Tr Board members
Alana Augello Harris, BS, MS, TEACH Rwanda Secretary, is a 2013 Graduate of The Pennsylvania State University, where she obtained her B.S. in Elementary and Kindergarten Education. In 2016 she earned her Master’s Degree from Lehigh University in Educational Leadership.
Alana taught 5th & 6th grade for 2 years at St. Michael the Archangel School in Bethlehem, and is now teaching 5th grade in the Bethlehem Area School District at Hanover Elementary School. She is also involved with extracurricular activities within the school including the school’s Lighthouse Team Facilitator and Fitness Club Advisor.
Alana has participated in a numerous international mission trips and educational field experiences. Locations include Mexico, Costa Rica, Germany, and Haiti. Alana is passionate about making a difference in the life of a child both inside and outside of the U.S.
Alana joined the TEACH Rwanda Board in the summer of 2016. Alana feels very strongly about and supports all of TEACH Rwanda’s mission and vision statements. She is highly intrigued with the leadership component of the professional development initiatives for the teachers in TEACH Rwanda’s schools. She is looking forward to traveling to Rwanda in the near future.
Alana taught 5th & 6th grade for 2 years at St. Michael the Archangel School in Bethlehem, and is now teaching 5th grade in the Bethlehem Area School District at Hanover Elementary School. She is also involved with extracurricular activities within the school including the school’s Lighthouse Team Facilitator and Fitness Club Advisor.
Alana has participated in a numerous international mission trips and educational field experiences. Locations include Mexico, Costa Rica, Germany, and Haiti. Alana is passionate about making a difference in the life of a child both inside and outside of the U.S.
Alana joined the TEACH Rwanda Board in the summer of 2016. Alana feels very strongly about and supports all of TEACH Rwanda’s mission and vision statements. She is highly intrigued with the leadership component of the professional development initiatives for the teachers in TEACH Rwanda’s schools. She is looking forward to traveling to Rwanda in the near future.
B. Daniel Dillard, TEACH Rwanda President, served for 36 years as the Executive Director/CEO of the Burn Prevention Network, a 501(c)3 corporation. Under his leadership, that organization delivered a diverse portfolio of fire safety, burn prevention, and burn survivor support services to nearly 1 million beneficiaries annually. Several of these programs have been recognized nationally and nominated for Emmy Awards. Dan is a frequent speaker nationally, and has served as the Chairman of the American Burn Association (ABA) Burn Prevention Committee; the President of the Federation of Burn Foundations; and has led a number of multi-organization national initiatives funded by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). He has been honored by the ABA as the recipient of its annual Burn Prevention Award.
Dillard has extensive experience in strategic planning, board management, staff coordination and direction, fundraising, partnership coordination, and public relations. Mr. Dillard is married, has 7 children, 17 grandchildren and counting!
Dillard has extensive experience in strategic planning, board management, staff coordination and direction, fundraising, partnership coordination, and public relations. Mr. Dillard is married, has 7 children, 17 grandchildren and counting!
Clare Smith, BS, MEd, TEACH Rwanda Co-Vice President, is a 2012 Honors Graduate of The Pennsylvania State University where she obtained her B. S. Degree in Elementary and Kindergarten Education. She graduated with high distinction and was the recipient of the 2012 Elementary Education Academic Service Award. Clare is also a 2020 Honors Graduate of Lehigh University where she obtained her Masters of Education Degree in Teaching and Learning. Clare has taught in both urban and suburban school settings in 4th and 5th grade. She has unique international teaching experiences including teaching primary students English in Taiwan for a Study Abroad Honors trip and a month-long teaching internship in Rwanda. During her internship in Rwanda, Clare taught English to primary students and mentored genocide orphans, while conducting research for her undergraduate honors thesis, which focused on building resilience in children of poverty and trauma. Clare’s thesis was published by the Schreyer Honors College. Clare’s international teaching experiences not only enriched her life, but also her students’ lives as she is able to teach about diversity while sharing first-hand experiences.
Clare joined the TEACH Rwanda Board in March of 2016 and traveled back to Rwanda later that year to volunteer at TEACH Rwanda’s schools.
After teaching 4th grade for 3 years at St. Michael the Archangel School, she landed a position in the Bethlehem Area School District, teaching 5th grade at Farmersville Elementary School, where she is currently the school’s Webmaster and Digital Media Club Advisor. Clare arranged to donate 36 laptops to TEACH Rwanda schools on behalf of the Bethlehem Area School District. Clare is very passionate about education and TEACH Rwanda’s mission and vision. She and her husband, Co-Vice President Tom Smith, plan to return to Rwanda for more volunteer work.
Clare joined the TEACH Rwanda Board in March of 2016 and traveled back to Rwanda later that year to volunteer at TEACH Rwanda’s schools.
After teaching 4th grade for 3 years at St. Michael the Archangel School, she landed a position in the Bethlehem Area School District, teaching 5th grade at Farmersville Elementary School, where she is currently the school’s Webmaster and Digital Media Club Advisor. Clare arranged to donate 36 laptops to TEACH Rwanda schools on behalf of the Bethlehem Area School District. Clare is very passionate about education and TEACH Rwanda’s mission and vision. She and her husband, Co-Vice President Tom Smith, plan to return to Rwanda for more volunteer work.
Danielle Johnson, MEd, MPH, PhD, is an advocate for high quality, accessible, and inclusive early childhood education that honors the diversity of families' experiences and honors parents' visions of success for their children. Bringing more than 20 years of increasingly responsible program- and systems-level early childhood leadership experience in New York City and now in North Carolina's Triangle and Triad regions. Danielle has taught and trained educators and administrators seeking to make a lasting impact on the families and communities they serve. Following successful tenures in roles as the NC Pre-K Manager and Director of Early Childhood Systems, In August of 2019, Danielle was named Executive Director at Durham's Partnership for Children. She is responsible for providing leadership and oversight for programs within the organization representing annual investments of over $11M. Programs including Smart Start, Early Head Start, NC Pre-K, Transition to Kindergarten, and other collective impact community initiatives that help the Partnership achieve its mission that every child enters school healthy and ready to learn. Danielle is an author, award-winning adjunct instructor at Durham Technical Community College and a sought-after presenter and facilitator at national conferences, with special connections to the early childhood movement in Ghana, West Africa. She received a Master's in Education from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Master's in Public Health from Hunter College, City University of New York. Danielle holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Danielle serves on various advisory committees such as the Durham Technical Community College Early Childhood Associate Advisory Committee, NC InCK Early Childhood Innovation Committee, and the Durham PreK Governance Committee. She joined the TEACH Rwanda Board in January 2021.
Rev. Debora Jackson, DMin, MDiv, ME, MS, BS. The Reverend Dr. Debora Jackson is Director of Operations at All Girls Allowed, a faith-based, non-profit organization that is committed to restoring life, value, and dignity to women by providing resources that promote healing and wholeness. She is responsible for evaluating and determining operational strategies, building a corporate culture of faith and service, and implementing organizational priorities.
Dr. Jackson was formerly the Director of Lifelong Learning at Yale Divinity School and was responsible for developing a robust program to assemble and leverage the abundant intellectual and professional resources of the School for the betterment of churches and other ministries.
Prior to her appointment at Yale Divinity School, Dr. Jackson was the Executive Director of the Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches, USA, a prestigious and historic organization dedicated to the support of American Baptist clergy. She led the Council from 2012 to 2017, helping the organization restructure and revitalize while securing important new revenue streams. Previously she served for eight years as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Needham, MA, which under her leadership reversed years of decline and flourished as a church known for its engaged preaching, new ministries, and extensive outreach. She currently serves the historic Peoples Baptist Church in Boston, MA as the Minister of Worship. Dr. Jackson worked in business for 20 years, with an emphasis on IT and software engineering, before heeding the call to ministry. Key roles she held during that time included Chief Operating / Chief Information Officer of an e-commerce energy services provider and as Managing Director of a supply chain / IT consulting group.
Dr. Jackson received her Doctorate in Ministry, emphasis in Leadership, and Master of Divinity degree, emphasis in Spirituality, both with honors, from Andover Newton Theological School. She holds a Master of Engineering degree in Manufacturing Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Management from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Indiana University.
Dr. Jackson is also a consultant who leads custom, high impact engagements, including strategic planning, conflict resolution, and leadership development, for non-profit and faith-based organizations. As an author, Dr. Jackson has written numerous articles and two books, Meant for Good: Fundamentals in Womanist Leadership (Judson Press, 2019) and Spiritual Practices for Effective Leadership: 7 R’s of Sanctuary for Pastors (Judson Press, 2015), which was the 2016 Illumination Book Silver Medal Award Winner.
Dr. Jackson resides in Newton, MA with her husband, James Thomas, and their son, Jadon.
Dr. Jackson was formerly the Director of Lifelong Learning at Yale Divinity School and was responsible for developing a robust program to assemble and leverage the abundant intellectual and professional resources of the School for the betterment of churches and other ministries.
Prior to her appointment at Yale Divinity School, Dr. Jackson was the Executive Director of the Ministers Council of the American Baptist Churches, USA, a prestigious and historic organization dedicated to the support of American Baptist clergy. She led the Council from 2012 to 2017, helping the organization restructure and revitalize while securing important new revenue streams. Previously she served for eight years as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Needham, MA, which under her leadership reversed years of decline and flourished as a church known for its engaged preaching, new ministries, and extensive outreach. She currently serves the historic Peoples Baptist Church in Boston, MA as the Minister of Worship. Dr. Jackson worked in business for 20 years, with an emphasis on IT and software engineering, before heeding the call to ministry. Key roles she held during that time included Chief Operating / Chief Information Officer of an e-commerce energy services provider and as Managing Director of a supply chain / IT consulting group.
Dr. Jackson received her Doctorate in Ministry, emphasis in Leadership, and Master of Divinity degree, emphasis in Spirituality, both with honors, from Andover Newton Theological School. She holds a Master of Engineering degree in Manufacturing Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Management from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Indiana University.
Dr. Jackson is also a consultant who leads custom, high impact engagements, including strategic planning, conflict resolution, and leadership development, for non-profit and faith-based organizations. As an author, Dr. Jackson has written numerous articles and two books, Meant for Good: Fundamentals in Womanist Leadership (Judson Press, 2019) and Spiritual Practices for Effective Leadership: 7 R’s of Sanctuary for Pastors (Judson Press, 2015), which was the 2016 Illumination Book Silver Medal Award Winner.
Dr. Jackson resides in Newton, MA with her husband, James Thomas, and their son, Jadon.
David Renas, BA, JD, has an extensive financial and legal background, having started his career as a CPA, then transitioning into private practice as a corporate and securities attorney and finally serving for nearly two decades as Chief Financial Officer of life science companies in San Diego, New York City, and Geneva.
Dave’s interest in Rwanda stems from a family trip taken several years ago and he hopes to visit again soon.
Eric Biribuze, BS, MS, MBA, is a native of Burundi. He attended universities first in China and then the U.S., and speaks five languages fluently. Eric joined Corning in 1997, where he quickly gained recognition for his engineering and business knowledge as well as dynamic leadership skills. He has mentored more than a dozen interns at Corning, and continues to support his family as well as other Burundians to gain their educations. In 2018 he was named the Black Engineer of the Year Award for Professional Achievement. Eric joined the TEACH Rwanda board in 2022, shortly after establishing the first Rwanda LEGO Robotics team through his new organization, STELA (Science Technology Entrepreneurship Leadership Academy) at Bright School. His passion is "to make a positive impact...while solving some of the world's toughest problems and helping transform people's lives." He and his family live in Corning, New York.
Janet F. Brown, BS, MEd., TEACH Rwanda Founder and President Emerita, is grateful that she has able to spend her life advocating for world-class early childhood and primary education as well as teacher mentoring. Early in a career that now spans more than 5 decades, Jan was a preschool teacher and child care director. She worked as Editor of Young Children and Director of Publications for the National Association for the Education of Young Children and then as Editor of Dimensions of Early Childhood. Later in her career she served as a consultant with Art As a Way of Learning® with Northampton Community College and then became Managing Editor for Crayola. After retiring, she regularly volunteered with Head Start in the Lehigh Valley. She has traveled extensively, enjoys photography, and began sharing her passion for social justice through play-based education in Rwanda in 2010. As the on-the-ground leader of TEACH Rwanda, she saw Bright School grow from just 20 children in preschool to, a decade later, 311 students in preschool and primary in 2022. At the request of local education leaders, she, along with Rwandan educators, developed TEACH Rwanda’s successful module system to mentor teachers. Jan and her husband, William Whipple III, are delighted to share 6 adult children, 6 grandchildren, and a growing number of great grandchildren, spread over two continents. She and Bill are shown here with their Rwandan grandson William Brown Ineza (Sweet Pea), on his first day as a student at Bright School in September 2022.
Raza Visram is an invited board member and main point person for TEACH Rwanda's Africa operations. Raza is currently on sabbatical from the board for family reasons. He is a native of East Africa with connections to the land who deeply understands the ongoing intricacies, strategies, and challenges of operating any organization in Africa. He is very well traveled in Africa and brings more than 22 years of experience and expertise of working at AfricanMecca Safaris, an award-winning Africa travel and tourism organization. Raza's simple beginnings and humble family background has made him a passionate and fervent advocate for the rights of the poor and underserved, as well as giving back to Africa using his time, talent, and treasures with the sole aim of making a better tomorrow: an Africa with a self-sustaining healthy economy supported by an educated population and progressive government which is able to solvethe challenges of education, healthcare, conservation, employment, and more. His honest and open communication style has successfully led TEACH Rwanda to operate at its highest efficiency, allowing donor funds to be maximized for the benefit of TEACH Rwanda schools. His connections with the greater business trade in the United States has further allowed TEACH Rwanda to receive support for its non-profit operation. Raza is on currently on sabbatical while dealing with family health issues.
Tom Smith, BS, TEACH Rwanda Co-Vice President, graduated in 2014 with a degree in Communication in Arts and Sciences and a minor in Business from The Pennsylvania State University. Tom graduated from the Allentown Police Academy in June 2020. He is currently a police officer for the Bethlehem Township Police Department in Bethlehem, PA, fulfilling his life-long dream.
Tom served as Head Boys Basketball Coach for 8th grade at St. Michael the Archangel School for 2 years. Tom joined the TEACH Rwanda Board in March 2016 and took his first international trip to Rwanda in July 2016, where he volunteered at TEACH Rwanda schools.
Tom brings unique talents to the Board, such as his business, management and communications skills. He also brings board experience as he formerly served as the Vice President and Chief of Staff for Penn State Berks’ Student Government Association.
Tom is very passionate about the TEACH Rwanda mission and vision and is very driven to see the organization achieve its goals. Tom and his wife, Co-Vice President Clare Smith, plan to return to Rwanda for more volunteer work.
Tom served as Head Boys Basketball Coach for 8th grade at St. Michael the Archangel School for 2 years. Tom joined the TEACH Rwanda Board in March 2016 and took his first international trip to Rwanda in July 2016, where he volunteered at TEACH Rwanda schools.
Tom brings unique talents to the Board, such as his business, management and communications skills. He also brings board experience as he formerly served as the Vice President and Chief of Staff for Penn State Berks’ Student Government Association.
Tom is very passionate about the TEACH Rwanda mission and vision and is very driven to see the organization achieve its goals. Tom and his wife, Co-Vice President Clare Smith, plan to return to Rwanda for more volunteer work.
William Whipple III, TEACH Rwanda Business Representative, retired in 2014 from a 33-year career as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist & Certified Diabetes Educator so that he could go to Rwanda for extended lengths of time with his wife Jan and TEACH Rwanda. Dietetics has a strong diet education component and Bill has had an interest in high-quality education all his life, hearing about it at the family dinner table from his father who was a literature professor and his mother who had an advanced degree in journalism. He finds fascinating the process of implementing high-quality education in Rwanda, where many students, beginning in preschool, still sit quietly and memorize what the teacher says. He understands now that good early education gives a strong foundation for learning throughout life and sees potential for making a strong impact on the lives of children in Rwanda.
He is learning a lot from, Jan, who is the education expert, and contributes his own talents, including communicating in French, a passion for teaching English, mentoring, management, and business skills. He was the onsite coordinator for the first Bright School STELA Future Hopes LEGO Robotics Team. He loves being able to contribute in a meaningful way, even though he is “very old” according to his Rwandan friends, (a term of respect). He misses his children, grandchildren (see Jan’s bio), and friends in the U.S. when spending extended periods of time in Rwanda.
He is learning a lot from, Jan, who is the education expert, and contributes his own talents, including communicating in French, a passion for teaching English, mentoring, management, and business skills. He was the onsite coordinator for the first Bright School STELA Future Hopes LEGO Robotics Team. He loves being able to contribute in a meaningful way, even though he is “very old” according to his Rwandan friends, (a term of respect). He misses his children, grandchildren (see Jan’s bio), and friends in the U.S. when spending extended periods of time in Rwanda.
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.
tr staff
Rachel Walmsley, BA, MA, joined TEACH Rwanda as our Country Representative in August 2022. She is passionate about promoting play as a tool to support resilience, empathy, and joy for learning. Her experience in international teaching, as a VSO Content Developer and Teaching Methodology Advisor in Rwanda, along with an MA in International Education and Development, prepared her well as she leads TEACH Rwanda into a bright future!
Morgan Dembe, BS, MBA, became TR’s Business Operations Manager in May 2023. Morgan is a champion of children’s rights and a Rwandan with a decade of experience in INGO program management in his home country. He says, “My dreams have become reality as I join the multitalented team that is doing a great job in Rwanda. I promise to contribute efforts to the team towards the betterment of the organization.”
Jean de Dieu Dusingize, BA, TEACH Rwanda's Education Innovation Strategist, is an experienced education leader who shares Rwanda’s vision and mission to develop a world-class education system in Rwanda through play and project-based learning. A former Headteacher at Umubano Academy in Kigali and GS Kansana in Ngoma District, he is committed to implement innovative teaching strategies and to safeguard the well-being of all people. Jean de Dieu is completing his Master’s degree in education at Mount Kigali University. His passion is to use the power of peace education to reshape a better world.
Elysee Ndikumana, BA, is TEACH Rwanda's Teacher Mentor. He is extremely passionate about innovation in education. He developed his teaching and teacher mentoring skills while working for VSO Rwanda as National Early Childhood Education Facilitator in the Learning Through Play project and by studying Early Education at TTC Mwezi and the University of Kigali. Elysee is confident that TEACH Rwanda will succeed in its mission to create a nation of analytical thinkers through learning through play and projects, by building teachers’ and education practitioners’ capacity to implement best practices using Rwanda’s Competence-Based Curriculum.
Joseph Kabundi is a former Head Master with a background in microfinance. He was the first elected parent president of Bright School. He is the father of two joyful children at Bright: Eunice passed her P6 exam in 2022, and Ninette is in P6 in 24-25 school year. Both were captains of their schools' robotics teams in 2024. Joseph is TEACH Rwanda’s Development and Finance Consultant.
GET INVOLVED
Make a Difference!
Why Rwanda?
Rwanda…the most densely populated country in Africa…still rebuilding trust after the 1994 genocide…where the average monthly income is $69.50 per person…with half the population under age 14...and an average third grade education!
Rwanda...with a growing international economy…home to gorillas, elephants, zebra, and volcanoes… whose goal is to become a nation of readers, writers, and analytical thinkers…with a competency-based curriculum introduced in 2016…and with TEACH Rwanda leading the transformation of early childhood teacher education.
Many children in Rwanda still live in large families that survive on subsistence farming. Safe drinking water is often not available. Hunger is a daily reality. Many children drop out of school by first grade.
Why Rwanda?
Rwanda…the most densely populated country in Africa…still rebuilding trust after the 1994 genocide…where the average monthly income is $69.50 per person…with half the population under age 14...and an average third grade education!
Rwanda...with a growing international economy…home to gorillas, elephants, zebra, and volcanoes… whose goal is to become a nation of readers, writers, and analytical thinkers…with a competency-based curriculum introduced in 2016…and with TEACH Rwanda leading the transformation of early childhood teacher education.
Many children in Rwanda still live in large families that survive on subsistence farming. Safe drinking water is often not available. Hunger is a daily reality. Many children drop out of school by first grade.
TEACH Rwanda is determined that every child in Rwanda have the opportunity to get a high-quality education in which they learn through play and projects—especially necessary when young brains are growing!
- We mentor local teachers and school leaders to use modern, evidence-based teaching methods and materials.
- Our Exemplary Schools serve nutritious snacks, so children’s brains can learn.
- We supplement school fees at Bright School, so children living in low-income families can attend school on Fund a Future scholarships, during the most important years of their development.
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VOLUNTEERWho is eager to do community service?
Teenagers? Retirees? Empty nesters? You can become a TEACH Rwanda volunteer—and genuinely change lives. Volunteer opportunities are available in both the U.S. and in Rwanda. |
Volunteer opportunities are available in the U.S. and in Rwanda. For details about current volunteer opportunities, check with our Volunteer Coordinator at [email protected] and the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley.
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Mentor Rwandan Teachers Are you a teacher or retired teacher? Volunteers review weekly learning plans submitted to TEACH Rwanda by e-mail. You can mentor a teacher who is still learning modern teaching methods. Interested? E-mail us at TEACHRwanda.Teacher Mentor@gmail.com. Feel free to review our Resources page, too! |
Become a TEACH Rwanda Ambassador
Are you active in civic or religious groups? Do you have a job? Do you know where to apply for grants?
Are you active in a group that performs at benefits? A religious group that supports or sponsors non-profit causes? Do you know where to apply for grants? Are you a conversationalist that can spread the word while waiting in line at a checkout?
We often have great fundraiser ideas, but need volunteers to help pull them off! Great opportunities for teenagers to obtain community service hours and for those who would like to help but have limited time.
Are you active in civic or religious groups? Do you have a job? Do you know where to apply for grants?
Are you active in a group that performs at benefits? A religious group that supports or sponsors non-profit causes? Do you know where to apply for grants? Are you a conversationalist that can spread the word while waiting in line at a checkout?
We often have great fundraiser ideas, but need volunteers to help pull them off! Great opportunities for teenagers to obtain community service hours and for those who would like to help but have limited time.
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Ambassadors for TEACH Rwanda can spread the word about our important work, any time, anywhere! Ask us to send you TEACH Rwanda's latest brochure, print a few copies, and begin your campaign to give vulnerable children in Rwanda, and their teachers, the best possible educations.
Does your company or employer offer or participate in charitable giving programs, such as:
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TEACH Rwanda is a regular at this friendly, convenient Longswamp UCC Bazaar in the Lehigh Valley. Rwandan handmade crafts will be available for a donation that supports teacher education and high-quality schools in Rwanda. Choose from baskets, jewelry, sculptures, fabric and many more unique gift items.
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Jo "Bomba" Sieger and The Dharma Drummers with their Rwandan drums have performed several benefits for TEACH Rwanda including:
Dharma Drummers benefit - a great day of irresistible and affordable Rwandan crafts & jewelry, walking a meditative labyrinth..and then topped off with a rousing concert by Jo "Bomba" Sieger and The Dharma Drummers performing with their Rwandan drums! Sweet Dreams Benefit - a movie screening of "Sweet Dreams," drumming circle and ice cream social. "Sweet Dreams" is the story of Ingoma Nshya, the first women's drumming troupe in Rwanda, and their effort to open the country's first local ice cream shop, called "Sweet Dreams." Crafts from Rwanda were also available by donation. |
SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGNS
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Bright School CampaignPhase 1 of our new campus is complete. Classes started in our new Bright School in January of 2019.
Already, though, our classrooms are being fully utilized and the government is requiring us to start a new P1 class in September when classes resume. We are currently exploring options for Phase 2. Stay tuned for more to come soon about our expansion of Bright School and our National Teacher Development Center. |
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE OF RWANDAN EDUCATION.
We're changing the culture of education in Rwanda by affirming and encouraging genuine understanding through kind, responsive, well-informed, modern teaching practices. The Determine a Future Campaign was created to support teacher education and children's enrichment in Rwanda.
The launch of this campaign is an opportunity for children, teachers, and families across the world, as well as at home. By getting involved, you're supporting a higher educational standard and making a transformative difference in Rwanda.
The launch of this campaign is an opportunity for children, teachers, and families across the world, as well as at home. By getting involved, you're supporting a higher educational standard and making a transformative difference in Rwanda.
DONATE LEARNING MATERIALS
Donate Learning Materials
Add an extra pack of washable markers, children's scissors, or sidewalk chalk to your shopping cart! Find jigsaw puzzle and board game bargains in thrift shops and yard sales! Recycle children’s outgrown books, LEGO™ bricks, and pretend animals! Contribute scarves, dance costumes, and party clothes you no longer wear!
Add an extra pack of washable markers, children's scissors, or sidewalk chalk to your shopping cart! Find jigsaw puzzle and board game bargains in thrift shops and yard sales! Recycle children’s outgrown books, LEGO™ bricks, and pretend animals! Contribute scarves, dance costumes, and party clothes you no longer wear!
These are some of the items that are not yet available in Rwanda, and that hundreds of children in our schools use every day.
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We carry these in our suitcases, so your donation of $300 will pay for volunteers to take 50 pounds of learning materials to Rwanda. Books and sidewalk chalk are heavy!