Being part of the UEM South-South Volunteer program and serving at RDIS (Rural Development Inter-diocesan Service) in Muhanga, Rwanda, has been one of the most transformative chapters of my life. Day by day, the routine that begins with morning prayers alongside this community is more than just a job; it is a profound journey of faith. Here, I have witnessed firsthand how church ministry is tangibly realized within the heart of the community.

Throughout this period of service, I have dedicated my time to learn and  support RDIS, both through administrative work and by heading out into the field to witness the heartbeat of the local people. Observing closely how environmental and community empowerment programs are implemented has truly opened my eyes. This experience has taught me the vital importance of accountability, perseverance, and how a faith-based organization can become a powerful agent of change, creating a lasting impact on environmental sustainability and the well-being of others.

Having completed my service in Rwanda and returned to Indonesia to continue my studies and fulfill my service responsibilities in Papua, I look back knowing that I did not return empty-handed. I am carrying back a wealth of invaluable lessons to my homeland. Among the most precious treasures I brought home is a strengthened faith. Navigating the highs and lows in a foreign land—including facing health challenges—has forged a deeper surrender to God. Furthermore, the profound understanding of environmental management and cultural resilience that I absorbed from the people of Rwanda will serve as a strong foundation for me to continue my work in Papua. I have learned to be more adaptive, to appreciate diversity, and I stand ready to serve with a greater capacity.

RDIS has been an extraordinary school of life for me. I am deeply grateful to UEM and the entire RDIS family for their guidance and this precious opportunity. All the valuable lessons I have gained here in Rwanda will continue to burn brightly and live on in every step of the service I dedicate to my beloved Papua.

Greetings!
My name is Linus Kühnhold, a 19-year-old from Germany who served as a volunteer for RDIS from August 2023 to August 2024. This opportunity has taken me to Rwanda, where I've been immersed in various projects and involved in meetings.
During my time in RDIS, I delved into projects, witnessing how initiatives work. Among them improved cook stoves, ceramic water filters, solar panels, climate smart agriculture, tree nurseries, and construction of houses. It has been inspiring to see how these projects positively impact people's lives. When not working on field with coordinators, I assisted at my mentor Jonas's school or engage in meetings in Muhanga in the RDIS headquarter.
I am immensely thankful to the United Evangelical Mission (UEM), the Anglican Church and RDIS for this enriching year. It has not only strengthened me personally but also broadened my understanding of work in Non-Governmental Organisation´s like RDIS and in a different country.
Thank you.

The following reflection was shared by an international volunteer who served at RDIS from October 2022 until August 2023. At the volunteer’s request and in respect of personal privacy, the name and photo of the volunteer remain anonymous.

“I was honoured to serve as a volunteer at RDIS from October 2022 until August 2023.

I was sent by the United Evangelical Mission (UEM), a long-term partner of RDIS and the four dioceses of the Anglican Church of Rwanda: Butare, Cyangugu, Kigeme, and Shyogwe. UEM organises several volunteer and exchange programs. Supported by Engagement Global, these programs encourage young people to engage with different social and cultural backgrounds and to broaden their perspectives through international experience. I was especially grateful to be among the first volunteers to participate again after the global Covid-19 pandemic.

My daily activities mainly involved office and administrative tasks, where I supported colleagues in their responsibilities and ongoing work.

I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity RDIS gave me and for the many experiences through which I learned more about the organisation’s work and the socio-economic context in which it operates.

These experiences strongly influenced both my academic journey and my personal development. The staff of RDIS works every day to positively impact the lives of their beneficiaries  and during my time there, they also had a meaningful impact on mine.

Thank you, RDIS, for this enriching and unforgettable year.”

International volunteer service invites young people between the ages of 18 and 28 to spend a year contributing to projects in another country. Working together, cultural exchange, and learning from one another in everyday life are central aspects of the volunteer experience.

The Rural Development Interdiocesan Service (RDIS) in Rwanda periodically offers placements through the North-South volunteer program. This forms part of the United Evangelical Mission’s (UEM) volunteer service and the broader weltwärts program.