NEXT STEP RWANDA
Providing affordable professional development opportunities leading to better employment outcomes
KWIBUKA ~ Commemoration of the 100 days of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi
Next Step Rwanda (NSR) was ideated in 2016 as a resource for the children and youth survivors of the Genocide Against the Tutsi. Our mission is to provide gender equitable, affordable professional development opportunities that lead to better employment outcomes. In 2021, NSR obtained US 501c3 nonprofit status allowing us to accept grants, donations, and scholarships. Our founders, Rukundo Jean Baptiste and Judie Henderson, operate a lean business model that maximizes funding allowing us to focus on the unique, professional needs of our clients in East Africa.
As we enter the period of Kwibuka, the solemn commemoration of 100 days of mourning, our board of directors and management team ask that you join us as we Remember ~ Unite ~ Renew. #neveragain #turibukatwiyubaka #outofthedark
Intambwe ikurikira u Rwanda (NSR) ni igitekerezo cyaje 2016, nkumutungo kamere w' abana n'urubyiruko rwarokotse Jenoside yakorewe abatutsi. Intego yacu ni uguteza imbere imyuga no gutanga amahirwe agamije iterambere ryiza, rishingiye kuburinganire. Mu 2021 NSR yabonye ubuzima gatozi nkumuryango nyamerika udaharanira inyungu ufite nomero US501c3 ibi bitwemerea kuba twakwakira inkunga cyangwe impano, ndetse namahugurwa.
Abatangije igikorwa Rukundo Jean Baptiste na Judie Henderson, bashinzwe kwiga imishinga, ndetse nuburyo buhagije bwatuma tunoza imikorere ya kinyamwuga ikenewe kubakiriya bacu mukarere ka Afurika yiburasirazuba.
Ubu twinjiye mugihe cyo kwibuka amajye y' iminsi 100. Ubuyobozi bwacu nikipe ngari (NSR) muri rusange twifatanyije n'abanyarwanda, Kwibuka, kunga ubumwe no Kwiyubaka.
SUPPORT OUR WORK
Learn How You Can Help
INVEST IN OUR OPERATIONS
Donate to our GoFundMe campaign.
SPREAD THE WORD
Got an open job or need staff? Let's talk! info@nextsteprwanda.org
COLLABORATION
Do you have a program or training opportunity for our clients? Let's do it!
Take a Peek at What We Accomplished in 2023
LET'S COLLABORATE!
KORA NEZA is designed to enhance existing curriculum.
High-Quality CV & LinkedIn Editing
ICYIZERE - Mental Health Awareness
Job Coaching & Mentoring
Online Safety
Value of Networking
Cover Letters
Financial Literacy
And More!
FUTURE GOAL
WOMEN'S PLUMBING INITIATIVE
A unique opportunity for rural women, ages 25-45, to develop the skills to become a trained plumber. We plan to offer 3 month to 2 year training modules with licensing and/or certification and the hand-on skills training required.
Reba. Bikore. Byigishe. ~ See it. Do it. Teach it.
WHO WE ARE
We provide professional development opportunities leading to better employment outcomes.
We promote sustainable, economic security for individuals and entrepreneurs in Rwanda.
We offer affordable, gender equitable job enhancement opportunities for underserved populations in Rwanda that can pivot to meet market demands.
RUKUNDO JEAN BAPTISTE
Founder, Office Manager
Rukundo manages our Rwanda office & provides the internal infrastructure to assist our clients. An artist by trade, his own professional development is enhanced by public speaking engagements & leadership opportunities. He collaborates with our partners & clients to offer stability to our business model as a capable mentor.
JUDIE HENDERSON
Founder, Managing Director
As a management consultant, Judie provides the tools & expertise necessary to rapidly adapt our business model to unique situations in Rwanda. She has experience in crisis & risk management which provide the foundation for our unique social enterprise.
LINDA KANANURA
Financial Advisor
Linda offers financial oversight for our Rwanda operations. As an East African resident who has lived and worked in many countries, she provides the team with cultural stewardship. She currently works in Democratic Republic of the Congo & has a BA in Accounting with a background in hotel management.
NUAN HE
Treasurer, Board of Directors
Nuan joins our team for 2023, bringing a strong background in international business management. Her experience with social enterprise development pushes us to offer more sustainable opportunities to our clients. Originally from Taiwan, Nuan and her family currently reside in the USA.
NICOLE GEIGER-BROWN
Secretary, Board of Directors
Nicole is a talented entrepreneur with a creative gift for design & a diverse client base. She has volunteered her time with us over the past year offering graphic design oversight to our clients. Recently joining our board of directors. Nicole & her family live in the USA.
CARINA IZERE
Interpreter, Job Coach
Carina trained as a traditional dancer in Rwanda before starting her first career in food service, as a server & restaurant owner. Today, she is a registered nurse, providing medical advice in rural pharmacies. Carina translates & interprets for our clients in French, English, and Kinyarwanda. Her unique work experience makes her an invaluable job coach.
ELVIRA DUSINGIZIMANA
Business Mentor, Job Coach
Elvira is a highly motivated entrepreneur who gives back to her Rwandan community every day by mentoring single moms. She advises our business clients with as they begin their own founder journeys. Elvira graduated with a diploma in Hospitality Management & Leadership and offers organizational stability to our team.
EMMY MUTUYIMANA
Housekeeper, Guard
Emmy keeps us safe while overseeing the sanitation & hygiene of our office and living quarters. He greets guests with a smile & even cooks delicious meals! Emmy has developed a unique art technique that he has applied to customized t-shirts that he makes to sell.
CHEF DANZIG
Food & Beverage Consultant
Chef Danzig is a talented Executive Chef who provides advising to individuals & restaurants. With an international palate, his delicious menu diversity is an asset. He understands the fundamentals of food & beverage management ensuring that our clients can maintain their success. Chef Danzig has strong costing & vendor management skills aimed at saving money for restaurateurs.
KWIZERA ERIC
Job Coach, Freelancer
Eric is our newest addition, a software engineer and freelancer (remote work). With a strong background in sustainable workforce development among youth, he is an asset to our own professional growth. Eric facilitates trainings that build tangible skills for IT specialists.
WHAT WE DO
Under-employment, unintended consequences of COVID policies, & long-term effects of surviving the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi are just a few of the factors impeding our clients' successes. Our model provides opportunities for long-term employment by reinforcing foundational skills & tools for job seekers. We offer professional opportunities that meet market demand.
We are currently seeking professionals to partner with us for mentoring, jobs, & internships. GUKORERA HAMWE ~ Let's work together!
WE PROVIDE:
Job Skills Enhancements
Entrepreneur Acceleration
Staffing Solutions
Job Placement Opportunities
Internships
CV Editing
Mentoring
Workforce Development
Business Acceleration
A SAMPLING OF OUR CLIENTS' WORK
VIRA DESIGNS - CUSTOM MADE KITENGE PRODUCTS & FASHION
KINIGI ECO CENTER - INSPIRING SUSTAINABLE LIVING
BAKAME SHOP - AN INITIATIVE THAT PROMOTES THE WORK OF LOCAL ARTISANS
CHEF DANZIG - OFFERS CURATED DINING EXPERIENCES & RESTAURANT CONSULTING
JD CONSULTING & MANAGEMENT OFFERS BUSINESS CONSULTING IN RWANDA & USA
EMMY ARTS - CUSTOM PAINTED T-SHIRTS
A BIT ABOUT US
The concept of Next Step Rwanda was laid out in 2016 when our founder, Judie Henderson, was living and working in Rwanda as a fellow with MINAGRI. Her firsthand experiences with poverty among her friends challenged her to create a sustainable solution. She sought the advice of Rukundo Jean Baptiste, her cultural ambassador and trusted friend.
With government policies that favor entrepreneurship and raw talent, Next Step Rwanda was created during the Pandemic of 2020 to offer viable solutions for gainful employment. With Rukundo and Judie providing foundational leadership, they continue to develop a core staff of job coaches who directly impact poverty at the community level with mentoring and job search tools.
Our Location
Find us at KG 588 Street in Kacyiru, Kigali Province, Rwanda, East Africa.
Ikaze ~ You're welcome to visit us.
CONTACT NEXT STEP RWANDA
+1.775.240.7860 WhatsApp / International
+250.780.525.416 WhatsApp / Rwanda
