Rwanda

Mariella Munyuzangabo is a professional in the nonprofit sector with a background in global health. With a Bachelor’s degree in Global Health and a Master’s degree in Reproductive and Sexual Health Research, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her current role as the Associate Director of the Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Program at Partners in Health Rwanda. Her responsibilities include project planning and implementation, team management, collaboration with stakeholders, and ensuring evidence-based programs that meet community needs. Mariella’s research experience, particularly in maternal and child health in conflict settings, has equipped her with skills in project management, implementation research, and evidence-based decision-making. Her passion for health and gender equity, particularly in improving sexual and reproductive health and rights for young women, drives her commitment to making a positive impact in her field. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariellamunyuzangabo/

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.