Over winter intersession, Professor Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick led a group of nine students to Rwanda in his Social Innovation Practicum.
The students, including Elena Batler (CMR), Tony Buzzini (MAPJ), Grace Caponetto (JD/MAPJ), Elena Finley (JD/MAPJ), Sara Kuhn (MAPJ), Sala Kurtz (JD/MAPJ), Mikayla Martin (JD/MAPJ), Prashanth Murthy (CMR), and Krista Stellmacher (MASI), made the voyage to Kigali, Rwanda to explore various aspects of Rwanda’s post-conflict reconstruction through social innovations and enterprises
Kroc School students during their visit to Zipline Academy
In this two week trip, students analyzed companies like Zipline, Kivu Noir, and Azizi Life to examinethe crossroads of conflict and innovation, and explore the power of social enterprises. Experts in mental health, local business, and government facilitated many of these meaningful discussions. With so many inspiring and knowledgeable guest speakers, students were actively involved and never short on questions!
Designed as an experiential learning opportunity, Professor Choi-Fitzpatrick’s course empowered students to network and learn from the environment around them. Students had the flexibility to explore social issues of their choosing and examine how they came to play in Rwanda. For example, Sara Kuhn traveled with 500 diva cups, supplied by CouldYou?, in an effort to forge partnerships combating period poverty in the region. Tony Buzzini’s interest in humanitarian aid led him to powerful networking opportunities with the Congolese ambassador to Rwanda. Krista Stellmacher and Mikayla Martin’s interest in collective memory granted them access to the archives at Kigali Genocide Memorial.
Kroc School students meeting with Senator Bideri at the Parliament of Rwanda.
By the end of the course, students gained skill sets across peace studies and social innovation. Not only did students obtain a new, well-rounded understanding of Rwanda’s post-conflict socio-economic development, they also walked away with a powerful network of leaders and future leaders in the region.
Kroc School students during their closing dinner in Kigali, Rwanda.
Many students have described this practicum as impactful, inspiring, and even life-changing. Feel free to reach out to Elena Finley or Sara Kuhn, two of our Kroc Ambassadors, if you are interested in learning more about the student experience in Rwanda!
To learn more about the Kroc School’s academic programs and our practicum courses, check out our website or reach out to an admissions counselor here.
