The University is pleased to announce the 14 students selected for Team Rwanda 2026, our flagship international student volunteering project. Narrowing 84 applicants down to just 14 team members was no easy task, with an exceptionally strong and competitive pool of applications this year.

The selected students will support a range of impactful projects in Rwanda, during what will be the final Team Rwanda project after seven years of work with our partner Azizi Life.

Storytelling Team
This team will produce a documentary-style film exploring Azizi Life’s growth since 2018, including the development of its projects, physical spaces, staff, artisan partnerships, and community impact. The documentary will also highlight the contribution of Team Rwanda volunteers over the past seven years and will be used to promote Azizi Life’s work and tell its story.

Data Gathering Team
This team will evaluate the impact of Azizi Life’s community projects, with a particular focus on its adult literacy programme. Volunteers will design surveys, reconnect with past participants, collect stories and photos, and create reports and case studies to support future fundraising and awareness efforts. They will also research grant opportunities for future projects.

Enterprise Development Team
This team will support the promotion of Azizi Life’s new guesthouse, café, hiking routes, and experience days in Byimana. Their work will include developing marketing materials, exploring booking platforms, and helping create a business plan to position Azizi Life as an amazing tourist destination.

The successful students represent all three University faculties:

• Ainoras, Jess and Sebastian – Mathematics
• Angela – Management (Marketing)
• Babi – Biology
• Eytan – Geography
• Hari – Accounting
• Lucy – Film Studies & History of Art
• Mia, Rhea and Angel – Psychology
• Meuke – Medicine
• Ruhale – Law
• Saima – Dentistry

Ahead of the trip, the students will also raise funds for Azizi Life’s new community housing initiative, Homes of Hope. Funds raised will support the project’s test build, the first step towards creating a community of 12 homes for families who will benefit most.

Stay tuned for updates on their training and their work in Rwanda. 

• For any questions or if you can support our students’ fundraising and awareness raising efforts in any way, please contact volunteers@manchester.ac.uk.