Having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Chemistry from National University of Rwanda in 2009, Emmanuel is recently completed his second year in the Master’s degree program in International Education at the SIT Graduate Institute in Vermont. He has also had 5 years of experience directing cultural immersion and service-learning programs for American students in Rwanda and Senegal through the internationally acclaimed cross-cultural education program, “Where There Be Dragons.” While traveling as an experiential educator in this position, Emmanuel has co-created curricula and directed programs focused on critical service-learning, language study, and exploration of development issues in Rwanda and Senegal. He has also been responsible for setting up on-course activities including students’ homestays, arranging for workshop facilitators and guest speakers, and coordinating with local nonprofit organizations for students’ service-learning and internship opportunities. Through these experiences, Emmanuel has developed strong skills in program design and implementation, and a passion for participatory international service-learning and education for social change. Emmanuel’s strong belief in the benefits of cross cultural exchange and community empowerment also influenced the years he spent in volunteer service, including working as a counterpart to a US Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda in 2009 and later, working as language and cross culture facilitator (LCF) for US Peace Corps trainees in Rwanda. He also taught science to high school students through the Rwanda Girls Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to girls’ empowerment. Emmanuel is a fan of animated movies, loves Senegalese “Yassa Viande” and enjoys watching soccer.
Host Organization: CorpsAfrica
Role at Host Organization: Emmanuel will focus on developing a solid framework of communication and support for CorpsAfrica offices as the organization works to open offices in Sub-Saharan Africa. He will work closely with the senior management team with periodic travel to Morocco, Senegal.