Who is Jean Claude Uwihoreye?

Jean Claude Uwihoreye is a visionary leader who founded and currently serves as the Managing Director of the Jarama Alumni Association. Through his strategic initiatives, fundraising efforts, and dedication to community development, Jean Claude has made a significant impact on the lives of the people in Jarama Sector, Ngoma District, Eastern Province, Rwanda. The Jarama Alumni Association, comprising graduates from Primary and Secondary Schools in the region, strives to uplift and empower the community through education and various development projects.

The Context of Jarama Sector:

Jarama Sector is a unique and vibrant community located in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, covering an area of 81 hectares and inhabited by 35,000 people. Despite its potential, the region faced numerous challenges, including a staggering 95% illiteracy rate as of 2012 and 2021 statistics. The lack of access to quality education and limited opportunities for professional development hindered the progress of the community.

Objectives of the Jarama Alumni Association:

Jean Claude Uwihoreye established the Jarama Alumni Association with a clear vision of empowering the community through education, skill development, and strategic partnerships. The primary objectives of the association are:

Professional Development Opportunities: The Jarama Alumni Association endeavors to equip community members with essential skills such as Business English Writing, Public Speaking, and Google Applied Digital Skills. By providing these valuable skills, the association aims to enhance employability and promote entrepreneurship among the residents.

Community Development: Collaborating with local government bodies, the association actively contributes to the development of the community. Initiatives include building and renovating houses for families in need, providing school materials to students, and creating awareness on reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases.

Promoting Education: Recognizing the importance of education, the association actively discourages school dropouts and encourages students to pursue their studies. This is achieved through mentoring and support programs that guide young individuals back to school and motivate them to perform well academically.

Achievements and Impact:

Since its inception, the Jarama Alumni Association, under Jean Claude's leadership, has achieved remarkable milestones. Notable accomplishments include:

Housing Projects: The association successfully built three houses for families in need, providing them with secure and comfortable shelter.

Scholarships and Awards: By awarding $800 in school fees to high-performing students and $300 to students excelling in national examinations, the association incentivizes academic excellence and fosters a culture of learning.

Community Development Contributions: The association has invested $240 in various community development projects, contributing to the overall improvement of living conditions in the sector.

Education Campaigns: By working closely with the community, the association has managed to bring back 78 school dropouts to pursue their education, thereby reducing the illiteracy rate and promoting a brighter future for the region.

Jean Claude Uwihoreye: A Leader Committed to Lifelong Learning and Impact:

Jean Claude's passion for lifelong learning is evident in his extensive professional experience in nonprofit, community development, and educational systems fields. His leadership is defined by a commitment to positively impact the lives of others, locally and globally. By embracing challenges from different perspectives, Jean Claude promotes learning, progress, and understanding within the community.

In conclusion, Jean Claude Uwihoreye and the Jarama Alumni Association have become beacons of hope for the Jarama Sector community. Through their tireless efforts in education, skill development, and community initiatives, they have transformed lives and empowered individuals to create a better future for themselves and their families. Jean Claude's dedication to lifelong learning and making a positive impact serves as an inspiration to others, reaffirming the transformative power of education and community-driven development. As the association continues to grow and expand its reach, it is bound to leave an enduring legacy in the hearts of those it serves.

Jean Claude holds an MBA from the University of Aberdeen, UK, a Bachelor of Arts and an Associate’s degrees from Southern New Hampshire University, USA.