|
 |
 |
 |
|
Where we do it > Rwanda
| Population: |
8.8 million |
| Capital city: |
Kigali |
| GDP per capita: |
$1,263 |
| HDI ranking: |
158 out of 177 * |
| Life expectancy: |
43 |
|
|
|
* The UNDP Human Development Index (HDI) measures a country's achievements
in terms of life expectancy, educational attainment and adjusted real income.
Country backgroundVSO has been working in Rwanda since 1997 when it established an education programme in response to a request from the Ministry of Education, which was seeking classroom support following huge losses in qualified teachers during the genocide of 1994.
Since then education programme has diversified and although there are still a number of classroom teachers working in areas of Rwanda, there are an increasing number of senior education professionals working as organisational development advisers at organisations such as teacher unions and schools’ associations. These placements look at addressing issues such as teacher remuneration, professional development and status, quality standards, monitoring and evaluation and resource development. Additionally work in the area of global education is supporting the role of international school linking programmes to support cross-cultural understanding.
One of the impacts of the 1994 genocide was an increased number of people with physical disabilities and mental health trauma. The government has developed a strategy which commits to addressing the needs and rights of disabled people. While VSO Rwanda has had a link to disability for some time, with teachers and trainers being placed in institutions addressing special education needs work in this area is being expanded to support the government’s efforts. Volunteers are being recruited to support the provision of quality professional services and care within centres for disabled people and to help strengthen disabled peoples’ organisations so they are better able to represent their members and articulate their needs.
Work in the area of secure livelihoods is also being developed. The plan for work in secure livelihoods will be developed during 2006, but the main objective of work in this area will be to support the abilities of poor rural communities to earn a living that encourages independence and supports them and their families.
| |
Rwanda: Programme Summaries |
|
In 2006, VSO sent a camera crew to capture some of the work that we have been doing in Rwanda and talk to some of the volunteers working out there. We've taken some of the footage and broken them down three short snippets which you can view below.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
