Overview

 

Welcome to Kids Play International’s Rwanda Olympic Day Service Trip! This is your chance to embark on a meaningful adventure that goes beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re an athlete or not, we invite individuals of all ages and activity levels to join us on this transformative volunteer experience.

What Awaits You in Rwanda:

• Hands-On Volunteering: Dive into a hands-on experience as you engage with the boys and girls in our Let’s Play Fair, All Girls United, and PlayFair Community Day programs, nestled in the rural village of Gatagara. Share the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, and Fair Play through sports, introduce less familiar games, and impart valuable lessons on gender equity through interactive activities.
• Immersive Cultural Exchange: Immerse yourself in Rwanda’s vibrant culture as you visit partner schools, witness local pottery craftsmanship, and explore the unique traditions of this resilient nation.
• Olympic Day Community Celebration: In a special highlight of our Rwanda trip, we will participate in an Olympic Day Community Celebration. This event is dedicated to fostering excellence, friendship, and fair play among our 200 players in the program. It’s a day filled with fun, sportsmanship, and the spirit of unity.
• Optional Adventures: Extend your journey with optional add-ons like trekking to witness the Famous Silverback Mountain Gorillas in Volcanoes National Park or embarking on a safari in at Akagera National Park, Rwanda or travel to Tanzania or Kenya. The choice is yours to enhance your experience.

Guided by Kids Play Int’l Ambassadors: Your adventure will be led by experienced and well-traveled Kids Play International Ambassador(s). When you choose to travel with a purpose alongside Kids Play International, prepare to move, learn, discover, and be inspired under their guidance.

A Volunteer Experience: As a volunteer, you’ll actively engage in service that uses sports as a tool for education and empowerment. You’ll interact with KPI youth, parents, and community members, playing a vital role in our community programs. Each trip also includes a community project for volunteers to contribute to.

Embrace the Culture and Overcome Challenges: Rwanda’s history has seen tremendous challenges, including the devastating Genocide in 1994, which left lasting impacts on the nation. As a volunteer, you’ll experience the reality of Rwanda, including the effects of HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, and intergenerational trauma. Be prepared for a mix of emotions, but also be ready to witness the resilience, warmth, and friendliness of the Rwandan people. While you can adjust your level of physical activity, we encourage active participation to make the most of this enriching experience.

Discover Rwanda: Known as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is a captivating country with a vibrant culture and resilient inhabitants. Located in Central East Africa, it’s surrounded by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwanda’s history includes recognizing the horrors of the 1994 genocide, and our trip includes a visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial to better understand the nation’s story, history, and culture. With a mild climate and exciting wildlife reintroductions, Rwanda offers a unique and rewarding journey.

Join us on this purposeful adventure, where travel becomes a tool for positive change, and where every experience helps shape a brighter future for Rwanda’s youth.story, history, and culture of this special country. Being just south of the equator and higher in elevation, Rwanda offers a fairly mild climate with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons (don’t worry, we like to visit during the dry seasons). This unique landscape has re-introduced a number of exciting wild life life, Lions, Giraffes, Hippos and more back into the Akagera National Park!

 

 

Itinerary

 

DAY 1- Depart USA

 

DAY 2- ARRIVE KIGALI, RWANDA

• Arrival in Kigali, Rwanda
• Transfer from airport and overnight in Kigali at Four Points Sheraton (or similar)
• Check into accommodation to rest/relax
• Dinner on your own

DAY 3- THE HISTORY OF GENOCIDE

• Breakfast included at Four Points Sheraton (or similar)
• Introduction and welcome to Rwanda by KPI staff.
• An Introduction to the power and complex history of Rwanda: Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Museum (2 hours)
• Lunch at Meza Fresh
• Visit Local Markets
• Welcome Dinner at Heaven Restaurant

Day 4- Sport for Development Activity with Rwanda National Olympic Sports Committee

• Breakfast
• AM Sport Activity
• Lunch
• PC Activity TBD
• Dinner at TBD

DAY 5 – KPI HOME VISIT / OLYMPIC DAY PREP

• Breakfast
• Drive to Gatagara (2.5 hours)
• KPI Program Orientation and Safeguarding Meeting
• Meet a KPI Family and learn how KPI programs have impacted their families.
• Lunch at KPI Guesthouse
• Prep for Olympic Day events
• Overnight at Heritage Hotel in Nyanza.
• Dinner at Hotel

DAY 5 –OLYMPIC DAY EVENT

• Breakfast
• Gatagara Pottery
• Prep for Olympic Day
• Lunch at KPI Guesthouse
• Opening Ceremonies begin at 1:00 pm
• Olympic Day Move, Learn, Discover events (2 hours)
• Closing Ceremonies / Olympic Day Participation Certificates
• Overnight at Overnight at Heritage Hotel in Nyanza.
• Dinner at Hotel

DAY 6 – PARTNER SCHOOL VISIT  | LET’S PLAY FAIR PROGRAM (KPI YOUTH AGES 7-12 )

• Breakfast
• Rise and Shine, Breakfast at Hotel, Prepare for days activities
• Transfer to Gatagara- Home of Kids Play program site
• Group will split up and visit 1 of our Partner Schools and participate in an Activity, visit classrooms, learn about Rwandan Education system
• Lunch at GH
• Prepare for LPF Program with KPI Players ages 7-12
• Overnight at Overnight at Heritage Hotel in Nyanza.
• Dinner at TBD Restaurant

DAY 7- COMMUNITY PROJECT | LET’S PLAY FAIR (KPI YOUTH, AGES 13-18)

• Rise and Shine, Breakfast at Hotel, Prepare for days activities
• Transfer to Gatagara- Home of Kids Play program site
• Community Project TBD
• Lunch at GH
• Prepare for Let’s Play Fair program with KPI Youth ages 13-18
• Overnight at Overnight at Heritage Hotel in Nyanza.
• Dinner at TBD Restaurant

DAY 8- KING’S PALACE  | TRANSFER TO KIGALI

• Breakfast and check out of Hotel
• Visit Kings Palace
• Drive to Kigali – Snack/lunch on the way / Visit local shops
• Check into the Four Points Sheraton (or similar)
• Shopping
• Farewell Dinner at TBD
• This is the end of Kids Play Trip.

DAY 9- | DEPART FOR HOME | OR ADD ON– GORILLA TREKKING OR SAFARI

• Breakfast
• 9:00am Meet up with your Tour Operator for Gorilla Trekking or Safari Add On to Tanzania/Kenya- Fly in the afternoon.
• If you are departing for home Kids Play will set up your airport transportation. Otherwise please have your tour operator set up your airport transfer.

Tour Operator Suggestions for Add-On’s:

Contact the suggested Tour Operators for quotes and suggested itineraries.

Terra Incognita Ecotours -Gorilla Trekking/ Akagera, Rwanda Safari or Kenya Safari

Gerard “Ged” Caddick

T: 813-476-2810

E: ged@ecotours.com

W: www.ecotours.com 

 

Tanzania Safari:

Basecamp Tanzania:

Achmed Phillips, Owner | Arusha Tanzania

T: +255-784-186-422 / +255-27-254 5892

E: management@basecamptanzania.com

W: www.basecamptanzania.com

 

 

 

Included

 

What’s Included:

• Guided Experience: Expert guidance by Kids Play International Ambassador(s).
• Hands-On Volunteering: Active participation in Let’s Play Fair, All Girls United, and PlayFair Community Day programs.
• Cultural Immersion: Deep exploration of Rwanda’s rich culture and traditions.
• Olympic Day Community Celebration: Engage in a special event dedicated to fostering excellence, friendship, and fair play.
• Accommodations: Comfortable lodging during your stay in Rwanda.
• In-Country Transportation: Transportation for planned activities within Rwanda.
• Meals: Enjoy meals as specified in the trip itinerary.
• Community Project: Participate in a meaningful community project.
• Support and Guidance: Access to assistance and support from the Kids Play International team.
• Contribution: Your participation directly supports the sustainability of KPI’s gender equity and personal development programs in Rwanda.

What’s Not Included in the Rwanda Trip:

• Airfare: Flights to and from Rwanda.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance (participants are encouraged to obtain their own insurance).
• Visa Fees: Fees for visas (if required).
• Personal Expenses: Costs for personal items, souvenirs, and extra meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Meals: Arrival night dinner.
• Vaccination Costs: Costs associated with required vaccinations (if applicable).
• Additional Expenses: Any additional expenses incurred outside of the planned itinerary.
• Gorilla Trekking: Costs for optional Gorilla Trekking or Safari addition (if chosen).

 

Trip Leader: KPI Founder and 3x Olympian, Tracy Evans-Land

 

Fundraise, You Can Do It!

 

Kids Play Int’l encourages volunteers to begin their volunteering abroad experience with fundraising. Fundraising for your trip not only helps you fulfill your dream of volunteering abroad, it also helps promote awareness of international issues. Every conversation, letter, and event that explains where and why you plan to volunteer shows people your commitment to serving local communities abroad, and broadens communications about international service. Fundraising can be a fun and creative part of the volunteer abroad experience, and many volunteers who fundraise feel an added sense of fulfillment and dedication to volunteering abroad.

 

For More Ideas Click Here!

 

On-Line Fundraising, Easy and Most Effective

 

Get Started Now by using the easy-to-use and free peer to peer crowd funding at Crowdrise platform and click on “Set up your Fundraiser” and you’re off an running!

 

Important Information to Include:

 

• General information about the nonprofit organization you will be traveling with, simply copy and paste our mission, vision, etc. from our website.
• Donations are 100% Tax Deductible!
• Where you are going, for how long and what you will be doing.
• Let people know how much money you need to raise and that their donations are tax deductible.
• How you will share your experience during your trip or upon your return.

 

Hand-written or Formal Emails or letters

 

Hand-written letters or personalized emails to potential sponsors can also be effective, because it provides a personal touch especially when reaching out to friends and family, employers and work colleagues, or clubs. A formal letter or email may be best when soliciting clubs, churches or temples, local banks, foundations and charitable organizations in your area, or larger organizations like The Rotary, Lions and Elks Clubs, Junior League, Junior Chamber, and The United Way. OTHER IDEAS: Bake sale, Car wash, etc.

 

Fundraising 101

 

CHECK OUT OUR: SAMPLE Fundraising Letter.pdf HOW TO BE AN EFFECTIVE FUNDRAISER! We recommend that you personalize every email/letter that you write with the recipient’s name.

 

1. Make a list of everyone you know and all the local organizations and companies who might be able to donate. This list can include your family, friends, neighbors, contacts, etc., but can also inc lude people from other aspects of your life, such as your place of employment, worship, school, doctors, teachers, neighborhood groups—anyone you think may be able to help sponsor your trip. Many local organizations or companies are eager to donate to causes like yours, so think outside the box! See if the company you are currently working with is willing to “match” what you are able to raise.

 

2. Write out your goals and reasons for volunteering. This will be useful when you are talking to potential sponsors or writing fundraising letters, to explain how a contribution to your volunteer trip will make a positive impact. Learn all you can about issues facing the country and program site you will be visiting, so you can explain why you chose to volunteer there. Stress that this is not a vacation.

 

3. Start early and create benchmarks. As soon as you make your deposit to participate on a volunteer trip, develop a fundraising plan and get started. Look at the total amount of money you need to raise, and set periodic goals that serve as benchmarks to keep you on target, for example, “$1,000 by February, $2,200 by June.”

 

4. Ask for a specific amount of money. When you say “contribution”, some people are thinking $5, while others are thinking $500. Tell people how much you need, and let them know the total amount that you are hoping to fundraise. You may even want to outline the cost per day of your program (divide your total program fee by the number of days you will be gone.) and ask to be sponsored for at least one day.

 

5. Convey a sense of urgency to potential sponsors. This limits their time to forget about giving you a contribution. Give your sponsors a specific date by which to get back to you, preferably at least four weeks before your final trip payment deadline. Put this date in your sponsor request and send them friendly reminders, with a note of how much closer you are to getting toward your goal.

 

6. Recognize your sponsors. Always thank your sponsors; they will appreciate the recognition and praise. Write a personalized thank you note to everyone who contributes. You can also post your sponsors on any of your social media outlets.

 

7. Online BLOG Sites to Get Started: Internet is typically available at most hotels, blogging is a great way to keep people informed about what you are doing during the trip! Here are some suggestions: www.travbuddy.com, www.blogger.com, www.wordpress.com, www.livejournal.com

 

8. Host a get-together when you return and invite all your sponsors. A great way to secure funding from religious organizations, civic groups, alumni associations, and educational institutions is to offer to give a presentation when you return. Highlighting your service abroad and what you learned helps people understand how their contributions made a difference. Photos of you working overseas can speak volumes.

 

What airport do I fly into?
We fly into Kigali International Airport (KGL).

 

Where is Rwanda?
Rwanda is in central east Africa, bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

Do I need a passport/visa?
Yes, you need a passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. It is easiest to just get your Visa on arrival.

 

How safe is Rwanda?
We completely understand the question about safety and want each volunteer to feel fully educated and safe while traveling. According to Lonely Planet (posted 3.12), “Many visitors are unsure about travelling to Rwanda given its history. However, as long as security and stability persist, Rwanda is a refreshing country in which to travel, where tourists remain a relative novelty and the rewards of the present outweigh the risks of the past”. Also, please check out this recent article about travel and safety in Rwanda. If you would like to speak with a volunteer who has traveled with us recently to Rwanda, please email us and we’ll put you in touch with them.

 

What type of vaccinations do I need?
It is recommended to make an appointment with your physician or a health care provider before leaving on any international trip.

 

-Anti-malarial drugs required / recommended (Malerone or Doxyclycline)

 

-Yellow Fever (optional)

 

-Cipro prescription is good to have to help prevent GI maladies while on the trip.

 

-Make sure you have an updated MMR (Measles/mumps/rubella), DPT (Diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus) and poliovirus vaccine.

 

-Hepatitis A and B (optional)

 

-Typhoid (optional)

 

Refer to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website for the most updated list of required and recommended vaccinations.

 

What is the currency and current exchange rate?
The currency of Rwanda is the Rwandan Franc. IMPORTANT: Bring US dollars that are 2009 or NEWER. Rwanda will not exchange or give you a very poor exchange rate for old bills. It is best to bring mainly $50’s and $100’s, $20’s are typically okay as well. The current exchange rate can be found at http://www.xe.com/currency/rwf-rwandan-franc.

 

What language is spoken in Rwanda?
The official language of Rwanda is Kinyarwanda, as well as French and English.

 

Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.

 

What is the weather like?
Rwanda is at a higher elevation than most African countries (1000m – 4500m) so thankfully the weather remains slightly cooler. You will typically need a light jacket in the morning and evening. There are two dry seasons and two wet seasons. We typically travel during the dry season!

 

Any special fitness requirements for this trip?
Our Kids Play Int’l Volunteer Trips are active and do require a general level of healthy physical fitness. However, we are happy to accommodate those who are less fit with activities better suited for them. We will be walking, wandering, and playing the days away! If you have any injuries or special requirements, please consult your physician first. Also, please let us know at the time of inquiry.

 

What is the food like?
One of the best ways to experience a culture is to experience the food. We recommend checking out a blog that Jaime Komer, an Athlete Ambassador of KPI, posted about her experience with Rwandan cuisine after her trip in May of 2012: “There’s no compare to local fare.“

 

What should I bring?
Once you register we have a “suggested packing list”. However, we also recommend bringing clothing that you would not mind donating or leaving behind. Please avoid bringing expensive or valuable jewelry, or tight clothing as we are in a rural village and must respect the local culture and wear appropriate attire at all times.

 

Do you have a suggested packing list?
Oh, do we! Here is a thoroughly extensive list of suggested items to bring. Please note that there are a few items required.

 

LUGGAGE

 

* 1 Personal Duffel bag/ Suitcase- please pack conservatively,

 

* 1 Large Duffel w/ donations to leave behind (KPI will provide you with a donation bag to bring)

 

* Small backpack/tote for day to day outings

 

YOU MUST BRING

 

* Passport

 

* 2 copies of Passport/ cc / Travel insurance info

 

* Immunization record/ yellow health card

 

* Emergency contact information

 

* $250 USD Cash Minimum

 

* Travel Insurance Card and info (IF purchased)

 

* Money Belt or other safe way to carry money

 

CLOTHING – Gatagara towns are in the Mountains….so it is cool in the mornings and evenings.

 

* Tennis shoes/running shoes or sturdy Teva like sandals, Cotton Socks

 

* Light Jacket/Sweatshirt/ Hat

 

* Women: Long shorts or loose Capris type pants (to or below knees). NOTE: Fitted yoga or athletic pants or short shorts are NOT appropriate as they are too form fitting or tight and not appropriate to wear in the village.

 

* Guys: in shorts just above knee is fine

 

* Skirts on women and nice pants and a shirt on men are the norms for special occasions

 

* Warm sleepwear

 

* T-shirts (tanks/sleeveless are not recommended in the village, but ok for the Gorilla Trek, Kigali etc.)

 

* Volunteer clothes (clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty if we are working on projects in the village, gloves, etc.)

 

* Jeans/Pants– going out to dinner at night (casual), it is cooler at night

 

* Towel/washcloth (is provided but can bring your own if you like)

 

FOOD / SNACKS – Strongly suggested* Granola / Protein Bars* Peanut butter* Trail Mix* Instant Oatmeal* Starbucks instant coffee (yum!)* Other foods that are easy to pack and won’t go bad!

 

TOILETRIES

 

* Shampoo / Conditioner / Soap

 

* Toothpaste, Toothbrush

 

* Lotion, Sunscreen, Lip Balm, nail clippers

 

* Antibiotic Hand wipes / Hand Sanitizer

 

* Razor, Feminine Products

 

* Hair bands, Hair brush

 

* BUG REPELLENT

 

MEDICATIONS

 

* Personal Medication, vitamins, etc.

 

* Anti-malaria meds, Cipro

 

* Pepto-Bismol/ Tums

 

* Anti-itch/ bug bite cream

 

* Car Sickness medication. Our drive to Volcanoes National Park is on a bumpy, windy road. If you get car sick bring appropriate medicine.

 

Rwanda: June 17 – June 26, 2025 

$2750 per person (plus airfare)

 

• $750 Deposit to secure your spot on the trip
• Rate based on double occupancy
• $300 single supplement
• Kids under 18 must travel with parent, guardian, or chaperone.
• Read the Booking Terms and Conditions – must agree in order to complete registration.
• Payment options: CREDIT CARD or CHECK: Please make checks payable to Kids Play International and send to: Tracy Evans 541 Maple Drive, Park City, UT 84098.

 

Questions? Please email: info@kidsplayintl.org

 

DEADLINE TO REGISTER AND FINAL PAYMENT DUE NLT: May 1, 2025

 

REGISTER HERE

 

PAY FOR DEPOSIT OR TRIP IN FULL HERE