Join fellow New Jersey educators, TCNJ alumni, and current students on a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Rwanda, East Africa. This summer 2024 Faculty-Led Tour will allow participants to experience this beautiful country and learn first-hand about the 1994 Genocide and the country’s work to recover in the thirty years since.
Questions? Contact Dr. Matthew Bender (bender@tcnj.edu)
[large-button link=”https://connect.tcnj.edu/register/?id=22038f6c-0f16-488b-9a69-e53ec7bcc81e”] Apply Now [/large-button]
Program Dates and Highlights
Travel dates are July 19-August 3, 2024
The primary stay will be in Kigali, Rwanda (capital city), with an overnight stay at the Akegera Game Lodge. Selected excursions include:
- Nyamirambo Women’s Center
- Kigali Memorial Center at Gisozi
- Churches of Nyamata and Ntarama in Bugesera District
- Avega Agahozo (Association of Widows of the Genocide)
- Prison Fellowship Rwanda
- Nyarubuye Genocide Memorial
- Vision 2020 Community of Gashora
- Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement
- Youth Association for Human Rights Promotion and Development
- Akegera National Park (two-day Safari)
- Kimironko Market
Why Rwanda?
In April 1994, genocide broke out in this small country of 8 million people, with Hutu extremists targeting the minority Tutsi population and moderate Hutus. It lasted for 100 days and took the lives of nearly 1 million. In the thirty years since, the country has made tremendous progress in rebuilding and now has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
This two-week program aligns with the 30-year anniversary of the Genocide. It features daily immersive experiences to help participants learn more about the country and its people. Participants will meet with genocide survivors and perpetrators, learn about efforts to rebuild and heal, and discuss controversies related to reconciliation, rebuilding, governance, and memory.
Participants will also experience the beauty of Rwanda and its people. In addition to cultural activities, ranging from dance and art to cooking, the tour will visit Akagera National Park for a 2-day safari experience. Participants will see the region’s largest protected wetland and many of Africa’s “Big Five” animals there.
Faculty Expertise
Unlike alumni and continuing education offered at many universities, this experience is led by TCNJ’s own experts in the field. Dr. Matthew Bender is a specialist in modern African history and regularly teaches a course on the History of the Rwanda Genocide. Dr. Cynthia Paces is an expert in Holocaust history. This tour is an engaged learning experience, not just a vacation.
Program Costs
The program fee of $5,721 includes the following expenses:
- Provider program fee ($4,685)
- GEO Blue International Medical and Emergency Insurance ($36)
- Instructional fee ($1,000) Due as deposit in February 2024
Included in the above costs are:
- Housing (hotels, double occupancy, $490 extra single supplement)
- All in-country transportation
- Weekend safari at Akagera National Park
- All entrance fees
- All breakfasts plus some additional meals
Excluded estimated expenses include:
- Airfare (~$1,600)
- Visa (~$50, paid on arrival)
- Non-group lunches and dinners