Spotlight: Experiential learning & teaching in Rwanda

Teaching and learning across cultures

Lucas’s summer experience centered around educational engagement. Partnering with Rwandan university students for translation and teaching support, Lucas and his peers introduced active learning principles to local schools. This collaboration not only enhanced the learning experience for Rwandan students but also provided Lucas with invaluable insights into effective teaching strategies in low-resourced settings. He learned to adapt lessons to diverse student needs and environments, ensuring that educational objectives were met despite challenges.

As the only education major in his group, Lucas had ample opportunities to apply servant leadership. He shared his teaching expertise with fellow students, contributing to their collective learning experience. By modeling active learning techniques, Lucas and his peers hoped to inspire local teachers to adopt similar methods, thereby fostering a more engaging and effective educational environment.

I have gained an understanding and admiration for how this country progressed from the aftermath of a tragic genocide to becoming a continental leader in security and economic growth.

Challenging assumptions and broadening horizons

One of the most surprising aspects of Lucas’s experience was the local perception of the United States. Despite recent shifts in global opinion, many Rwandan students expressed a strong desire to study in the U.S. Lucas addressed this by providing information on both U.S. and local educational opportunities, highlighting the value of studying within Rwanda and in other countries.

Throughout his time in Rwanda, Lucas reinforced a crucial life lesson: perseverance through challenges leads to growth and achievement. Minor setbacks were reframed as learning opportunities, and the joy of teaching and connecting with students underscored the rewarding nature of his work. The students’ excitement and engagement, particularly when connecting theoretical concepts to real-world applications, were especially gratifying for Lucas.

The most valuable lesson I learned is…if you can look beyond the obstacles, focus on what you need to learn, and find joy in the process, you will achieve your goals and gain additional insights along the way.

Looking ahead

Lucas’s summer in Rwanda prompted a reevaluation of his career aspirations. Initially considering teaching at international schools to merge his passion for education and travel, he now contemplates the alignment of such roles with his values and career goals. The stark contrast between local public schools and private international schools in Rwanda highlighted the complexities and ethical considerations in educational equity.

Lucas plans to integrate the lessons learned from his Rwandan experience into his future academic and professional endeavors. As a Technology, Design, and Engineering (TDE) Education major with a keen interest in teaching abroad, he intends to apply the culturally aware and responsible teaching practices he developed. Lucas is also looking forward to participating in a study abroad program in South Africa, where he hopes to continue his journey of teaching in diverse educational settings.

The Caldwell Fellows Program’s experiential learning grant enabled Lucas to gain profound insights and develop crucial skills through his summer experience in Rwanda. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of experiential learning, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural engagement, servant leadership, and ethical considerations in education. We are grateful to the many donors and supporters that make this type of experience possible.

If you’d like to learn more about how you can contribute to the Caldwell Fellows model of experiential learning and servant leadership, visit our Giving page.