Transforming Lives Through Art
Immerse yourself in the power of creativity as we engage, empower, and uplift Rwandan youth living with HIV. Discover how art becomes a catalyst for healing, self-acceptance, and resilient futures.
Welcome to Ubugeni Bwomora
Transforming Lives, One Brushstroke at a Time
Embark on a journey where art becomes a powerful catalyst for empowerment, healing, and opportunity. At Ubugeni Bwomora, we believe in the transformative potential of creativity, and our canvas extends beyond the paint to touch the lives of Rwandan youth living with HIV in rural communities.
Discover the vibrant intersection of tradition and modernity as we break down stigmas, foster resilience, and redefine artistic expression. Explore the impactful initiatives that cultivate self-acceptance, promote healing, and create sustainable employment opportunities for the future leaders of our community.
Join us in celebrating authenticity, resilience, and the boundless possibilities that art brings. Together, let’s paint a brighter future where every brushstroke tells a story of empowerment and pride.
About Us
Introduction:
Welcome to Ubugeni Bwomora, where art meets empowerment, healing, and opportunity. Our journey is rooted in a deep commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of Rwandan youth living with HIV.
Our Story:
At the heart of Ubugeni Bwomora is a story of passion, resilience, and a shared vision for a brighter future. Founded in 2023, our initiative emerged from the collaboration of Agape Ishimwe and Joyeuse Senga, driven by a common belief in the transformative power of art.
Our Vision
At Ubugeni Bwomora, we envision a world where the transformative work of art is a beacon of empowerment, healing, and opportunity, especially for youth living with HIV.
Our Mission
Ubugeni Bwomora is on a mission to actively engage and empower Rwandan youth aged 14-19 living with HIV in rural areas. Through impactful art initiatives, we cultivate self-acceptance, promote healing, and create sustainable employment opportunities.
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Our People!
Agape ishimwe
Agape the principal stakeholder and project coordinator in Rwanda, is a visual artist since 2018, primarily in acrylics. His recent portrait works involve highlighting female activists in Africa. He also transforms plastic containers(jerrycans) into “masks’ that resonate with African art, a comment on Western influences and the struggle of his society to stay authentic. He has worked as an art teacher and given private art lessons to children. His father was HIV positive and one of the first to publicly come out in his community and the church in the early 2000s. Agape is inspired to continue his father’s legacy by empowering adolescents living with HIV to live as their true selves in his community and beyond.
Joyeuse Senga
Joyeuse is a McGill Mastercard Foundation (MCF) Scholar. She is a recent graduate in the Master of Science in Public Health program and holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Health Sciences from Samford University. Joyeuse has worked as a Research Assistant on various community-based participatory research projects aiming to understand the impact of COVID-19 on immigrants and refugee communities in Montreal, Quebec. Joyeuse is also the co-founder of the Friends Career Center, a youth project empowering vulnerable young adults through mentorship, professional development, and vocational training scholarships.
Jean Nshimiyimana
Jean Nshimiyimana holds a bachelor’s degree in Development Studies focusing on Rural Community Development. He is an experienced expert with 8 years’ work in HIV-related projects from 2015 until now. Jean conducts HIV/AIDS workshops on trauma healing and Gender Based Violence prevention to the adults, youth and teenage mothers. He also trains people living with HIV on conducting saving groups and financial management. He also conducts community mobilization and training on HIV/AIDS and the role of faith-based organizations.
Gallery
Join us to make Impact!
Whether you’re an artist, supporter, or advocate, there are numerous ways to join the Ubugeni Bwomora community. Explore volunteer opportunities, make a donation, or connect with us on social media.