OLAM is a network of Jewish and Israeli organizations working in global service, international development, and humanitarian aid. Our mission is to convene and mobilize leaders and organizations to take meaningful action in support of the world’s most vulnerable people. 

The purpose of our study trips is to engage Jewish leaders in global issues and empower them to mobilize their communities around global responsibility. OLAM’s staff has vast experience in leading immersive experiences.

OLAM is funded by The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Pears Foundation, Anne Heyman and Seth Merrin Family Fund, Adnim Foundation, Kirsh Foundation, Laurie and Jeff Franz Fund, and Toleo Foundation.

The 1994 genocide served as a critical and defining moment in Rwanda’s history. In the country’s post-genocide shift towards peace and reconciliation, the Rwandan government prioritized service, instituting Umuganda, a monthly national holiday committed to local volunteerism. Over the past several decades, Rwanda has become an incubator for local changemakers, some of whom successfully mobilize volunteers in their work. It has also attracted interest among Jewish nonprofits and philanthropists, motivated by a shared experience of genocide.

Today, Rwanda is home to numerous OLAM partner organizations, serving a broad range of populations – in partnership with local communities – and providing excellent case studies of potential models for Jewish engagement in global service and international development. Together, these elements make Rwanda an ideal location to consider our responsibility – as individuals and as a community – to people across the globe. Its rolling green hills, temperate climate, and rich culture also offer a beautiful setting for this trip.

February 18-23rd, not including travel days to and from Rwanda.

Any current Wexner Field Fellows or Field Fellow alumni!

We can accommodate a maximum of 15 people. If more than 15 people apply, our selection process will prioritize a diverse cohort, considering relevant positions aligned with our work.

An OLAM study trip will expose Wexner Field Fellows to innovative Jewish and Israeli organizations and individuals working in the developing world. During the 6-day trip, we will learn about the development of Rwanda in a post-genocide reality, we will meet Rwandan individuals driving positive change, meet with OLAM partners, and learn about Rwanda’s unique ability to heal and develop after the genocide, all while exploring the underlying questions about our responsibility as Jews to the wider world. We will also engage in daily Jewish study and reflection.

• Jewish learning and daily reflection & education sessions: Delve into Jewish sources to explore our responsibility to broader humanity, locally and globally
•  Global responsibility: Exploring our responsibility as Jews to broader humanity, both locally and globally, and looking at various models for global service
•  Rwandan society: Learning about Rwandan history, its current growth, and the role of service in civil society
• Implementing learnings: Working together to consider optimal ways to implement our learnings in our organizations and lives

• Increased knowledge about some of the world’s most pressing issues, as well as the Jewish and Israeli organizations working on these issues
•  A cohort experience in which you can share experiences relating to Jewish responsibility, Jewish identity, and global causes 
•  Skills and knowledge to embed best practices into service programs
•  Relationships with other Wexner Field Fellows

The program fee is $5,500 (not including flight). In addition to the program fee, you will be responsible for: 

• Flight 
• $50 visa
• Necessary vaccines and malaria pills
• Additional health insurance
• Souvenirs 
• Add-on excursions before or after the study trip 
• Cell phone plan 
• Any fees associated with flight upgrades, adding an additional leg to the flight, changes of dates, or cancellation fees for flights 
• $315 cancellation fee if you cancel your participation

This is not a Wexner-sponsored event, but the expenses associated with it are an approved use of Jewish learning and/or Professional Development funds for most of this. (The following expenses are not covered by the OLAM program fee, but may be reimbursable by Wexner: A $50 visa fee, vaccines and malaria pills, transportation to and from your local airport, and travel insurance, which is about $100). 

This trip will include daily Jewish learning, and can most likely be covered by Jewish learning funds, or a combination of Jewish learning and professional development funds.

At least 8 Wexner Field Fellows would have to commit to this trip by May 15th of 2024 for OLAM to move forward in planning the program. 

Participants would be required to attend one meeting at the Fall Institute in September during a meal or free time, plus 3 additional pre-trip webinars. There will be 1 post-trip webinar. The trip will be 6 days, not accounting for travel to and from Rwanda. 
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Pre-trip meetings and webinar dates:

• First meeting at Fall Institute 2024
• Webinar 1: December 3rd, 2025 
• Webinar 2: January 8th, 2025
• Webinar 3: February 4th, 2025 
• Post-trip Webinar: March 11th, 2025

While every study trip is unique, you will visit a combination of neighborhoods, museums, and organizations while in Rwanda. Some highlights from previous trips included visits, panels, and interactions with:

• Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village 
• Kigali Genocide Memorial
• MindLeaps 
• SolidAfrica 
• Segal Family Foundation
• Nyamirambo Women’s Center

Yes! OLAM can provide boxed lunches and dinners from Chabad throughout the trip. Most meals will be eaten at restaurants and hotels, and as per OLAM’s food policy, all food will be vegetarian. 

Yes! We will spend Shabbat at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV). There will be no mandatory activities that are not Shabbat-friendly.

Most likely, yes, but it will depend on what vaccines you already have. There are required vaccines for travel to Rwanda. In addition, you will need to take malaria pills throughout the experience. For more information, please refer to the CDC Travel Site and your local doctor or travel clinic.

May 15, 2024