Become a

Building Tomorrow Rwanda Fellow

Our Fellows are the backbone of our work. For two-year deployments, Fellows live in rural Rwanda and mobilize communities around education by recruiting and training Community Education Volunteers, enrolling out-of-school children in school, and advocating for quality and inclusive education.

The next opportunity to apply will be May 2027.

BT Rwanda Fellow Marie Louise Manirafasha works through a Roots to Rise numeracy activity during Fellows training.

Who is a Building Tomorrow Fellow?

Building Tomorrow Rwanda Fellows are talented recent university graduates with a background in education, 25 years and younger. They are passionate about improving learning outcomes.

Fellows represent Building Tomorrow in rural communities and act as community mobilizers, trainers, and leaders with the goal of making sure all children can read, write, and do basic math.

Learners gather for a photo at GS St. Raphael Kabaya School in Ngororero District, Rwanda.

What do Fellows do?

Our Fellows are the engine of our programming and the driving force behind our far-reaching impact.

After completing comprehensive leadership and Building Tomorrow training, Fellows deploy to rural Rwandan communities in clusters of five for a two-year term. Once in their assigned districts, they spend time integrating into communities, meeting local leaders, and understanding any barriers to education.

Each Fellow recruits and trains Community Education Volunteers to implement Roots to Rise literacy and numeracy camps.

By cultivating strong, trusting relationships with local leaders and Community Education Volunteers, Fellows oversee and monitor program delivery, support volunteers, troubleshoot challenges, and advocate for active community engagement in education.

Learners peek at the camera after class at GS St. Raphael Kabaya School in Ngororero District, Rwanda.

What does it take to be a Fellow?

Fellows are determined, creative, and thoughtful leaders who champion learning and Building Tomorrow’s mission of community-powered education.

To be a Fellow you also must be:

Requirement 1:

A Rwandan College of Education University graduate

Requirement 2:

25 years old and younger

Requirement 3:

No more than 2 years post graduation from university

Requirement 4:

Able to commit to 1.5 months of training ahead of deploying to the field for two years.

How do we support Fellows?

We prioritize giving our Fellows the training and support they need to succeed.

Prior to deploying for their two-year Fellowship, Fellows receive intensive two-week leadership training and one month of Building Tomorrow-specific training in our program. They also receive training in Roots to Rise.

Fellows are supplied with a furnished cluster home in their District in which they live for the duration of their Fellowship with four other Fellows (totalling five Fellows per cluster) and a living stipend to support them while they work to mobilize communities around education. They also receive a motorcycle to use for the duration of the Fellowship, which serves as the main conduit of transport for moving between communities, as well as Group Personal Accident insurance coverage.

Learners read an R2R phonics booklet during a community camp in Mityana District, Uganda.

Igwaneza Marie Solange, Cohort 1 Rwanda Fellow.

Igwaneza Marie Solange, Building Tomorrow Fellow, Cohort 1, Ngororero District

“The Fellowship can demand a lot from you: early mornings, long rides, rainy days, and sometimes parents who may doubt you at first. However, when a child writes their first sentence or solves their first math problem, you are reminded why the difficult days are worth it.”

Ntirenganya Bertrand, Cohort 1 Rwanda Fellow.

Ntirenganya Bertrand, Building Tomorrow Fellow, Cohort 1, Ngororero District

“Being a Building Tomorrow Fellow means being part of a mission that creates lasting change in children’s education and their communities. I take pride in watching learners grow in confidence, knowing that my work contributes to shaping a brighter future.”

Frequently asked questions about our Rwandan Fellowship

Need more information?

Are there age limits for the Fellowship?

Yes. Individuals must be 25 years old or younger (and within two years of completing a Bachelor’s degree) to join the program.

Am I still eligible to apply for the Rwanda Fellowship if I do not have a degree in Education?

No, different from our Uganda Fellows, Rwanda Fellows must have a background in education.

Can someone who has not yet graduated still apply to be a Building Tomorrow Rwanda Fellow?

We accept applications from individuals awaiting graduation, provided they can present certified testimonials as proof of completion.

Are individuals with a diploma or any qualification lower than a Bachelor's degree eligible for the Fellowship?

No, we require applicants to hold a Bachelor’s degree. We believe that a Bachelor’s degree equips candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the Fellowship and contribute effectively to our mission.

Does the Fellowship program only consider recent graduates?

Yes, to be eligible for the Building Tomorrow Fellowship, you must have graduated within two years of applying.

How can I learn more about the application process?

Each application cycle, we hold a virtual Question and Answer (Q&A) session, during which participants can inquire about the Fellowship. There is one Q&A session per application season, and information about when the session is held and how to sign up for it will be listed on the hiring page.

I cannot attend the virtual Q&A session. Am I still eligible to apply?

If you cannot attend the virtual Q&A, you are still welcome to apply; however, our experience indicates that applicants who participate submit stronger applications.

Where will I be placed if I am selected to be a Building Tomorrow Fellow?

We aim to place Fellows in areas where they will have the greatest impact. These decisions are made by Building Tomorrow staff in conjunction with Rwanda Basic Education Board, District government officials and based on District education reports, which outline learning outcomes and needs.

How long is the Fellowship?

Two years.

If I currently have a job or plan to pursue a study scholarship starting next year, am I still eligible to apply?

The Fellowship is a full-time commitment for two years. We require all Fellows to dedicate their time and energy exclusively to the program; therefore, we do not allow Fellows to hold a second job while participating in the Fellowship. Additionally, you are not eligible to apply if you plan to pursue a study scholarship next year.

How do Fellows get around?

Fellows travel between communities by motorcycle, which are provided by Building Tomorrow for the duration of the Fellowship.

If I don't know how to ride a motorcycle, can I still join the Fellowship?

Knowing how to ride a motorcycle is a requirement. This skill is essential for fulfilling the program’s responsibilities effectively. Applicants must be prepared to learn during Fellowship training and demonstrate proficiency in motorcycle riding as part of their commitment to the Fellowship.

Community Education Volunteer Agnes Uwineza conducts an R2R literacy camp in Ngororero District, Rwanda.

When can you apply?

Applications open in May for the following year’s Fellowship in Rwanda and stay open for approximately 4 weeks.

The Fellowship is competitive. Upon reviewing applications, our team will reach out to our short-listed candidates for interviews.