The University’s flagship international volunteering programme, Team Rwanda, has come to an end after an inspiring final year.

Fourteen undergraduate students returned from Rwanda on Sunday 23 August after spending a month volunteering with our long-standing partner organisation, Azizi Life. The students, who were all recipients of either the Manchester Bursary or the Undergraduate Access Scholarship, worked alongside Rwandan volunteers on a range of projects focused on community research, digital media and storytelling, and income generation ideas for the Azizi Life site in Byimana.

Throughout the month, students developed new skills, built international friendships and gained first-hand experience of working in a different cultural context. They also documented their journey on the Team Rwanda blog, sharing reflections on everything from project work to life in Rwanda.

One student reflected:

“Being part of the storytelling team was so nerve-wracking yet so rewarding. Being able to harness my creativity and see it evolve was incredible, and together with my team, I am so proud of the impact we were able to show.”

As well as volunteering overseas, the team raised an impressive £4,907 before departing for Rwanda. The money will support Azizi Life’s Homes for Hope project, a new initiative that helps local families access safe and affordable housing. The students’ fundraising efforts will contribute towards the first home build, with plans to construct 12 homes over the next five years.

While this marks the end of Team Rwanda, the programme leaves behind a lasting legacy. Following two years of remote volunteering projects, 72 University of Manchester students travelled to Rwanda between 2021 and 2026, working alongside Azizi Life to support community-led initiatives and build meaningful cross-cultural connections.

A huge thank you goes to every student, staff member and partner who has contributed to Team Rwanda over the last seven years.

The Volunteering and Awards team is now developing a new international volunteering opportunity with a different group of partners. Keep an eye out for future announcements!

Find out more about Azizi Life and read the Team Rwanda blog to discover what this year’s volunteers achieved.