As the Assistant Director of Development, I help the Kroc School raise funds for scholarships and programs and last month, I had the opportunity to travel to Rwanda with Professor Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick and nine Kroc School students. By the end of the program, I left feeling motivated to ensure that all students have the chance to participate in this program. 

Together, we learned about peacebuilding and reconciliation in the country, but the true focal point was understanding the country through the lens of social innovation. 

Kroc Students visiting a coffee farm about 90 minutes outside of Kigali owned by Kivu Noir.

Our itinerary was packed with enlightening experiences. We visited Zipline, a company that delivers medical supplies across the country via drone. At a coffee farm, we delved into the process of transforming coffee from a crop to a valuable export. Additionally, we had the opportunity to explore Norrsken, Africa’s leading hub for entrepreneurship. Amidst these activities, we were fortunate to connect with two esteemed Kroc School alumni, Dr. Cindi Cassady and Father Innocent Rugaragu.

Dr. Cindi Cassady, a 2013 Masters of Peace & Justice graduate, is a clinical psychologist. She met with our students to talk about the importance of mental health in Rwanda and her work supporting advanced treatments, such as ketamine therapy. Although the genocide occurred almost 30 years ago (April 1994), Cindi is helping many on their journey to healing. 

Toward the end of the trip, we met with Father Innocent Rugaragu, a 2012 Masters of Peace & Justice graduate. Father Rugaragu coordinated a visit for the students to the Rwandan Parliament. Additionally, his connections helped secure a one-on-one meeting with Senator Bideri, who was the former Chairperson of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Security.

Kroc Students posing with Kroc Alum, Father Innocent Rugaragu, in front of the Rwandan Parliament

This one-in-a-lifetime class allowed students to see some of the theories they have been learning about in action. Furthermore, the practicum provided an opportunity for students to connect with professionals and alumni in the fields of social innovation, peacebuilding, and reconciliation. 

To support Kroc School students in experiencing social innovation and peacebuilding through practicum courses abroad, consider donating to the Kroc School today.