About Us
Driven by Compassion. Empowering Communities. Creating Lasting Impact.
A foundation built on compassion, action, and impact.
Jeannine and Emmanuel Foundation (JEF) is a public-interest, non-profit foundation established to promote community well-being, protect the environment, and support sustainable development across Rwanda.
Guided by values of human dignity, integrity, partnership and collaboration, social responsibility, and equity & inclusion, the Foundation works with vulnerable groups, including people with limited financial resources, women and children in poverty, youth, adolescents, and other socially disadvantaged groups.
JEF carries out activities in humanitarian support, environmental conservation, water resource management, education and vocational training, and community well-being initiatives, including sports, nutrition, and hygiene awareness. The Foundation collaborates with public institutions, private-sector partners, civil society, and community groups to implement projects that generate lasting social impact and contribute directly to Rwanda's development goals.
A Conversation About the Foundation
In this interview, the foundation shares its purpose, values, and commitment to lasting community impact in Rwanda.
Our Mission
To promote the well-being of communities, protect the environment, and support sustainable development.
Our Vision
A healthy, empowered, and environmentally responsible society where all people, especially the most vulnerable, have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to sustainable development.
Our Values
Integrity & Accountability
We act with transparency, responsibility, and ethical integrity in all our programmes, partnerships, and resource use.
Human Dignity
We place people at the heart of our work, promoting compassion, respect, and dignity for all individuals and communities we serve.
Social Responsibility
We are committed to positive social impact by acting responsibly, promoting ethical practices, and contributing to community well‑well-being.
Partnership & Collaboration
We work closely with communities, institutions, and development partners to deliver inclusive and locally driven solutions.
Equity & Inclusion
We ensure equal opportunities and meaningful participation for all, with special focus on women, youth, children, and vulnerable groups.
Meet the Team
Emmanuel NGENDAHAYO
Founder & Guardian
Dr. Marie Solange UWINEZA
President - Foundation Council
Father Maurice TUYIZERE
Vice President - Foundation Council
Pie UKURIKIYIMFURA
Treasurer - Foundation Council
Valerie ISHIMWE
Secretary - Foundation Council
Poliphile NIZEYIMANA
Advisor - Foundation Council
Janvier SINDIKUBWABO
Executive Secretary
Addressing Today's Challenges with Tomorrow's Solutions
Communities across Rwanda — particularly in areas like Rusizi District — face overlapping challenges: environmental degradation, water stress, limited educational and economic opportunities, and insufficient social protection for the most vulnerable. Jeannine and Emmanuel Foundation was created not to offer temporary relief, but to build lasting systems that empower communities to sustain their own progress long after our programmes conclude.
Community-First, Sustainability-Driven
- Bottom-up solutions — We design programs with communities, not just for them.
- Holistic sustainability — Every intervention is designed to create lasting change, not dependency.
- Protecting the vulnerable — Women, children, youth, and the elderly are at the center of all we do.
- Gender equality — We actively promote women’s participation and leadership in all programs.
- Inclusive management — Local voices shape how programs are run and measured.