● Return Airport Transfers

● All Activity Fees as per the program

● All Community-based Activities Fees as per the program

● All National Parks entry and Conservation Levy Fees as per the program

● All National Museum Entry Fees as per the program

● Meal Plan: provided as per the program

● Local transportation in Private Bus, with fuel and licensed driver

● Local transportation in Private Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs (Akagera National Park)

● Bottled Mineral Drinking Water during the transfers

● All Government and airport taxes

● 1 Free or Charge chaperone in Single rooming and other Chaperones in shared/ twin rooms

● A US$5 donation (on behalf of each participant) towards the reforestation of Brackenhurst Forest and other important ecosystems in Kenya.

The Center for Ecosystem Restoration - Kenya is a not-for-profit organization working to recover biodiversity in Kenya through the reforestation of the Brackenhurst forest and the restoration of other key Kenyan ecosystems. Through their donations, participants play an integral part in reversing the degradation of the African continent and ensuring that communities will be able to enjoy the benefits of these natural indigenous ecosystems for generations to come.

https://cerkenya.org/

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What this excludes:

● Wi-Fi (only available as provided by accommodations)

● All meals and drinks not specified above

● Laundry

● All flights

● All optional extra activities

● Travel and medical insurance

● All drinks on meals

● All optional activities

● All that’s not included above

● Items of a personal nature, visas, and gratuities info@edu-africa.com | www.edu-africa.com mailto:info@edu-africa.com

Reflection Sessions