Get a closer look at my work in Rwanda
Muraho - hello! As well as sending your update in the post, I’m thrilled to share some photos from behind the scenes of my volunteering in Rwanda. It’s been a really powerful journey so far; during my time here I’ve seen so many children go from shy and reclusive to outgoing and confident. Thanks to the support of people like you, young children won’t be left behind in their education.
Each of the photos below tells a story – not just of my journey – but of our community coming together to spark something in a generation. I really hope you enjoy looking through them!
June's featured volunteer
Muraho! My name is Diane Uwamahirwe. I’m volunteering as a Special Educational Needs coordinator on VSO’s early education project in Rwanda. I’m looking forward to keeping you up to date with how we’re getting on and how your support is making a lasting difference to the lives of young children here.
I’m delighted to be volunteering with VSO and to have the opportunity to share my experiences with you all. I’ve worked in education for several years, supporting children with special educational needs. When I heard about VSO’s early education project here, I knew I wanted to be part of it. This felt like my chance to help every child get the learning and life opportunities they deserve. Thank you for standing with me and helping to make a positive impact in my home country.
Too many children in Rwanda still repeat the first year of primary school because they have had no or little quality pre-primary education. Every day they aren’t building the solid foundations needed to flourish in education, they're trapped deeper in the cycle of poverty. With your support, my colleagues and I are leading a range of training to support teachers to give young children the early education they deserve. Through the use of storytelling, puzzles, role-play and games, we’re helping teachers see how play supports a child’s development, not just academically, but socially and emotionally too. Working alongside other organisations, we’re part of an incredible movement to create long-lasting change.
June '25 volunteer update
My photo blog
Below: Here I am visiting a student’s home with a teacher. The aim of these visits is to connect the parents who have children with learning disabilities with teachers, to help them understand how they can encourage learning at home.
Diane Uwamahirwe
Below: Here I am creating learning materials with teachers and fellow VSO volunteer, Irenèe. The materials are locally sourced and support the teachers in their lessons. Teaching resources are expensive, and we have to improvise and make games and learning aids from scratch. It’s much more fun to create our own anyway!
Diane Uwamahirwe
Below: Here I’m sat with teachers in a classroom to share with them some techniques to improve the learning of children with learning difficulties. In this photo, I’m explaining to the teachers how they can reach a specific outcome with learners in their classes.
Diane Uwamahirwe
Below: That’s me in the top right hand corner! I’m with students here; they were all very excited to see me and tell me stories about what they’ve been learning in class. They told me that their teacher plays games with them – even the shyest of children are coming out of their shells thanks to their talented teachers.
Diane Uwamahirwe
Below: This is a photo I took of teacher Oliver, working with one of his students to help them with their spelling. This student has a learning difficulty, and Oliver works with them closely, giving them the one-on-one support they need to learn. I work very closely with Oliver – he’s a wonderful teacher!
Diane Uwamahirwe
Thank you
As you’ve seen through these photos, learn-through-play educational methods are helping children discover their potential, and teachers support them to build a brighter future.
I hope these glimpses into my work have inspired you – none of this would be possible without your support.
Murakoze cyane (thank you very much)!
Diane,
VSO volunteer, Rwanda
If you’d like to say hello or ask me any questions about our work here, please head to www.vsointernational.org/sponsoravolunteer or email sponsoravolunteer@vsoint.org
Want to ask a question?
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Your latest questions answered
We bring about lasting change not by sending aid, but by working through volunteers to empower communities in some of the world’s poorest regions. You can read more about VSO’s areas of work and discover more about our projects here.
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