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Host is looking for help immediately
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
15 Jun 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 11 days
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Details
Description
Hello, everyone!, My name is John, but you can also call me Global Heart I'm 32 years old and the proud founder of a children’s foundation in Rwanda, which I started in 2018. 😊
Our organization is focused on improving the lives of people in the community, especially by providing better education for children from poor families. Our mission is to give children living in difficult conditions free, quality education, safe housing, proper healthcare, and good nutrition. This will help them have a better life and a brighter future.
Early Life
My name is Jean Claude, but most people call me John. I was born in 1992 in Kayonza District, in Rwanda’s Eastern Province. I grew up in a poor family and saw the challenges of poverty firsthand. Even as a child, I was determined not to let my circumstances decide my future.
Struggles with Education
I loved learning, but financial problems made it difficult to stay in school. At one point, I had to drop out because we couldn’t afford the basics, and my dreams of a better future seemed far away.
Starting a New Journey
In 2005, I went to Akagera National Park to look for work. I got a job as a houseboy for park rangers, and they were kind enough to help me with school materials so I could continue my education.
Balancing Work and School
Every day, I walked 7 kilometers each way to school and back, often through the park's tough terrain. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined because I believed education was the key to changing my life.
Building a Career in Akagera
While working at Akagera National Park, I continued my education but also gained skills in tourism and hospitality. Over the years, I moved from being a houseboy to a park guide, and later worked for five years as a waiter at the Ruzizi Tented Lodge. These experiences helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Why I started the Foundation
My own journey inspired me to give back to my community. I started the Foundation to help children from vulnerable families get an education and a chance for a better future. I know how powerful education can be, and through the foundation, we’re providing learning opportunities for children and for their parents.
Making a difference
Since starting the foundation, we’ve been able to change the lives of many children and families. Seeing them succeed motivates me every day. I am grateful for the support I’ve received throughout my life, and I want to pass that on to others, helping to build a brighter future for generations to come.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Babysitting and creative play
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
DIY & crafts
Animals
Charity work
Music
Cooking & food
Art & design
Nature
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Camping
Adventure sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in our culture and experience the charm of rural life. You can try our local cuisine, learn our language, explore the village, and visit the local markets.
Being located near Akagera National Park, home to the Big Five, you may also be interested in exploring the park. We are happy to assist with organizing your trip and providing guidance to make your visit unforgettable.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We are a growing NGO dedicated to developing and expanding our activities, and we’re looking for passionate volunteers who can contribute in one or more of the following areas based on your skills:
- Tourism Training & Customer Care: Help train youth to become future tour guides.
- Fundraising: Assist in raising funds to support our initiatives.
- Content Writing: Create engaging content to promote our work.
- Website & Social Media Management: Help maintain and improve our online presence.
- Video Editing: Create videos to showcase our projects and activities.
- General Help: Assist with tasks around the house or office.
- Building Projects: Support ongoing construction and renovation projects.
- Language Practice: Help improve English or other language skills in the community.
- Art Projects: Lead or contribute to creative projects like painting or drawing.
- Charity Tasks: Participate in various charitable initiatives.
- Teaching Support: Help our teachers educate and care for the children.
- Wall Painting & Drawing: Bring color and creativity to our spaces.
As part of our community tourism activities, we also welcome volunteers to assist in our office, greeting and hosting guests.
Additionally, we rent out camping equipment to tourists visiting Akagera National Park. Donations of camping gear (used or new), such as tents, or other equipment, would be immensely helpful for both us and the community.
If you’d like to bring along items like notebooks, pens, footballs, toys, or other supplies for the school, they would be greatly appreciated.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Japanese: Intermediate
Luganda, Ganda: Intermediate
Swahili (Kiswahili): IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I am interested in language exchange, teaching my language and learn yours.
Accommodation
We offer volunteer accommodations, including comfortable rooms and fully equipped camping tents for those who prefer to stay outdoors.
We provide three daily meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our facilities include an outdoor toilet and a shower room. As we are situated in a rural area, we do not have access to mains electricity; however, we use solar panels and a battery system to charge computers and other devices during the daytime.
For those requiring reliable internet and additional charging options for digital work, we have a partnership with a nearby lodge that offers these amenities about 10 minutes from the foundation.
Additionally, there is a kitchen available for use, should you wish to heat water for your shower or prepare something on your own.
What else ...
We are located just 7 kilometers from Akagera National Park. For transportation or recreational activities, we offer mountain bikes that you can use to explore the area or stay active. Additionally, we can guide you to visit local markets, enjoy hikes, and more.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have a large open space with parking available.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (7)
They were both incredibly hardworking, respectful, and kind-hearted people. They helped in our preschool, assisting teachers and interacting lovingly with the children.… read more
The week we spent with you, John, became an irreplaceable time for us.
Playing with the children at school, participating in the house-building project as part of the community activities, and going trekking together — each and every experience has become a precious memory.
Meeting you and… read more
We had the honor of hosting Ingrid and Hanna from January 24th to February 27th at our CHILDREN FOUNDATION, and their stay was nothing short of amazing!
From the moment they arrived, they brought positivity, kindness, and endless smiles to our community. They worked with dedication at our preschool,… read more
We had the pleasure of hosting Claudia for three weeks at our FOUNDATION, and we cannot recommend her highly enough! She dedicated her time and energy to teaching English to our youth who are training to become future tour guides, helping them improve their communication skills and confidence.
During her… read more
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
They were both incredibly hardworking, respectful, and kind-hearted people. They helped in our preschool, assisting teachers and interacting lovingly with the children.… read more
The week we spent with you, John, became an irreplaceable time for us.
Playing with the children at school, participating in the house-building project as part of the community activities, and going trekking together — each and every experience has become a precious memory.
Meeting you and… read more
We had the honor of hosting Ingrid and Hanna from January 24th to February 27th at our CHILDREN FOUNDATION, and their stay was nothing short of amazing!
From the moment they arrived, they brought positivity, kindness, and endless smiles to our community. They worked with dedication at our preschool,… read more
We had the pleasure of hosting Claudia for three weeks at our FOUNDATION, and we cannot recommend her highly enough! She dedicated her time and energy to teaching English to our youth who are training to become future tour guides, helping them improve their communication skills and confidence.
During her… read more
Their… read more
Passionate about Education: They showed a genuine passion for improving the lives of children from vulnerable families, especially through education.
Great Team Players: They seamlessly integrated into our team,… read more
The Foundation… read more
I wish I could have stayed longer, especially so that I could have helped more with the kids. I think it’s worth staying at least a couple of weeks to better assist the teachers,… read more
