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School committee approves student service-learning trip to Rwanda in February 2026
Summary
The committee approved an out-of-country service-learning trip to Rwanda for February 2026; the 10-day trip price is $6,269 per student and includes Kigali, a genocide memorial visit, service learning in a rural village and safaris in Akagera National Park.
The Walpole School Committee approved a proposed student service-learning trip to Rwanda scheduled for February 2026.
Presenters Sue Wick and Lindsey Rykild described a 10-day itinerary priced at $6,269 per student, which includes travel, lodging, food, sightseeing and global travel protection; participants would pay additional tips estimated at $100–$150. The itinerary includes visits to Kigali and the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a stay in a remote village for approximately 10–12 hours of service learning (typically a morning or afternoon session with cultural immersion during the rest of the day), and a multi-modal wildlife experience at Akagera National Park with jeep, boat and nocturnal safari components.
Committee member Miss Denizio moved to approve the out-of-country field trip; Mr. Breen seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, recorded as 5–0–0. Committee members thanked the presenters and offered to volunteer as chaperones if additional adult supervision is needed.
Why it matters: The trip provides a service-learning and cultural-immersion experience for participating students; students and families will be responsible for the stated trip cost and any additional incidental expenses. The district confirmed the U.S. State Department travel advisory for Rwanda had been lowered to Level 2 and that prior cancellations due to a health event had resulted in refunds for earlier travelers.
