Friends of Rwanda

I have had the privilege of working in Rwanda and conducting research, since 1999. I originally connected with Rwanda through an amazing Rwandan, Bonaventure Niyibizi, who was in a US government training program (the Development Studies Program) in 1993 that I was directing. I have worked on education and public health projects in Rwanda, educated Rwandan students in the US and Nigeria, helped organize numerous conferences and have felt compelled to document Rwandan’s journey since the Genocide Against the Tutsi. The progress in education, gender equity, health and governance to name only a few sectors, is very impressive and gives hope to all those struggling to build societies based on equity, dignity and opportunity.

My two books are: Rwanda: History and Hope, co-authored with Tulane University Professor Dr. William Bertrand and Confronting Genocide in Rwanda: Dehumanization, Denial, and Strategies for Prevention, edited with Jean-Damascène Gasanabo, and David Simon.

I am currently the President of the American University of Nigeria.

The people of Rwanda have captured my heart. The resilience of the women inspires me in particular. I have had the privilege of helping to share stories through documentary films about the incredible Rwandans who have rebuilt their nation.

I began my journey of friendship and love for Rwanda shortly after the genocide against the Tutsis. I founded the Rwanda Education Project (REP) in 1995 in partnership with the California State Polytechnic University Pomona, California, Southern California Rwandan Community Officers, the California State University San Bernardino, and the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda.  I continue to develop relationships with several universities, deans, professors, and others on behalf of the Rwanda Education Project – expanding curriculums, creative degree attainment and community capacity building through these partnerships and exchanges.

I coordinated the establishment of the San Bernardino, California/Kigali, Rwanda Sister Cities Program. Rwanda’s first sister city! These relationships included the mayor’s offices in San Bernardino, the mayor’s office in Kigali, the Minister of Education, Tourism, Sports, Industry, Finance, etc., as well as Business and Community Leaders in Rwanda and the U.S.  I have facilitated economic and educational roundtables in the U.S. and Rwanda, cultural exchanges with school children, brought several Rwandans to California universities for undergraduate and graduate degrees, and performances of dance groups representing the Rwandan Ballet throughout California.