Day 7: Stepping Into Leadership Through Teaching
Monday, May 18th, 2026
Today marks one full week in Rwanda and the beginning of an exciting new chapter of this journey. After spending the past several days learning about Rwanda’s history, culture, and people, we officially kicked off our project management training program!
Today’s session focused introducing the participants to the fundamentals of project management. We discussed what project management is, why organizations use it, and how structured project management practices can help individuals and communities achieve meaningful goals. We also provided an overview of project management certifications and the opportunities that these skills can create professionally and personally.
What made today’s training especially meaningful was learning more about the participants themselves. Many of the individuals in our class are affiliated with GAERG and Aegis Trust and are already involved in nonprofit initiatives and community development efforts throughout Rwanda. Rather than teaching individuals with no experience, we are working with people who are actively serving their communities and leading programs that are making a difference in the lives of others. Knowing that the project management skills shared this week may help strengthen and expand their impact makes this opportunity even more rewarding.
One of the most unexpected moments of the day came when I learned that I was the only person in our Mercer student group who currently holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, along with Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Green Belt, and Black Belt certifications. As a result of my background and credentials, our Professor, Dr. Musonera asked me to take a co-lead role in teaching the project management content. I was both surprised and honored by the opportunity. Throughout my career, I have spent countless hours studying, earning certifications, leading projects, and developing professionally. Standing in front of the classroom today reminded me that the true value of knowledge is not in possessing it, but sharing it with others. What once began as personal and professional development has not become an opportunity to help others gain skills that could positively impact their careers, organizations, and communities. I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences that have prepared me for this moment.
I am genuinely excited to spend time with this group over the coming days. Beyond teaching project management concepts, I look forward to hearing their stories, learning about their experiences, and understanding unique challenges and opportunities they encounter in their work. One of the most valuable parts of this experience has been the exchange of ideas and perspectives. While we have come to Rwanda to reach and serve, I am finding that I am learning just as much from the people we meet as they may learn from us.
