The World Scholars program’s ultimate goal is the development of Village Leadership Academy’s students into conscientious global leaders of tomorrow. At the beginning of each academic year, our students’ education foundation is expanded through a year-long exploration of the socio-cultural, political, and economic histories of a Community of Focus. This cultural and academic journey culminates in an educational voyage to the Community of Focus. During this international expedition, our students engage in cultural exchanges with other children of the world, develop new friendships that extend beyond the boundaries of their communities, and acquire first-hand knowledge about the challenges that other communities face.  For Village Leadership Academy students,

“The World is our Classroom.”

What We Need

Our Goal: $50,000 to Support: 

• 25 students’ travel accommodations (flight, housing, meals, in-country transportation)
• Independent research projects on contemporary issues in Rwanda 
• The implementation of a service learning project to support Rwandan students 

Why Do We Need This Money?

This year the World Scholars Program returns to provide 25 students, grades third through eighth, the opportunity to embark upon a global educational expedition in Rwanda.  While in Rwanda students will visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial which commemorates the Rwandan genocide. VLA students will be guided through the memorial to learn about the causes, reality and consequences of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

VLA students will travel back in time to what was once the heart of Rwanda ~ King’s Palace at Nyanza.  For a long time, the monarchy was mobile, moving the court between various locations, before settling in Nyanza making it the capital of  the kingdom with over 2,000 inhabitants. Students will experience a traditional royal residence, a beautifully-crafted thatched dwelling shaped like a beehive! An oral history of the great battles and power struggles will be shared. 

At the Museum of Butare, students will see what culture was like before colonialism. Here they will learn about the clothing, food, production, hunting, storage, music, financial and traditional ritual practices of the Rwanda people. The Museum of Butare is home to the largest collections of ancient artifacts collection that was spared from damage during the genocide. Students will also visit the Nyungwe Forest National Park nearby.

Surrounded by magnificent mountains and part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, Lake Kivu, is rich with scenery of deep emerald green waters that cover a surface area of 2,700 square kilometers. After learning about the ecosystem of the area, students will engage in some fun and adventure, be it cycling, a game of cricket, canopy walk or kayaking!  

The educational expedition will not be complete without a visit to a local middle school and a community service project. Overall, this travel experience to Rwanda will enable WSP participants to gain a better understanding of both the complexities and commonalities of Rwandan life.

What is the Impact on VLA Students?

These unique learning experiences and opportunities have broadened our students’ perspectives, enabling them to recognize their privileges as American citizens while simultaneously expanding their expectations, visions, and social justice endeavors for their own lives.  After World Scholars Program trips, our students have been inspired to become diplomats, philanthropists, humanitarians, school founders, environmental scientists, and international entrepreneurs.

OUR PAST EDUCATIONAL EXPEDITIONS

Guatemala 2019

Students learning “head carrying” from the Guatemalan women. This is a common practice in Guatemala and other parts of the world where access and means to transport materials and objects are limited or non-existent.

Costa Rica 2018

Students raised funds to purchase repurposed playground equipment and upon arrival in Turrialba, students restored the equipment with a fresh coat of paint.

Ghana 2017

Visited the Elmina Castle where students learned about the enslavement of African peoples, the Triangular Slave Trade, and the Gold Coast.

Cuba 2016

In Santiago de Cuba, VLA students visited the Fernando Ortiz African Cultural Center and Casa del Caribe to learn about the history and culture of Cubans of Haitian descent.

Panama 2015

Participated in the Embera Indian Village tour. VLA students were able to visit the native community and travel along the famous Chagres River.

Dominican Republic 2014

VLA students worked alongside Haitian immigrants sorting trash in a Dominican landfill to learn about immigration and labor tensions within the country.

South Africa 2013

VLA students volunteered with youth at Red Hill, Children of Hope Educare Centre and Masipumelele’s Library, all of which are housed within an informal settlement outside of Cape Town South Africa.

Mexico 2012

VLA students visited the Mayan village of Santa Elena where they learned about the education system in Mexico while also providing an Elementary School with extra resources such as books, notebooks, pencils, and other educational supplies.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo 2011

VLA students volunteered on a farm to learn about the agriculture of Gemena.  They explored the cultural connections between the people of the DRC and African Americans via a community gathering hosted by Communaute Evangelique de l’Ubangi-Mongala (CEUM).  Students also participated in a youth-led open forum with Little Things, a grassroots, non-profit youth advocacy group that provides educational support and empowerment opportunities for young women in the DRC. 

Brazil 2010

VLA students attended capoeira classes with Brazilian children and organized a fundraiser to support capoeira school for local children.