'Umuzungu'= the one who roams around aimlessly: Volunteering at NWC

Some do it to gain experience, some do it to meet new people, some do it because they simply want to help…in the end it does not really matter why people volunteer, but the impact that they make.

Even though NWC is providing a fair payment for all the locals working in NWC, the work of volunteers is nevertheless an essential component of their work and especially development.

I came to NWC in February, because I wanted to put my time to good use. Volunteering abroad while struggling to find a job at home seemed like a good opportunity for my professional and personal development. And I sure was right!

Having spent two months in Kigali, I believe that this was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was responsible for the planning and supervision of the work in the library, but as is the case in all small projects, I ended up helping with all the activities, where they needed my help. And despite the fact that I was here to help the Center, I at the same time learned so much about the people, their everyday life and also the work of a community based project. Even though I had worked in multicultural environments before, my experience in NWC really gave me a chance to see the cultural differences first hand. I learned to admire the African ease at work, not stressing about the pressing deadlines, and just smile while they go on with their everyday activities. On the other hand I sometimes felt like a cranky European pushing them around, despite my nervousness would not speed up their process at all. But by now I just smile and relax as well …and you know what? In the end everything really works out just fineJ.

My time in Kigali is now coming to an end, but NWC is always happy to welcome new volunteers, locals and expats, living in Kigali, who are willing to dedicate some of their time to the successful work and development of Nyamirambo Women’s Center.