TR Worldwide volunteers
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Jeanne Mukangenzi, MS
Jeanne is an enthusiastic volunteer with TEACH Rwanda. She earned her Master's Degree in Child Study and Early Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and has extensive experience in teaching young children, curriculum development, and family engagement. A native Rwandan, she formerly taught math and science at Rwamagana Leaders School. |
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. I'm now working at the Ministry of Education.
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. I'm now working at the Ministry of Education.
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 a graduate of African Leadership University, and am the National Coordinator of the STELA (Science, Technology, Entrepreneurship Leadership Academy) LEGO robotics program in Rwanda.
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.