Our Mission
EURwanda Handcraft Foundation e.V.
HANDCRAFT
#goes future.
In 2019, we launched a cross-sector project for the first time, and in 2021, we planned to fly to Rwanda with 121 young European craftsmen, women, and apprentices from a wide range of fields to volunteer on 11 social projects. Together with Rwandan vocational school students, we planned to carry out repair and renovation work on social facilities.
We also wanted to begin construction work on a Junior Talent House of Handcraft (an information, meeting, and assessment center) for all skilled trades. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to this trip, and we were unable to take place. Two years later, in 2023, we were ready to go again. For more information, please visit our Instagram page handcraft.goes.rwanda https://www.instagram.com/handwerk.goes.rwanda/ and, for the upcoming trip, visit the FAQ page for the 2025 Rwanda trip .
Social commitment in education is an investment in the future!
Our goal is to expand our social engagement and work together on projects. We want to share our experiences and convince others that it's worthwhile to engage and share volunteer work across borders.
Doing good together
We bring together young artisans from Europe and Rwanda and give them the opportunity to work together on something concrete and charitable, to contribute their craftsmanship, to learn from and about each other, and to engage in social activities.
Social educational trip
For more than 10 years, we have been conducting an annual exchange and vocational training project in Rwanda with young painters and apprentices. Our initiative is highly valued in politics and business. The Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) has awarded us the distinction of "particularly innovative vocational training program for young people."
Joint social commitment of young craftsmen from Europe and Rwanda
Doing good based on needs
Exchange experiences and expertise
Building mutual understanding and reducing prejudices
Demand and promote social skills
Overcoming boundaries and working together on social projects on an equal footing
Help for self-help in the field of education and training in the skilled trades
Rwanda - a conscious decision
A close country partnership has existed between Rwanda and Rhineland-Palatinate since 1982. The spirit of this so-called grassroots partnership thrives on encounters, personal commitment, and direct, needs-based assistance.
We specifically chose to work with Rwanda because this small East African country is determined and serious about working toward change and is committed to education. Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, despite, or perhaps because of, its turbulent recent history. The way it deals with this is exemplary. We firmly believe that we can learn from this and prepare ourselves for the future.
Rwanda is an enchantingly beautiful country with incredibly hospitable, cheerful, and determined people. Traveling in and through the "land of a thousand hills" is always impressive and enriching.
Rwanda: Model country on the African continent
Rwanda has developed into a dynamic, future-oriented democratic state. Significant progress has been made in the areas of health, social security, and education. The economy is developing positively. However, many problems still need to be addressed. More than 60 percent of Rwanda's population is between the ages of 14 and 35. Demographic trends pose a major challenge for Rwanda's future.
The people of Rwanda are warm, cheerful, and extremely hospitable. They are interested in the lives of their visitors and are happy to share stories about themselves and life in Rwanda today and in the past.
We are Rwandans!
During the 1994 genocide, more than one million people were killed in 100 days. The Rwandan people have learned from this. Today, all Rwandans live together peacefully and non-violently, regardless of their previous ethnic affiliation. There is no longer any ethnic division. Their motto is: We are Rwandans!
Rwanda is the smallest and one of the safest countries in the heart of Africa, yet boasts an extraordinary wealth of flora and fauna in its five national parks. The country boasts breathtakingly beautiful and diverse landscapes and is known as the "land of a thousand hills." The protection of natural resources and the habitats of people and animals is a top priority and is consistently pursued in the spirit of sustainability. A plastic bag ban has been in place in Rwanda since 2004.