TR Worldwide volunteers
Ashley Shaheen, MEd
Hello! My name is Ashley Shaheen. I currently live in New York City where I am a 3rd grade teacher. I have been an educator for 9 years and I volunteer with TEACH Rwanda because I am passionate about global education. Every child deserves not only a high-quality education but also a safe, warm, and well-resourced place in which to receive that education. TEACH Rwanda is doing just that for the children of Rwanda, which is why I love being a volunteer and mentoring teachers.
Carol Cannon, BS
TEACH Rwanda's former Treasurer and bookkeeper has a wealth of experience as a consultant, speaker, and treasurer/bookkeeper for nonprofit and commercial organizations in Florida, Pennsylvania, and 'virtually' around the world. She is a retired Vice President of Chase Manhattan Bank, where she managed the Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Division in Boca Raton, FL covering nine southeastern states and a portfolio of over $2 billion. A long-time yoga and meditation practitioner, Carol now facilitates “Chaos to Calm” in her clients' lives. She brings her volunteer experience at numerous non-profits, including President of the Miami Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women, various positions on the board of the Deerfield Beach/Miami Chapter of the Theosophical Society, Unity Church board experience, and a lengthy volunteer history for many non-profit organizations.
TEACH Rwanda's former Treasurer and bookkeeper has a wealth of experience as a consultant, speaker, and treasurer/bookkeeper for nonprofit and commercial organizations in Florida, Pennsylvania, and 'virtually' around the world. She is a retired Vice President of Chase Manhattan Bank, where she managed the Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Division in Boca Raton, FL covering nine southeastern states and a portfolio of over $2 billion. A long-time yoga and meditation practitioner, Carol now facilitates “Chaos to Calm” in her clients' lives. She brings her volunteer experience at numerous non-profits, including President of the Miami Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women, various positions on the board of the Deerfield Beach/Miami Chapter of the Theosophical Society, Unity Church board experience, and a lengthy volunteer history for many non-profit organizations.
Emmanuel Tuyisenge Dosantos, BS, is working on his CPA after earning his accounting degree with honors from the University of Rwanda. He also completed HAYSTACK courses from the African Accounting Academy. Emmy has already completed two internships, one with an audit firm and another with a SACCO.
He will work with our financial team in both Rwanda and the U.S. as they complete government reports, prepare and analyze budgets, and plan a sound financial future for TEACH Rwanda.
Emmy found TEACH Rwanda through Facebook and his connections with The Rev. Boyd Edmondson, founder of Rwanda Joy. That organization has sponsored Emmy’s education and also funds a scholarship for one child at Bright School. Boyd has been our colleague in Muhanga for many years. We are delighted that Emmy can now serve his country with TEACH Rwanda.
He will work with our financial team in both Rwanda and the U.S. as they complete government reports, prepare and analyze budgets, and plan a sound financial future for TEACH Rwanda.
Emmy found TEACH Rwanda through Facebook and his connections with The Rev. Boyd Edmondson, founder of Rwanda Joy. That organization has sponsored Emmy’s education and also funds a scholarship for one child at Bright School. Boyd has been our colleague in Muhanga for many years. We are delighted that Emmy can now serve his country with TEACH Rwanda.
Francoise Niyigena, BS (center, wearing big red earrings). My name is Francoise Niyigena, a Rwandan and a graduate of Middlebury College in Vermont with a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology with a minor in Education Studies. My biggest passion is empowering young people and I ultimately want to work in education development to rethink and put a more holistic approach to education especially in vulnerable communities.
Over the last 3 years, my biggest question has been, “What is the purpose of education?” Personally, I strongly believe that the purpose of education is to empower the whole child in ways that one can diversely explore, grow as a whole and unleash their full potential as well as be challenged to critically analyse the world, define it for oneself and create/innovate solutions to the world’s challenges.
With this belief at heart, I have engaged in multiple service learning trips including one I led to Jamaica under the theme “Education Beyond the classroom” with the goal of challenging young people to see their dreams and passions beyond the rigid rote learning. I have also designed a couple independent projects all of which have been centered around empowering young people to become innovators and change-makers. One summer, I was fortunate to work with TEACH Rwanda at Bright School where I led an enrichment program which emphasized the idea that young people can be and are change-makers in their communities. With a group of friends, we spent time with 29 children exploring community challenges and teaching the skills necessary to be an effective change-maker while also exploring three big themes: emotional development, social innovation, and cultural immersion. Working with the children at Bright School was such a joy. To see how deeply passionate, curious, creative and brilliant they are and be part of that process was really inspiring for me.
Over the last 3 years, my biggest question has been, “What is the purpose of education?” Personally, I strongly believe that the purpose of education is to empower the whole child in ways that one can diversely explore, grow as a whole and unleash their full potential as well as be challenged to critically analyse the world, define it for oneself and create/innovate solutions to the world’s challenges.
With this belief at heart, I have engaged in multiple service learning trips including one I led to Jamaica under the theme “Education Beyond the classroom” with the goal of challenging young people to see their dreams and passions beyond the rigid rote learning. I have also designed a couple independent projects all of which have been centered around empowering young people to become innovators and change-makers. One summer, I was fortunate to work with TEACH Rwanda at Bright School where I led an enrichment program which emphasized the idea that young people can be and are change-makers in their communities. With a group of friends, we spent time with 29 children exploring community challenges and teaching the skills necessary to be an effective change-maker while also exploring three big themes: emotional development, social innovation, and cultural immersion. Working with the children at Bright School was such a joy. To see how deeply passionate, curious, creative and brilliant they are and be part of that process was really inspiring for me.
Gabriel Kanani Mbanza, BS, is a Rwandan teacher who volunteers with TEACH Rwanda. He was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to Rwandan parents. Like his siblings, throughout his teenage years, he combined his studies with agriculture tasks to grow his family's food supply. Being born and raised on the shores of Lake Kivu, Kanani grew up swimming and fishing. He began his teaching career in the DRC in September 2005 after he was recruited by his former primary school. After only two years of teaching, Kanani and his big brother Joseph decided to flee the DRC for Rwanda, their country of origin, due to a series of threats and extensive ethnic violence.
Upon his arrival in Rwanda, Kanani experienced years of uncertainty, struggling to settle in a new country. Between 2009 and 2014, Kanani was a sales agent, an occupation that enabled him to progressively rebuild his life and take care of himself and his four nephews that joined him.
In June 2015, Kanani registered at Kigali Independent University and obtained, after three years of studies fully funded by his bigger brother Désire Karamba, a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations.
Kanani resumed his teaching career in Rwanda in January 2016, working with private primary schools, and began volunteering as a translator with TEACH Rwanda in June 2020.
Kanani is a friendly individual who enjoys learning from people of different cultures and backgrounds. He likes reading and traveling, but his most significant hobby is football (he is an Arsenal football club fan). Kanani married Umutesi Neema on 31st January, 2019 and he is the father of Mugisha Trésor, their son.
Upon his arrival in Rwanda, Kanani experienced years of uncertainty, struggling to settle in a new country. Between 2009 and 2014, Kanani was a sales agent, an occupation that enabled him to progressively rebuild his life and take care of himself and his four nephews that joined him.
In June 2015, Kanani registered at Kigali Independent University and obtained, after three years of studies fully funded by his bigger brother Désire Karamba, a Bachelor's Degree in International Relations.
Kanani resumed his teaching career in Rwanda in January 2016, working with private primary schools, and began volunteering as a translator with TEACH Rwanda in June 2020.
Kanani is a friendly individual who enjoys learning from people of different cultures and backgrounds. He likes reading and traveling, but his most significant hobby is football (he is an Arsenal football club fan). Kanani married Umutesi Neema on 31st January, 2019 and he is the father of Mugisha Trésor, their son.
Godwin Mutwarasibo. Hi! I volunteer with TEACH Rwanda because I am passionate about global education. I am an author of books for children, including Kevin’s Adventures in Kigali: No Lost Chances? Primary children at Bright School read and then re-enacted the book for their families and other students. I believe that the goodness we put into the world will always get back to us. I am currently a student at African Leadership University, and was the first intern to work with the Bright School STELA Future Hopes LEGO Robotics Team.
Isaie Mihigo, MS, specializes in the design, management, and assessment of child protection programs. His experience includes work on behalf of internally displaced persons in Somalia and youth in Tanzania. Isaie’s master’s degree is in clinical psychology, and he has more than 10 years of professional experience working with vulnerable children and young adults.
Isaie is the founder of Bright Horizon School, which has the mission of educating children to achieve their bright future and the vision that all children will have access to early childhood education. Bright Horizon is a TEACH Rwanda partner. He is also co-founder of BCN (Bring Change Now), a Rwandan NGO with the vision of creating child friendly environments where children’s voices and participation and valued in all actions taken.
As a TEACH Rwanda volunteer, Isaie provides professional leadership in our work with vulnerable children and families.
Isaie is the founder of Bright Horizon School, which has the mission of educating children to achieve their bright future and the vision that all children will have access to early childhood education. Bright Horizon is a TEACH Rwanda partner. He is also co-founder of BCN (Bring Change Now), a Rwandan NGO with the vision of creating child friendly environments where children’s voices and participation and valued in all actions taken.
As a TEACH Rwanda volunteer, Isaie provides professional leadership in our work with vulnerable children and families.
Joan Packer Isenberg, PhD, is Professor Emerita of Education at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.A., where she also served as Associate Dean in the College of Education and Human Development.
During her tenure at George Mason University, Joan served as Director of the Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning Program. She also taught courses in arts integration, child development, curriculum development, early childhood education, and reading methods. Isenberg has authored or co-authored 22 books and more than 50 journal articles. Her research interests are in arts integration, early childhood education, and teachers’ professional development—completely aligned with TEACH Rwanda!
She has been a Visiting Scholar for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards where she led higher education initiatives and the reform of advanced master’s degrees for practicing teachers. Joan also has served on the NCATE Board of Examiners, as President and in other elected offices of the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE), and in offices of the Metro Area Branch of the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).
Before joining the Mason faculty, Joan taught young children, held administrative positions in both public and private school settings, and worked as the educational liaison for a regional theater.
During her tenure at George Mason University, Joan served as Director of the Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning Program. She also taught courses in arts integration, child development, curriculum development, early childhood education, and reading methods. Isenberg has authored or co-authored 22 books and more than 50 journal articles. Her research interests are in arts integration, early childhood education, and teachers’ professional development—completely aligned with TEACH Rwanda!
She has been a Visiting Scholar for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards where she led higher education initiatives and the reform of advanced master’s degrees for practicing teachers. Joan also has served on the NCATE Board of Examiners, as President and in other elected offices of the National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (NAECTE), and in offices of the Metro Area Branch of the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).
Before joining the Mason faculty, Joan taught young children, held administrative positions in both public and private school settings, and worked as the educational liaison for a regional theater.
Judi Glamb, BS It is an amazing experience being able to support TEACH Rwanda with my technical skills even though we are separated by more than 7000 miles. The dedication of everyone involved is outstanding and it has been so exciting seeing the progress made, especially the building of Bright School. It has been my pleasure to learn about TEACH Rwanda and the concept of "Rwanda-centric" education captured my attention from the start.
I spent my early life in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan before moving to Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania. I am a graduate of University of Michigan-Dearborn with a B.S. in Computer and Information Science. I worked as a software engineer for 20 plus years where I had wonderful opportunity to see most of the U.S. and parts of Europe. After leaving to have a family, I started TheEddy Services providing technical and marketing services to small businesses and non-profits
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Mary Renck Jalongo, PhD, first decided that she wanted to teach young children after attending kindergarten with a teacher she admired greatly. Mary began her career working with children whose parents were migrant farm workers. Her collaborative master’s degree project was to establish a preschool program in the community that would meet the needs of these families. While pursuing her doctorate at University of Toledo, she taught 2 ½ to 5-year-olds and worked alongside college students seeking to become certified teachers.
During her 37-year career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Jalongo taught undergraduate and graduate students in early childhood education and directed the doctoral program in curriculum and instruction. In 1991-1992, she was named the University’s top professor, an award based on teaching, research, and service. As an author, she has written, co-authored, or edited more than 40 books, including textbooks such as Early Childhood Language Arts and Creative Thinking and Arts-Based Learning. For 25 years, she was editor-in-chief of Early Childhood Education Journal and she continues to serve as senior editor of the book series, Educating the Young Child for Springer Nature.
As a TEACH Rwanda volunteer, Mary is providing professional development expertise by identifying pertinent resources and creating workshops on topics that expand our ability to work toward social justice through high-quality education.
During her 37-year career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Jalongo taught undergraduate and graduate students in early childhood education and directed the doctoral program in curriculum and instruction. In 1991-1992, she was named the University’s top professor, an award based on teaching, research, and service. As an author, she has written, co-authored, or edited more than 40 books, including textbooks such as Early Childhood Language Arts and Creative Thinking and Arts-Based Learning. For 25 years, she was editor-in-chief of Early Childhood Education Journal and she continues to serve as senior editor of the book series, Educating the Young Child for Springer Nature.
As a TEACH Rwanda volunteer, Mary is providing professional development expertise by identifying pertinent resources and creating workshops on topics that expand our ability to work toward social justice through high-quality education.
Roxanne Klauka MEd Roxanne received her Master’s of Education from Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Michigan. She has taught third grade at Elliott Elementary School in Holt, Michigan for more than 20 years, and retired in 2023. She was Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year in 2004 and named Educator of the Year in 2023. Roxanne has worked with the Michigan Department of Education on several projects. She has previous experience teaching in private schools in Miami, Florida, and Washington, Indiana.
Roxanne was the grade level leader for third grade. She was on the school leadership and data team and recently stepped down as a district track coach. She mentored student interns from Michigan State University and took part in many panel discussions and spoke in many classes.
Roxanne was awarded a Michigan State University Fulbright to study in Tanzania in the summer of 2014. This led her to contacts in Rwanda where she worked with public school teachers. She has made 5 trips to Rwanda and continues to review learning plans with TEACH Rwanda’s Bright School. Teaching third grade, mentoring interns, building relationships, and collaborating with other teachers are her passions.
She enjoys time with her husband, Mike, son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Lisa, daughter, Emily, and their first grandson, Wesley. She enjoys friendships, travel, long walks, the beach, shopping, and a good book.
Roxanne hopes to continue working with TEACH Rwanda in the coming years and has the dream of publishing a children’s book about being in Rwanda.
Roxanne was the grade level leader for third grade. She was on the school leadership and data team and recently stepped down as a district track coach. She mentored student interns from Michigan State University and took part in many panel discussions and spoke in many classes.
Roxanne was awarded a Michigan State University Fulbright to study in Tanzania in the summer of 2014. This led her to contacts in Rwanda where she worked with public school teachers. She has made 5 trips to Rwanda and continues to review learning plans with TEACH Rwanda’s Bright School. Teaching third grade, mentoring interns, building relationships, and collaborating with other teachers are her passions.
She enjoys time with her husband, Mike, son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Lisa, daughter, Emily, and their first grandson, Wesley. She enjoys friendships, travel, long walks, the beach, shopping, and a good book.
Roxanne hopes to continue working with TEACH Rwanda in the coming years and has the dream of publishing a children’s book about being in Rwanda.
Tracey Clippinger, BS It is a pleasure to be a volunteer with TEACH Rwanda and have the opportunity to collaborate with other educators on an international level. Having a B.S. in Elementary Education from Penn State University and pursuing a masters' degree, I look forward to continued opportunities to engage with both my local and global community.
I have experience teaching in classrooms from small rural schools, schools in university settings, diverse schools in urban areas, and a unique K-12 school for the deaf on a mountain in Jamaica. Through all of these varied environments, it is clear that every child has a strong desire to learn. It is so important that every child has access to education and the opportunity to realize their potential to grow and contribute to the world we all live in.
Raising my four children (Reagan 15, David 14, Nolan 11, and Leah 9) alongside my husband Tom is my daily privilege and adventure! My other passions and interests include being a youth mentor, volunteering with other nonprofits in my community, participating in outreach and mission opportunities with my church community, reading, hiking, gardening...
I consider myself not only a teacher but a lifelong learner and I look forward to learning from this experience with TEACH Rwanda.
I have experience teaching in classrooms from small rural schools, schools in university settings, diverse schools in urban areas, and a unique K-12 school for the deaf on a mountain in Jamaica. Through all of these varied environments, it is clear that every child has a strong desire to learn. It is so important that every child has access to education and the opportunity to realize their potential to grow and contribute to the world we all live in.
Raising my four children (Reagan 15, David 14, Nolan 11, and Leah 9) alongside my husband Tom is my daily privilege and adventure! My other passions and interests include being a youth mentor, volunteering with other nonprofits in my community, participating in outreach and mission opportunities with my church community, reading, hiking, gardening...
I consider myself not only a teacher but a lifelong learner and I look forward to learning from this experience with TEACH Rwanda.
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Zawadi Nshimirimana
Zawadi, a graduate of Wilkes University, is a support volunteer with TEACH Rwanda. She was a Communications Studies major with a dual concentration in Multi-Media Journalism and Strategic Communication Public Relations. Zawadi minored in Leadership, Women Studies, and concentrated in Anthropology. Zawadi is fluent in Swahili, Kirundi, Kibembe, and English. She was born in The Republic of Congo, lived in Tanzania for 10 years, and came to the U.S. in 2008. Her strong global perspective has led her to seek a variety of experiences on and off campus at Wilkes. Zawadi is a member of Public Relations Student Society of America. She enjoys dancing and writing, and is working on an autobiography with many chapters filled, and many yet to be filled. |
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Hi! My name is Hayya Khan. I am currently studying Health Policy and Administration on a pre-med track at Penn State University. As a daughter of immigrants from Pakistan, I always understood how much of a privilege it has been to be studying in the United States and guaranteed an education. Meanwhile, children in third-world countries are not always given this opportunity, which is why I joined TEACH Rwanda, to be a part of a greater cause and to possibly teach in Rwanda myself.
Joshua Byiringiro Hi! I volunteer with TEACH Rwanda because I am passionate about global education. I am a videographer and content creator. I am a student at Institute Catholic de Kabgayi in Journalism and Communication.
Dr. John Musemakweri is a lecturer at the University of Rwanda College of Agriculture and founding member of the Center for Sustainable Development, a not-for-profit organization in Rwanda. His work focuses on teaching, outreach, and research, particularly in areas of agriculture transformation, climate change, and environmental sustainability. John has a strong multidisciplinary background in Environment and Agriculture Education, with a PhD from Iowa State University and a Masters in International Development from Cornell University in New York, both in the USA.
John is working to establish partnerships with the Rwandan school system, including TEACH Rwanda’s Bright School, to incorporate climate change adaptation and resilience building, capacity building, and setting up educational and awareness platforms related to climate and biodiversity issues in secondary and primary schools. He led a fascinating 2-week enrichment program about the environment at Bright School in 2022, and is working on other collaborations with TEACH Rwanda.
John is working to establish partnerships with the Rwandan school system, including TEACH Rwanda’s Bright School, to incorporate climate change adaptation and resilience building, capacity building, and setting up educational and awareness platforms related to climate and biodiversity issues in secondary and primary schools. He led a fascinating 2-week enrichment program about the environment at Bright School in 2022, and is working on other collaborations with TEACH Rwanda.
Hi! I'm Zachee NDANYUZWE (Zach), Mailchimp Manager and editor (Newsletter Platform) who is passionate and very excited about volunteering with TEACH Rwanda. I have been with TEACH Rwanda since 2020 when I met with Janet Brown (Co-Founder and President) and got interested in contributing my skills with MailChimp.
.I'm currently is an undergraduate student at the University of Rwanda studying Business Information Technology. I liv in Kigali, pursue freelance opportunities, and spend time with my laptop (his favorite thing). I have a passion for building and making TEACH Rwanda known all over the world, so I do my best for Rwandan children to have a bright future and become future leaders. I also enjoy the kids.
This opportunity to volunteer (reading the newsletter before anyone else ) with TEACH Rwanda is an incredible learning experience. I thank TEACH Rwanda volunteers and staff in general. God bless you all for an incredible contribution you’re providing to our future leaders.
.I'm currently is an undergraduate student at the University of Rwanda studying Business Information Technology. I liv in Kigali, pursue freelance opportunities, and spend time with my laptop (his favorite thing). I have a passion for building and making TEACH Rwanda known all over the world, so I do my best for Rwandan children to have a bright future and become future leaders. I also enjoy the kids.
This opportunity to volunteer (reading the newsletter before anyone else ) with TEACH Rwanda is an incredible learning experience. I thank TEACH Rwanda volunteers and staff in general. God bless you all for an incredible contribution you’re providing to our future leaders.
My name is Peris Muhugu, and I am proud to be an educator!! I received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Kenyatta University, and my Masters in Education from Mount Kenya University. I am certified to teach early childhood education, elementary education and in higher education institutions. I have more than 14 years’ experience in early childhood.
I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners!! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and motor—is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.
I am a mum to 2 children. Druing my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, music, relaxing at the pool, and spending time with friends and family.
I look forward to working together with you as the Rwandan Volunteer Coordinator and as partners in promoting children’s growth and development!!
I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners!! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development—academic, social, language, and motor—is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that nurtures this growth in a positive, fun environment.
I am a mum to 2 children. Druing my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, music, relaxing at the pool, and spending time with friends and family.
I look forward to working together with you as the Rwandan Volunteer Coordinator and as partners in promoting children’s growth and development!!
Umesh Rao, BS, MS, EMBA, became TEACH Rwanda’s International Volunteer Development Coordinator in late 2022. He has a proven track record of running and managing digital transformation projects, and now is PPL Services Corp. Vice-President—Engineering & Platform Architecture, based in New Hampshire.
With Umesh’s enthusiasm and expertise in developing technology applications, TR looks forward to digitizing our volunteer recruitment and placement process as well as building our resource capacity to sustain our transformative approach to education in Africa.