New Dawn Associates has been working with international and regional college and high school student groups for the past 10 years creating educational tours and custom programs. With wealth of travel industry experience, seasoned tour directors, and network of local suppliers, New Dawn Associates provides exceptional tourism services throughout Rwanda . In the past we have organised special themed tours for students from different high schools and univerisities mainly from U.S.A, Canada and Ngeria such as Michigan State University, Havard University, Shawnee State University, Oklahoma State University, Univesity of Georgia and oxbridge university to name a few. We strongly believe its overdue that we start offering the same type of specialized experiencial tours to local schools in Rwanda that complement the current students curiculum.
We understand that each student group has unique interests, time constraints, and budget concerns. At NDA, a dedicated program manager works closely with each of our student groups to design customized student group tour program while optimizing resources and meeting student group’s travel objectives. Private student group tours are designed for groups of 20 or more students. Your group can choose from one of our recommended itineraries or our program managers can design a customized program that is tailored to meet all your student group’s needs.
Choose from one of our suggested programs or allow one of our knowledgeable Program Managers to customize an educational tour program with a unique theme for your student group. Our pre-packaged itineraries feature various themes such as business, law, education, culture, history, health, governance, agriculture etc. These tours aim at introducing the visitor to one or several distinct themes. This is achieved through a variety of visits to institutions and projects, meetings with individuals and groups from the grassroots level to the top decision-makers, a mix of a few theoretical presentations and many practical experiences on the ground, and time for discussions and reflections. All of this is combined with intimate experiences with the local culture and people as well as the country's established tourism attractions that offer both relaxing and adventurous travel environment.
Feel free to enquire more about our tours by contacting one of our representatives or visiting our site at www.newdawnassociates.com/student-tours
Historical exploration of Kigali (pre-colonial, colonial, independence, genocide, post-genocide) Very personal introduction to life in Rwanda by members of the Nyamirambo Women's Center Evening presentation on general development concepts and an introduction to the tour program Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel
After breakfast the delegation will visit the street children project Les Enfants de Dieu in Ndera, about 20 minutes from Kigali. This unique project is modeled after the Rwandan government. Street children are elected to seven ministerial offices forming a government of children. The government makes all decisions regarding the running of the farm, education of the population, and other issues regarding the day to day operation of the project.On your return to Kigali this afternoon, you will pass the more modern parts of the city. Get a glimpse of the new government office and residential areas of Kigali, and a drive by the new American Embassy.
Excursion to the Rwandan Millennium Village in Bugesera to learn about holistic development interventions Visit both Nyamata and Ntarama genocide sites Testimonies from reconciliation village where survivors and perpetrators leave together. Final discussions Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel or Hotel Gorillas
Morning Professional Meeting (discussion topics will be customized to the individual composition of the delegation) In the afternoon, take a one-hour drive west of Kigali to Gitarama, the second largest city in Rwanda, where you will visit the Urukundo Home for Children. Founded by Arlene Brown, a 78-year-old Pennsylvanian, Urukundo is a safe refuge for orphans of genocide and HIV/AIDS. Arlene will share her life story with the delegation as well as her plans for expanding the home to accommodate more than 100 children. The delegation will enjoy dinner with the children of Urukundo before returning to Kigali.
Today, you will leave Kigali in order to explore another region of the country, the area around Ruhengeri and Gisenyi in the northwest. A 2-hour drive through the beautiful hills and mountains of Rwanda will present amazing photo opportunities on the way to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park with its famous mountain gorillas. If there are not too many clouds, you will get your fist glimpses of the chain of volcanoes that looms above the Rwanda-Uganda-Congo border triangle.After lunch, you will continue your transfer to Gisenyi, a sleepy old resort town located 1½ hours from Ruhengeri and directly on the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu, one of the 20 deepest. Overnight at Kigali Serena
Today, you will have an introduction to the lives of Rwanda’s first inhabitants, the Batwa. This very small minority of roughly 33,000 traditionally lived in forests and led lives as hunters and gatherers. However, in recent years their environment has changed dramatically. With enormous population pressure, most forests had to make way for human settlements, and the few remaining patches of forest are completely closed for any human activity. Although most Batwa communities struggle with poverty, many Batwa now make a living with their traditional skills as potters, and the government has various other initiatives underway to assist economic development. After the introduction you will drive to the village of Abatigayubuke, about 12km from Gisenyi, in order to visit Alphonsine, the president of the potters’ association, and her community. Alphonsine’s community consists of 29 potters and their dependents. She is happy to welcome you and introduce the group to the work and the life of the potters, as well as share the amazing dance and music skills of the Batwa. The Rwandan Kings traditionally chose Batwa as their entertainers at the royal court, where they would produce music, dance, poetry, handicrafts, and a range of other arts. Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Boat excursion on the lake to learn about coffee, Rwanda's number one export product Leisure time at the beach or pool Evening presentation by a representative of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International on gorilla conservation Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Transfer to back to Kigali Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel
Optional visits to crafts markets for souvenir shopping and, possibly, further social projects (depending on time) Transfer to the airport and farewell
Historical exploration of Kigali (pre-colonial, colonial, independence, genocide, post-genocide) Very personal introduction to life in Rwanda by members of the Nyamirambo Women's Center Evening presentation on general development concepts and an introduction to the tour program Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel
After breakfast the delegation will visit the street children project Les Enfants de Dieu in Ndera, about 20 minutes from Kigali. This unique project is modeled after the Rwandan government. Street children are elected to seven ministerial offices forming a government of children. The government makes all decisions regarding the running of the farm, education of the population, and other issues regarding the day to day operation of the project.On your return to Kigali this afternoon, you will pass the more modern parts of the city. Get a glimpse of the new government office and residential areas of Kigali, and a drive by the new American Embassy.
Excursion to the Rwandan Millennium Village in Bugesera to learn about holistic development interventions Visit both Nyamata and Ntarama genocide sites Testimonies from reconciliation village where survivors and perpetrators leave together. Final discussions Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel or Hotel Gorillas
Morning Professional Meeting (discussion topics will be customized to the individual composition of the delegation) In the afternoon, take a one-hour drive west of Kigali to Gitarama, the second largest city in Rwanda, where you will visit the Urukundo Home for Children. Founded by Arlene Brown, a 78-year-old Pennsylvanian, Urukundo is a safe refuge for orphans of genocide and HIV/AIDS. Arlene will share her life story with the delegation as well as her plans for expanding the home to accommodate more than 100 children. The delegation will enjoy dinner with the children of Urukundo before returning to Kigali.
Today, you will leave Kigali in order to explore another region of the country, the area around Ruhengeri and Gisenyi in the northwest. A 2-hour drive through the beautiful hills and mountains of Rwanda will present amazing photo opportunities on the way to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park with its famous mountain gorillas. If there are not too many clouds, you will get your fist glimpses of the chain of volcanoes that looms above the Rwanda-Uganda-Congo border triangle.After lunch, you will continue your transfer to Gisenyi, a sleepy old resort town located 1½ hours from Ruhengeri and directly on the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu, one of the 20 deepest. Overnight at Kigali Serena
Today, you will have an introduction to the lives of Rwanda’s first inhabitants, the Batwa. This very small minority of roughly 33,000 traditionally lived in forests and led lives as hunters and gatherers. However, in recent years their environment has changed dramatically. With enormous population pressure, most forests had to make way for human settlements, and the few remaining patches of forest are completely closed for any human activity. Although most Batwa communities struggle with poverty, many Batwa now make a living with their traditional skills as potters, and the government has various other initiatives underway to assist economic development. After the introduction you will drive to the village of Abatigayubuke, about 12km from Gisenyi, in order to visit Alphonsine, the president of the potters’ association, and her community. Alphonsine’s community consists of 29 potters and their dependents. She is happy to welcome you and introduce the group to the work and the life of the potters, as well as share the amazing dance and music skills of the Batwa. The Rwandan Kings traditionally chose Batwa as their entertainers at the royal court, where they would produce music, dance, poetry, handicrafts, and a range of other arts. Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Boat excursion on the lake to learn about coffee, Rwanda's number one export product Leisure time at the beach or pool Evening presentation by a representative of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International on gorilla conservation Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Transfer to back to Kigali Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel
Optional visits to crafts markets for souvenir shopping and, possibly, further social projects (depending on time) Transfer to the airport and farewell
Historical exploration of Kigali (pre-colonial, colonial, independence, genocide, post-genocide) Very personal introduction to life in Rwanda by members of the Nyamirambo Women's Center Evening presentation on general development concepts and an introduction to the tour program Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel
After breakfast the delegation will visit the street children project Les Enfants de Dieu in Ndera, about 20 minutes from Kigali. This unique project is modeled after the Rwandan government. Street children are elected to seven ministerial offices forming a government of children. The government makes all decisions regarding the running of the farm, education of the population, and other issues regarding the day to day operation of the project.On your return to Kigali this afternoon, you will pass the more modern parts of the city. Get a glimpse of the new government office and residential areas of Kigali, and a drive by the new American Embassy.
Excursion to the Rwandan Millennium Village in Bugesera to learn about holistic development interventions Visit both Nyamata and Ntarama genocide sites Testimonies from reconciliation village where survivors and perpetrators leave together. Final discussions Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel or Hotel Gorillas
Morning Professional Meeting (discussion topics will be customized to the individual composition of the delegation) In the afternoon, take a one-hour drive west of Kigali to Gitarama, the second largest city in Rwanda, where you will visit the Urukundo Home for Children. Founded by Arlene Brown, a 78-year-old Pennsylvanian, Urukundo is a safe refuge for orphans of genocide and HIV/AIDS. Arlene will share her life story with the delegation as well as her plans for expanding the home to accommodate more than 100 children. The delegation will enjoy dinner with the children of Urukundo before returning to Kigali.
Today, you will leave Kigali in order to explore another region of the country, the area around Ruhengeri and Gisenyi in the northwest. A 2-hour drive through the beautiful hills and mountains of Rwanda will present amazing photo opportunities on the way to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park with its famous mountain gorillas. If there are not too many clouds, you will get your fist glimpses of the chain of volcanoes that looms above the Rwanda-Uganda-Congo border triangle.After lunch, you will continue your transfer to Gisenyi, a sleepy old resort town located 1½ hours from Ruhengeri and directly on the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu, one of the 20 deepest. Overnight at Kigali Serena
Today, you will have an introduction to the lives of Rwanda’s first inhabitants, the Batwa. This very small minority of roughly 33,000 traditionally lived in forests and led lives as hunters and gatherers. However, in recent years their environment has changed dramatically. With enormous population pressure, most forests had to make way for human settlements, and the few remaining patches of forest are completely closed for any human activity. Although most Batwa communities struggle with poverty, many Batwa now make a living with their traditional skills as potters, and the government has various other initiatives underway to assist economic development. After the introduction you will drive to the village of Abatigayubuke, about 12km from Gisenyi, in order to visit Alphonsine, the president of the potters’ association, and her community. Alphonsine’s community consists of 29 potters and their dependents. She is happy to welcome you and introduce the group to the work and the life of the potters, as well as share the amazing dance and music skills of the Batwa. The Rwandan Kings traditionally chose Batwa as their entertainers at the royal court, where they would produce music, dance, poetry, handicrafts, and a range of other arts. Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Boat excursion on the lake to learn about coffee, Rwanda's number one export product Leisure time at the beach or pool Evening presentation by a representative of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International on gorilla conservation Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Transfer to back to Kigali Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel
Optional visits to crafts markets for souvenir shopping and, possibly, further social projects (depending on time) Transfer to the airport and farewell
Historical exploration of Kigali (pre-colonial, colonial, independence, genocide, post-genocide) Very personal introduction to life in Rwanda by members of the Nyamirambo Women's Center Evening presentation on general development concepts and an introduction to the tour program Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel
After breakfast the delegation will visit the street children project Les Enfants de Dieu in Ndera, about 20 minutes from Kigali. This unique project is modeled after the Rwandan government. Street children are elected to seven ministerial offices forming a government of children. The government makes all decisions regarding the running of the farm, education of the population, and other issues regarding the day to day operation of the project.On your return to Kigali this afternoon, you will pass the more modern parts of the city. Get a glimpse of the new government office and residential areas of Kigali, and a drive by the new American Embassy.
Excursion to the Rwandan Millennium Village in Bugesera to learn about holistic development interventions Visit both Nyamata and Ntarama genocide sites Testimonies from reconciliation village where survivors and perpetrators leave together. Final discussions Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel or Hotel Gorillas
Morning Professional Meeting (discussion topics will be customized to the individual composition of the delegation) In the afternoon, take a one-hour drive west of Kigali to Gitarama, the second largest city in Rwanda, where you will visit the Urukundo Home for Children. Founded by Arlene Brown, a 78-year-old Pennsylvanian, Urukundo is a safe refuge for orphans of genocide and HIV/AIDS. Arlene will share her life story with the delegation as well as her plans for expanding the home to accommodate more than 100 children. The delegation will enjoy dinner with the children of Urukundo before returning to Kigali.
Today, you will leave Kigali in order to explore another region of the country, the area around Ruhengeri and Gisenyi in the northwest. A 2-hour drive through the beautiful hills and mountains of Rwanda will present amazing photo opportunities on the way to Ruhengeri, the gateway to Volcanoes National Park with its famous mountain gorillas. If there are not too many clouds, you will get your fist glimpses of the chain of volcanoes that looms above the Rwanda-Uganda-Congo border triangle.After lunch, you will continue your transfer to Gisenyi, a sleepy old resort town located 1½ hours from Ruhengeri and directly on the shores of the beautiful Lake Kivu, one of the 20 deepest. Overnight at Kigali Serena
Today, you will have an introduction to the lives of Rwanda’s first inhabitants, the Batwa. This very small minority of roughly 33,000 traditionally lived in forests and led lives as hunters and gatherers. However, in recent years their environment has changed dramatically. With enormous population pressure, most forests had to make way for human settlements, and the few remaining patches of forest are completely closed for any human activity. Although most Batwa communities struggle with poverty, many Batwa now make a living with their traditional skills as potters, and the government has various other initiatives underway to assist economic development. After the introduction you will drive to the village of Abatigayubuke, about 12km from Gisenyi, in order to visit Alphonsine, the president of the potters’ association, and her community. Alphonsine’s community consists of 29 potters and their dependents. She is happy to welcome you and introduce the group to the work and the life of the potters, as well as share the amazing dance and music skills of the Batwa. The Rwandan Kings traditionally chose Batwa as their entertainers at the royal court, where they would produce music, dance, poetry, handicrafts, and a range of other arts. Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel.
Boat excursion on the lake to learn about coffee, Rwanda's number one export product Leisure time at the beach or pool Evening presentation by a representative of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International on gorilla conservation Overnight at Lake Kivu Serena Hotel
Gorilla trekking in Volcanoes National Park Transfer to back to Kigali Overnight at Kigali Serena Hotel
Optional visits to crafts markets for souvenir shopping and, possibly, further social projects (depending on time) Transfer to the airport and farewell
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