Itinerary
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Day 1
Welcome to Cornerstone Foundation! As you land at Kigali International Airport, our friendly driver will be there to greet you. Prepare for a warm reception as we whisk you away to our comfortable hotel. After settling in, join our enthusiastic team and fellow volunteers for an engaging orientation session over a delicious lunch. Get ready to embark on an incredible journey with us!
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Day 2
Rise and shine, volunteers! Start your day with a delightful breakfast before heading to your placement at a local school. From morning to afternoon, you'll be making a meaningful impact through your work. But the adventure doesn't stop there! In the afternoon, join us for a guided city tour of Kigali, where you'll discover the vibrant culture and rich history of this remarkable city.
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Day 3
Another day of making a difference awaits! Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast and head to your school placement, where you'll continue your valuable work. In the afternoon, we'll visit the poignant Rwandan Genocide Memorial, a powerful tribute to the nation's history. Gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda's resilience and the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
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Day 4
Fuel up with a delicious breakfast before diving into another rewarding day at the school placement. Afterward, we'll take you to the bustling Kimironko Market, a shopper's paradise where you can purchase unique souvenirs and vibrant African fabrics. It's the perfect opportunity to bring a piece of Rwanda's vibrant culture back home with you.
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Day 5
Get an early start to the day with a hearty breakfast. Then, head to your school placement where you'll continue to make a positive impact. At noon, we'll depart for Ngeruka Village, where we'll distribute reusable sanitary pads to women and young girls in need. Experience the joy of empowering others and being part of a transformative change.
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Day 6
After a restful night's sleep and a delicious breakfast, it's time to return to your school placement and continue your valuable work. In the evening, we’re treating volunteers to a delightful dinner at one of Kigali's finest restaurants. Afterward, we’ll experience the vibrant Kigali nightlife, immersing ourselves in the city's energetic atmosphere.
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Day 7
Get ready for an adventurous day trip to Fazenda Sengha, an outdoor recreational center atop Mount Kigali. Feel the rush of zip-lining, quad biking, and horseback riding through scenic trails. Bounce on trampolines and unleash your inner adventurer. This day promises thrills and unforgettable memories in the breathtaking Rwandan landscape.
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Day 8
Today is your free day to unwind and explore Kigali at your own pace. Take this opportunity to relax or venture out to discover the city's hidden gems. For those craving even more adventure, consider booking a same-day safari with our trusted partner, Mist Safari. Indulge in the beauty of Rwanda's wildlife and create lasting memories.
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Day 9
After a rejuvenating start to the day with breakfast, it's time to return to your school placement and continue your impactful work. Make a difference in the lives of the students and leave a lasting impression. Your dedication and commitment are truly appreciated.
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Day 10
As your time with Cornerstone Foundation comes to a close, wake up to a final breakfast in Rwanda. Head over to the school for your last day with the students and staff, cherishing the connections you've made. In the evening, join us for a heartfelt farewell dinner, reminiscing about the incredible experiences shared and the positive change achieved together.
A Few Volunteer Testimonies
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Solomon Adufah
Volunteering in Uganda was the best experience! The local team was amazing! They go above and beyond to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime. My favorite moment from volunteering with Cornerstone Foundation was spending time with the kids and teaching them creative art. I can’t wait to visit again.
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Taleah Griffin
I volunteered years ago but the experience was one that I will live with me forever. The love we received was so genuine and I truly enjoyed spending time at the orphanage and getting to know the kids. If the opportunity presented itself I’d love to go back with the hope of having a greater impact.
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Yemisi
UGANDA!! Where to start? Motor Bike rides. Sunsets & Sunrises. Food. Music. Friendships. Most importantly the kids and the volunteers. Volunteering with Cornerstone Foundation was a life changing experience. There are not enough words to describe my time in Uganda, but it was time well spent. The trip was organized and my co volunteers were amazing. Everyone was hands on and contributed to our experience. Being able to teach the kids their daily lessons and provide food, clothing, and shelter to kids for their families is a blessing. I couldn’t be more grateful for the time spent, the people I met, and the experience I had overall from beginning to end. I have volunteered in many countries, but this experience was unique, and I recommend anyone to give it a try. Where gratitude never ends and neither smiles. ‘We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give’- Winston Churchill
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Sylvia
Traveling to the motherland has always been goals. Although this has been my second time visiting the Continent - this time it was a solo mission as a volunteer. I had no expectations just eager to learn, grow, explore with amazing individuals from all over the world. From our first stop in Kampala, Uganda riding around on the taxi bikes called bodas bodas, living as locals visiting the children at Jajas Orphanage. To riding ATV through the Nile River, eating fresh fish from the local fishermen. From hopping on a bus ride to Kigali, Rwanda taking on all of the scenic hills and greenery. Visiting the Genocide Memorial as well as meeting surviving widowers and children in the village; supporting local designers getting custom-made clothes. Then flying to Dar-Salaam, Tanzania enjoying boat rides through the Indian Ocean eating fresh seafood. It was definitely an amazing experience. This two-week volunteer/adventure has been life-changing and inspiring. I look forward to contributing to more social change and service work with Cornerstone Foundation.
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Nuri
If you’re reading this right now I hope you’ve already signed up and booked onto this program!
If I could relive the volunteers trip in Uganda all over again I absolutely would! It was definitely an experience all of my friends have heard me speak on repeatedly. Each day was organized so well, we were able to do our volunteering with the orphanage, visit the schools to give out the Afripads as well as visit different parts of Uganda which allowed us to see the beautiful country at the same time! It was a nice balance.
Being around other like-minded ladies who had traveled from different parts of the world to also volunteer was another bonus as I’ve now made new friends for life.
The most beautiful part for me was the time we spent with the children at the orphanage, just being in their presence, getting to know them individually, playing games and learning was really warming (it’s the little things in life). Although I’m back in the UK I try to stay in touch with Jaja who looks after all the children whenever I can.
I also want to give a big shout-out to Sam for putting such a fantastic platform together and allowing others to join him in impacting people’s lives. Being my first time volunteering abroad, it was organized so well that I’d confidently do it again!
Travel
Recommended Airlines
Recommended Airlines: When traveling to the continent of Africa, we recommend flying with either Qatar, Emirates, or KLM airlines. We base or recommendation on comfort, price, customer service on ground & in the air and reliability..
Airfordable
Book flights for a fraction of the cost upfront, and pay the rest in installments before you fly. Its that simple..
Accommodations
Our accommodations offer a luxurious 4-star hotel experience, complete with amenities designed to make volunteers feel right at home. Our culinary offerings feature a delightful fusion of traditional local cuisine and comforting American-style dishes. While we are dedicated to fulfilling reasonable meal requests from our volunteers, it's important to note that our menu options are influenced by unique local constraints.
Vaccinations
Malaria
Volunteers are advised to bring additional medicine they may need during their stay. There are pharmacies in the area in case volunteers need additional meds.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is very important when traveling overseas to any country. We highly recommend that all volunteers get travel insurance prior to travel. We recommend Allianz Insurance.
Allianz Insurance : Travel Insurance