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Make a real difference...
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to communities across Africa.
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...and change lives forever!
When we think of Africa we often imagine deserts, famine and
hunger, yet the small landlocked country of Rwanda has numerous
rivers (some of which are claimed to be part of the source of
the great River Nile), twenty three lakes and five volcanoes in what is known
as 'the land of a thousand hills'. Rwanda is situated
just south of the Equator, and is bordered by
Uganda to its north, Tanzania to its east,
Burundi to its south and the Democratic
Republic of the Congo to its west. Rwanda, which is slightly larger than Wales in size, is a beautiful country with the incredible
beaches of Lake Kivu to the west and vast national parks where
wild animals roam free, as well as the famous Rwanda gorillas
making their homes in the Virunga volcanic mountains in the
north of the country (above). Other lakes include the Burera, Ruhondo,
Muhazi, Rweru and Ihema.
The east of the country is predominately savannahs with
swamps and fertile plains, the centre features rolling hills
that climb into mountains as you head west reaching Rwanda's
highest point, Mount Karisimbi, which has its summit at 14,787
feet ~ the peak of Ben Nevis is just 4,409 feet above sea level
by comparison. 90% of those living in rural Rwanda are engaged in
subsistence farming, mainly growing coffee and tea, however most
holdings are around one half acre in size, making it difficult
to grow cash crops, and these plots are becoming increasingly
fragmented as the population grows and they are inherited by
children,
who may divide the limited land even further between them.
Amongst the traditions of the Rwandan people, music and dance play an
important role with dancing often divided within tribal lines. The Tutsi people's traditional dance routines commemorate acts
of bravery and excellence, whilst the Hutu prefer humorous
lyrics and the Pygmies song and dance reflects their hunting
roots. Until the uprising,
many dance routines were made in honour of the Tutsi Kingship,
however, following the Hutu presidency, new dancing routines emerged
reflecting Hutu heritage. One of the more popular dancing routines
is the gushyayaya (cow dance) with its controlled, elegant
movements.
Dancing
is culturally embedded within Rwanda from spontaneous performances in villages
to the Intore Dance Troupe (above) that was founded centuries ago to
entertain the royal court, and remains through to the present day.
Rwanda is so proud of this dance troupe that they refer to it as "a
dramatic spectacle far removed from the often lame tribal dancing
offered to tourists in other parts of Africa." This troupe is
based in Butare however they perform nationally chanting and moving
in formation whilst carrying traditional weapons. The music itself is
African folk music and dancing and music are taught across the
country in dance groups.
Ironically it was the displacement of many Rwandans following
the internal war and genocide
to countries such as Belgium that brought Rwanda dancing and music
to a wider audience. Music can be heard everywhere in Rwanda from
market places, bus stations even at schools before lessons commence,
whether it be religious, traditional or popular music. Places worth a visit in Rwanda include the Virunga Volcanoes, the
Kigali Genocide Memorial, the Volcanoes National Park (best known for
its 300 mountain gorillas), Akagera National Park founded in 1934 on
the border with Tanzania with its game and wildlife and Nyungwe
Forest, one of the oldest forests in Africa renowned for its
primates.
Rwanda Images: Volunteer in Rwanda
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Rwanda Images: Rwanda Map |
Rwanda Images: Gorilla Webcam
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Rwanda Images: Child Sponsor Rwanda
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Rwanda Images: Rwanda Country Profile
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Details of current volunteer work
opportunities in each of the
countries of Africa.
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Discover all about Africa, its tourist
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