At the core of any effective initiative lies the principle of volunteerism: engagement must come from the heart, ideas should be shared freely, and efforts must stem from a genuine desire to help. When individuals commit themselves selflessly to this cause, their actions resonate more deeply and foster an environment of trust and connection. If additional resources emerge, these initiatives can be further empowered by divine guidance— Purpose Rwanda.
Together, through the spirit of volunteerism, we can make a lasting impact in the battle against addiction. If you have never volunteered anywhere before, or if you have but are still passionate about doing so, there are numerous opportunities available to you, as explained in this article.
Volunteerism, since its acknowledgment in 1755, is commonly understood as the act of contributing free labor to conduct community service or support a non-profit organization. Rather than receiving financial rewards, volunteers change the lives of community members out of a sense of social responsibility and a desire to give back.
Anyone can participate in the fight against addiction through volunteerism, including in a corporate capacity. Corporate volunteerism allows employees to contribute their time and skills to support initiatives that benefit the community, such as those led by Purpose Rwanda in this important mission. When businesses organize corporate volunteerism initiatives, the hours spent volunteering can be compensated or recognized through volunteer grants. Corporate volunteerism at Purpose Rwanda is open to both local and international volunteers.
Apart from corporate volunteerism, Purpose Rwanda has worked with various types of volunteers and remains open to collaborating with others, including:
(i) Students: Purpose Rwanda has hosted a number of students who volunteered as Interns to fulfill requirements for their studies. These students came from various universities, or countries: Rwanda, Turkey, and United Sates of America to mention among others. The contributions of student volunteers remain critical in the struggle against addiction.
Purpose Rwanda interviewed a former student volunteer/intern Vivine Kampire who has since graduated in 2024 with the following questions and she gave her response:
Purpose Rwanda: During your two-month internship in 2023 at Purpose Rwanda, your contribution was appreciated by both Purpose Rwanda and the beneficiaries. What made you choose to volunteer or intern at Purpose Rwanda, and what experiences have impacted you since you graduated?
Vivine: During my two-month internship at Purpose Rwanda in the summer of 2023, I served as an Assistant Counselor in the Positive and Addiction-Free Living Directorate. This experience was incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. Working alongside the Purpose Rwanda team taught me invaluable lessons about servant leadership. It brought me great joy to contribute to building a purposeful and addiction-free generation in Rwanda. I am deeply grateful for the Purpose Rwanda team, whose guidance and example shaped my experience in meaningful ways.
As a Psychology student with a strong interest in behavioral psychology, I was drawn to Purpose Rwanda’s impactful work in supporting individuals recovering from addiction. Their mission resonated with my passion for working with people and promoting mental well-being. This internship provided me with a significant opportunity to both learn and contribute. The heart-to-heart conversations I had with beneficiaries were deeply inspiring and encouraged me to prioritize my own well-being and purpose-driven journey. These encounters fostered my ability to listen openly, appreciate diverse perspectives, and recognize that living purposefully is a continuous journey.
Since my internship, I have graduated from the University of the South, Sewanee, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Minor in French in May 2024. I am now working as the Isomo Academy College Counselor at Bridge2Rwanda. The skills I gained at Purpose Rwanda continue to shape my interactions and have enhanced my ability to support students effectively. I am incredibly grateful for my time at Purpose Rwanda and the lasting impact it has had on my growth.
(ii) Community Volunteerism: Community volunteers have been integral to Purpose Rwanda’s service delivery to beneficiaries; without their efforts, much would not have been achieved.
When Mukandahiro Jacky was asked about her experience as a community volunteer, she responded as follows to our question:
Purpose Rwanda: You have passionately volunteered as a Purpose Development Strategist at Purpose Rwanda. You have also actively served in Training and Mentorship, participated in Spiritual Services, and organized a successful graduation last November. How does this make you feel, especially considering that many lives have been saved and transformed during the over one year you have been with Purpose Rwanda?
Jacky: I am truly grateful for the opportunity Purpose Rwanda has given me to volunteer with this organization as Purpose Development Strategist. It is amazing to serve God through spiritual service and to help many people come to know Him through Purpose Rwanda. May God bless the leadership of Purpose Rwanda.
I also appreciate the additional opportunities for teaching, training, mentorship, and various activities that allow me to share my knowledge. God bless you all!
Regarding graduation, it has been incredible to be part of the Purpose Rwanda team in preparing for the graduation of our beneficiaries. Thank you, thank you, and thank you to my leader, Mr. Anyama Charles, for guiding us through this process.
Purpose Rwanda also posed the following questions to one of the community volunteers, Ms. Emily Arinda, and here are her responses:
Purpose Rwanda: You have passionately volunteered and continue to do so not only as a Counselor at Purpose Rwanda, but also as a Trainer and Mentor. How does this make you feel, especially considering that many lives have been saved and transformed during the over one year you have been with Purpose Rwanda?
Emily: I feel fulfilled helping people change their lives from being trapped in drug addiction to becoming free and not just free, but also imparting knowledge that helps shape them into better individuals. Additionally, seeing them improve their mental health—from being depressed and hopeless to feeling hopeful—makes me feel that I have fulfilled my purpose as a person.
Purpose Rwanda: What motivated you to volunteer at Purpose Rwanda?
Emily: My motivation was seeing young girls and women changing for the better; it kept me motivated. Also, seeing them develop a different mindset drives me to continue so I can help more lives change for the better.
Another volunteer who has made, and continues to make, remarkable contributions to Purpose Rwanda’s mission is Ev. Jules Innocent Ddagijimana. We asked him this question, and here is his response:
Purpose Rwanda: For over a year, whenever we called on you to teach and preach to Purpose Rwanda beneficiaries during spiritual sessions, as well as to share inspirational talks with both the beneficiaries and Purpose Rwanda staff, you have been there for us. You even pledged to accompany Purpose Rwanda anywhere in the country to fulfill God’s will. What motivates you in all that you have done, and what inspires you to be ready to do more?
Ev. Jules: I am deeply honored to serve Purpose Rwanda in teaching, preaching, and sharing inspirational talks with beneficiaries and staff. My motivation stems from my unwavering commitment to the Gospel and the great commission that Christ entrusted to us (Matthew 28:19-20). I believe that every opportunity to minister is a chance to bring transformation, hope, and restoration to lives, and I do it with joy, knowing that it is for God’s glory.
One of my greatest inspirations is the power of the Gospel to change lives. I have witnessed how God’s Word can heal broken hearts, renew minds, and restore purpose to those who felt lost. When I see beneficiaries grow spiritually, overcome struggles, and develop a deeper relationship with Christ, I am reminded why I do what I do. Seeing the impact of God’s Word in the lives of Purpose Rwanda’s staff and the people they serve strengthens my resolve to keep going.
Another source of motivation is the call to serve selflessly. Jesus Himself said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). His example challenges me to go beyond personal comfort and be available wherever God calls. Purpose Rwanda’s vision aligns with my passion for evangelism and mission work, making it a privilege to contribute in any way possible.
(iii) Virtual Volunteerism: With the rise of online volunteer opportunities, virtual volunteerism has gained popularity. Purpose Rwanda utilized online volunteerism during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Online volunteers who offer individual counseling provide valuable support while maintaining confidentiality.
(iv) Event Volunteerism: Those passionate about organizing conferences, fundraisers, and concerts can play a significant role in the struggle against addiction.
Volunteerism is important not only for the beneficiaries of voluntary contributions but also for the volunteers themselves:
- Cultivating Community Support: Volunteers can establish support networks for individuals battling addiction, helping them feel less alone in their struggles. This becomes a source of motivation for individuals to set goals in life. Setting ground rules to guide those in recovery helps them assess their daily progress. Community support uplifts all members, encouraging them to accept the journey of recovery as a life-transforming experience.
- Peer Support Programs: Shared experiences can offer hope and motivation to those facing similar difficulties. Volunteers who serve as mentors or peer support specialists can bring about various changes: they guide individuals on how to make their recovery journey successful and impactful. They also help shape the future of recovering individuals by assisting them in discovering their purpose, turning that purpose into reality, setting goals for leading a new life, and becoming active members of community development projects.
- Raising Awareness: Volunteers work to inform the public and combat the stigma surrounding issues of addiction. Deepening awareness through various sustainable approaches helps educate the public on drug, alcohol, and sex addiction prevention, coping mechanisms, and how to support affected family and community members. This strategy aids in reducing the stigma related to this social problem.
- Skill Development and Empowerment: Volunteer programs often provide training and skill development for both volunteers and those in recovery. This empowerment can lead to better job prospects and a more fulfilling life post-recovery. Volunteering is an opportunity for individuals to learn from one another, as they come from diverse areas of expertise. Learning how to respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals and how to communicate compassionately with those who are struggling is essential. The wealth of experience gained can profoundly change a person’s outlook on the world, particularly regarding the lives of those battling addiction and the changes needed to help them transition into healthy lifestyles.
- Resource Accessibility: Volunteers from the corporate world can leverage their networks to connect Purpose Rwanda with critical resources needed to sustain efforts against addiction and maintain the impact achieved. They can assist in writing proposals to other organizations for partnerships, for example. Volunteers also play a key role in building relationships with local organizations, organizing workshops and information sessions, and navigating resources—all aimed at securing funding opportunities, counseling services, and educational programs for Purpose Rwanda. There is much that volunteers can do to ensure resource accessibility.
- Advocacy and Policy Change: Volunteers can engage in advocacy activities related to addiction rehabilitation funds, raising awareness about the effects of addiction within the community, what has been accomplished, and what still needs to be achieved over the next year and beyond. By sharing reliable information to dispel myths and stigma surrounding addiction with friends, families, and the community, they contribute to greater understanding. In terms of policy change, the involvement of volunteers with policymakers through advocacy and support for legislation is critical. They advocate for policies that address the root causes of addiction, enhance rehabilitation, and prevent stigma, all of which are crucial elements.
- Creating Safe Environments: Safe environments foster trust and openness, which are essential for recovery. This atmosphere significantly motivates individuals struggling with addiction to seek counseling voluntarily. In turn, this motivation inspires volunteers to engage with greater love, empathy, and commitment to transforming lives. Creating safe environments helps overcome anxiety, combat trauma, minimize the risk of relapse, enhance emotional safety, build rapport and trust, and create a sense of belonging, as underscored by the actual experiences of Purpose Rwanda.
Volunteerism is an age-old concept, but its practice evolves over time, varying from place to place and situation to situation. How one understands it also matters. The undeniable fact is that it helps transform the quality of life when it comes to combating addictions.
Together for a Purposeful and Addiction-Free Generation
Well done. Inspiring.