SHOUT Canada
Inspired by memory, committed to change.
The Itinerary
While the activities and meetings that make up our day-to-day programming can change each year based on availability, we follow a general route throughout the country to visit the six national commemorative sites in Rwanda.
See below for an example of what your trip may entail.
Kigali
Kigali is a bustling metropolis amongst a region of rolling hills. It is the capital and largest city in Rwanda. Typically, participants fly from their home airport to meet at one connecting airport. From there, the group flies to Kigali to begin the program.
The first few days and nights are spent in Kigali where the group can overcome jet lag, exchange money for local currency, and visit the first few memorial sites, such as:
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The Kigali Genocide Memorial​
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​Nyarabuye Genocide Memorial
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Ntarama Genocide Memorial
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Nyamata Genocide Memorial
Huye
From Kigali, the group travels in a private mini-bus to Huye to continue learning about the Genocide Against the Tutsi.
In Huye, program activities may include:
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The National Museum of Rwanda​
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Meetings at the National University of Rwanda​
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A drive through the Nyungwe Forest, where you'll likely spot monkeys
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Bisesero Hill Genocide Memorial
Kibuye
Following several intense days of educational programming, Kibuye offers an opportunity to unwind while taking in the beauty of Lake Kivu.
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While there, the group may:
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Meet with a rescuer and genocide survivor​
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​Take a boat tour of Lake Kivu to learn about local species and industries, such as coffee farming
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Opt to spend some time alone at the hotel to rest and recover for the next few days of the trip
Gisenyi
The group's next stop is in Gisenyi, Rwanda's second-largest city, located on the north shore of Lake Kivu and bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In Gisenyi, the group may:
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Visit the Rwanda-DRC border​
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Learn about border security within the region
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Hear about the economic relationship between Rwanda and the DRC
Kigali
After several days on the road, the group returns to Kigali for a final week of cultural immersion and to learn about the future of Rwanda.
During this week, the group may:
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Meet with Members of Parliament​
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Visit the Canadian High Commission
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Meet with local NGOs
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Check out local art galleries or bookstores
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Visit Hôtel des Mille Collines (Hotel Rwanda)
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See a music or dance performance
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Shop at a local market
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Visit a women's centre
What to Expect
Please note that this program may not be suitable for everyone.
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It entails both physical and emotional challenges, as participants will visit sites and hear stories that can be disturbing. We seek individuals with emotional maturity who can effectively collaborate with others, particularly during difficult periods of the trip. Maintaining a positive group dynamic is crucial, and patience and kindness play a significant role in achieving this.
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RoR is not a leisure vacation or a substitute for a typical tourist trip to Rwanda and the Great Lakes Region of Africa. Our program is intentionally designed as an educational experience to study genocide, and we work directly with our Rwandan partners to minimize costs. Accommodations are locally sourced, and we primarily dine at local restaurants. Therefore, participants should not expect luxury accommodations or tourist-oriented dining experiences.
Rwanda is undeniably a beautiful country with outstanding tourist attractions and amenities. We encourage all interested applicants to consider extending their stay in the country if they wish to explore further after the program's conclusion.
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