The course was excellent, it met my expectations and more. It tackled really diverse issues UNICEF should be thinking about.
RVI FIELD COURSES
An intensive learning experienceDEEPEN YOUR KNOWLEDGE
For more than 20 years, RVI’s Annual Field Courses have offered residential, in-depth study of the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes, Sudan and South Sudan. Each course is carefully designed over several months and taught by a diverse team of regional and international experts. Drawing together historical, cultural and political analysis with evidence-based research and practitioner insight, the programme provides a level of grounded understanding that is difficult to access elsewhere. Seminars, group discussions and specialist sessions create an immersive environment that equips participants to navigate the region’s contemporary challenges.
22
Years of holding annual courses
11
Countries courses have been held in
40
Courses
1300+
Participants attended
200+
Teachers taught
Learning Experience
Expert-led
learning
Learn from globally recognized regional scholars and practitioners with long-term research and field experience across the Horn of Africa, Great Lakes, Sudan and South Sudan.
Dialogue-driven
seminars
Participate in structured seminars and facilitated discussions that bring together diverse local and international perspectives on governance, conflict and history.
Professional
networks
Build connections with peers, researchers, policymakers and practitioners working on similar issues across Eastern and Central Africa.
Deep cultural
insights
Explore nuanced historical, cultural and political dynamics through poetry, film, music and other immersive sessions that enrich understanding.
formats
Seminars and panels
Full-day sessions combining lectures, panels and group dialogue.
Applied case studies
Region-specific examples that link analysis to real-world challenges.
Working groups
Small-group sessions that enhance peer learning, reflection and insight.
Special sessions
Cultural deep dives including film screenings, music, poetry and excursions.
Testimonials
"
Participant, UNICEF Ethiopia, Political Economy Course
"
This course has been eye opening and I’d gladly recommend it to anyone interested in the Horn of Africa. I haven’t been to any course yet (more than a day), but I would say I love the way the lecturers were delivered and the depth of analysis.
Participant, 2025 Horn of Africa Course
"
I take valuable insights and lessons from this week which will influence the way I look at the Sudans and act as a donor. All in all, a fantastic learning experience on both a professional and personal level.
Stefanie Küng, Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland
"
The course is quite intense and rich, the breakout groups and social activity worked well as part of the exchange and learning. The teachers were excellent, combination of hard facts, research and personal stories was brilliant.
Wafaa Saeed, UNOCHA
"
The course exceeded my expectations in several ways, not least the extensive in-depth knowledge of the panelists…What I learned from the course will be an enormous help in my continuing work as Editor of International Affairs at Chatham House and with furthering links and the exchange of information with outside organizations.
Caroline Soper, Chatham House
"
Very informative and enlightening: both the lectures and offline conversations with the lecturers and fellow participants. I go away with a better understanding and picture of the issues and a larger network on which to draw to work on the issues.
John Kelley, US Embassy Kinshasa
"
An excellent course, in particular I appreciated the historical context and perspectives from the political economy and land rights issues. Teachers were excellent: clear, good powerpoints and good presentations.
Maaike van Vliet, Embassy of the Netherlands, Bujumbura, Great Lakes Field Course
"
I dare say I have done nothing comparable in so comprehensive a package.
Bob Snyder, Canadian International Development Agency
"
As someone who knew very little about the wider region, I thought the design was spot on – starting with the over-views and then getting into the detail…I wish I’d done the course last year. I will definitely recommend it to friends and colleagues.
Kate Ferry, Adam Smith International
"
My expectations have been largely met! I appreciated the intense review of the information, politics to history, including the extensive reading and cultural events.
Yannick Hingorani, Canadian High Commission
THE COURSES
Horn of Africa
The Horn of Africa course examines the political, economic and social dynamics shaping Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia and Somaliland. Participants gain grounded insight into state formation, conflict systems, regional rivalries, cross-border mobility, and the evolving roles of local and external actors. The programme combines expert analysis with lived perspectives to deepen understanding of contemporary regional challenges.
Great Lakes
This course explores the histories and power relations influencing the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. It covers governance, identity, resource politics and cross-border conflict, situating current crises within longer political and social trajectories. Through seminars and facilitated discussions, participants develop a clearer understanding of regional dynamics and the actors shaping security and political change.
Sudan and South Sudan
The Sudan and South Sudan course provides an in-depth look at the historical, political and cultural forces driving transition, conflict and governance in both countries. Topics include state formation, armed movements, borderlands, identity, and the regional influences shaping peace and instability. The programme draws on scholarship and local knowledge to support well-informed analysis and decision-making.
For more information about Annual Courses, please contact us.
