Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with GVN in Rwanda?
Leandro: I wanted to volunteer in Africa, and I didn't know which country to go to. I was looking for a francophone country as I speak French. After watching a TV documentary about the developing nation of Rwanda, I found about GVN's project. So, I sent an application and I got accepted!
Has your worldview changed as a result of your trip?
Leandro: I had volunteered in Canada, Hong Kong, and Haiti prior to my trip to Rwanda. I went to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010 and returned in 2011 to volunteer as a Language Instructor. After that, my career goals changed so much that I switched professions from a banker to a social worker, as I realized my love for helping people and education reform.
Tell me about one person you met.
Leandro: I met couple of orphaned children during my stay in Rwanda. One was John who was 18 years old and deaf. I studied some American Sign Language in Vancouver, and I didn't expect my ASL practices to come in handy in Rwanda. Once I start signing with him, we became very close friends. While sometimes I had trouble communicating with him, I learned many new signs!
What's something interesting about Rwanda that the average person doesn't know?
Leandro: Rwanda is very clean, and also very beautiful and green (there are a lot of trees and pines). In addition, I saw progress everywhere. People were cleaning the streets and building new roads. Also, I didn't expect to see eagles and other beautiful birds!
What was the hardest or most challenging part of your experience?
Leandro: The most challenging part was the language barrier. It was difficult to communicate with the bus drivers or on-bus employees, as they would sometimes charge you more. Foreigners often pay more for transportation, or receive the "special price".