Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Educator

Volunteers live in modest housing that vary both in size and resources depending on what is available in the host community. Some housing will have running water and electricity, some will not. Volunteers might use charcoal and/or gas stoves for cooking. Volunteers receive a modest settling in allowance from Peace Corps for basic household furnishings and accessories. Housing will be identified and approved according to Peace Corps safety and security standards.

Volunteers primarily travel on foot, by bicycle, or public transportation. Public transportation is available near most sites and in most cases goes several times a day to and from the nearest regional town with markets and banks. Public transportation is relatively inexpensive but can be crowded and require long waits. Volunteers traveling by bike are required to wear a Peace Corps provided helmet.

The climate of Rwanda is made up of two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The lowest nighttime temperature is around 10° C (50°F) and the highest daytime temperature is about 34°C (94°F).

Rwandans are conservative in attire and grooming. In professional working environments in which Peace Corps is invited to serve, Volunteers are held to the same standards as their Rwandan counterparts. Rwandan men wear trousers such as chinos and button-down shirts in work settings. Jackets and ties are occasional requirements for certain activities. Men keep their hair cut short and well-groomed. Facial hair is kept neat and short. Rwandan women wear long dresses and skirts that fall below the knee or trouser suits with tunic style tops in both work and leisure environments. Women may wear their hair long, but keep it styled conservatively.

Tattoos, piercings on men, and long hair on men (including locs), are traditionally not accepted in professional environments, although trends are changing in urban areas. During PST, Volunteers must keep large tattoos covered. Male Volunteers must remove piercings and keep their hair cut short. After moving to their host community, it is recommended to maintain this practice but could change depending on specific work and community culture.

Volunteers will encounter different cultural and social mores that require flexibility and understanding. For example, communication in Rwanda tends to be very indirect, which can be difficult for Americans who have been taught to value direct communication.

Women, particularly young women, and younger Volunteers need to be aware of very different sex and age dynamics in Rwanda. Gaining the respect of colleagues and traditional leaders may require more effort than you expect.

Normal working hours for most public institutions are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, from Monday to Friday. Based on this, the work schedules are developed in collaboration with your Rwandan counterparts and supervisor. As a Health Volunteer, you will need a laptop to complete required activity reporting and assignments. If you would like a PC issued laptop, you will be provided an allowance for local purchase upon arrival regardless of whether or not you bring a personal laptop. Please note that PC Rwanda will not reimburse for any laptops purchased elsewhere.

Learn more about the living conditions, including detailed information on culture, communications, housing, and health/crime statistics on our Rwanda country page. You can also delve into stories about local communities by reading our blog or Volunteer stories.