April 21, 2008

Kije Mugisha (pictured center in back) has a very unique but, in some ways, commonplace story. Don't get me wrong, Kije is amazingly talented, bright, eager, and entrepreneurial, and the way in which she entered into a position of significant responsibility is as inspiring as it is serendipitous. We had dinner with Kije on Monday night. Let me tell you a little bit about her story, and you'll see what I mean when I say that, in some ways, her tale is not all that unique.

Kije was born and raised in the eastern region of the United States, and she attended university in Pennsylvania. Committed to her Rwanda heritage, she became heavily involved in African and Rwandan student groups in college. Upon graduations, she decided to leave the opportunities available to her in the United States and move to Rwanda - with no social support, no job, and no place to live.

When she arrived, she had aspirations to start a radio station. In April 2007, the Director General of the state media conglomerate ORINFOR was relieved of his duties, and Kije was offered this very powerful position. Currently the Director of Rwandan Television, Kije has significant control of what is broadcast over the country's airwaves.

Why is her story not so special? It has stuck me on this trip how many of the emerging Rwandan leaders and entrepreneurs are so young in their careers! Though they all are Rwandan, most were not around during the genocide. They were either already out of the country or relocated during the genocide. However, they each have committed to make Rwanda their home. A greater commitment to the rebuilding and reconciliation of a country I can't imagine.

All with wonderful opportunities available to them in other regions of the world that are far more stable, politically, economically, and socially, they have all chosen to participate in Rwanda's rebirth, and they see nothing but opportunities before them here.

What they all seem to want and need is the knowledge, experience, and access to mentorship that will facilitate a much greater impact than they are currently able to make. We have already watched them consume and utilize the information we brought to them, and they are eager for more.

Can these bright, young, and talented leaders significantly influence this emerging nation? I have no doubt. Can they do it by themselves? Who could....