BAHATI VANESSA

Vanessa is the founder of JORDAN FOUNDATION a nonprofit organization for change, support, and hope for visually impaired children in Rwanda.  

In 2015 Mrs. Bahati Vanessa and her husband received the devastating news that their fourth son was born blind and he would never be able to see. They tried to find the best possible care for their son in Rwanda and abroad! Through that process she realized that for blind children from poor families, the future looked particularly grim and she decided to act.

She reached out to other parents with blind children, consolers, teachers, authorities, friends and that is how JORDAN FOUNDATION was established named after her son Jordan Guy Hakiza. The foundation started without any sponsor, she used her own house to shelter the children where they were offered the right to education.

The Jordan Foundation is now located in Gasabo District/Kigali! It takes care of blind children between the age of 3-9 who come from poor families in RWANDA. The children are offered a safe space to live and have access to medical care and eye treatment and also other health services such as counseling, physiotherapy and nutrition.

Mrs. Bahati Vanessa’s commitment to empowering visual impaired children has gained her different awards where in March 2018, she was awarded by the US embassy Kigali as a woman of courage and in December 2018, she was awarded by Madam first lady of Rwanda as the young achiever and youth connect champion.

As the founder of Jordan Foundation, Mrs. Bahati Vanessa is driven by a strong desire to positively impact the lives of visually impaired children. With her vision, determination and boundless ambition, she aims to propel the Jordan Foundation to greater heights, ensuring that it becomes a beacon of hope and support for visually impaired children worldwide. With her at the helm, there’s no doubt that the future holds endless possibilities for the foundation and the countless lives it will touch.

RUSIKA SIBOMANA EMMANUEL

Emmanuel is qualified in Business Administration with Master’s Degree of Project Management and Bachelor Degree of Finance, with over 13 years’ experience in proven leadership of programs, projects, associations, Humanitarian club as well as local Administrative institutions towards community engagement.

His background and expertise as Executive Director is a key driver in comprehensive management through strategic planning, budgeting, financial management, transformational leadership, implementing long-term strategies, optimizing resources, fostering high-performance of intended goals with innovative initiatives that drive both growth and sustainability.

Being a proactive leader who has been building culture of accountability, commitment, integrity, shared success, inclusiveness, maximizing competency and performance; his contribution is obviously a vibrant key to the success of Jordan Foundation’s goals.

KUBWIMANA MARTIN

Martin is a highly accomplished triple-degree graduate, holding a Bachelor's in
Public Relations and Communications, an MA in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation, and
most recently, a degree in International Relations from the University of Warsaw.

With a wealth of experience in the NGO sector as a Corporate Communicator, Martin is adept at resolving
operational challenges and enhancing strategic communication across various platforms.
His expertise spans delinquency management, audience systems, program implementation, and
transitioning audiences to cutting-edge electronic and web-based solutions.

He also brings extensive experience in Project Management, academic research, and fundraising, ensuring the successful execution and growth of initiatives. Since 2018, Martin has been a key contributor at the Jordan Foundation Rwanda, where he has been instrumental in fundraising and project proposal drafting, leveraging his strong communication skills and strategic insight to drive organizational success.

MFURAYASE NORIS

Noris holds a Degree in Finance with skills from various accounting training opportunities; a driven accountant through trainings and practices with experience of 8 years in accounting, and payroll’s procedures for diverse organizations;

He possesses advanced knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles and practices with understanding of financial reports basing on applicable laws, regulations and  partners’ reporting formats;

In Addition to his is experience; the honest and trustworthy, respect, flexibility, cultural awareness and sensitivity proves his required support to the achievement of Jordan Foundation’s objectives.

ISIMBI MICHELLE

Michelle is a dedicated Public Relations professional with 8 years of experience in the field, having worked at Jordan Foundation since 2017. She holds a certificate in working with special needs children, focused on early intervention, from Royal Dutch Visio in the Netherlands.

She is deeply passionate about her work and committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children with special needs, particularly those who are blind, ensuring a brighter and better future for them.

JUSTINE IGIHOZO UWASE

Justine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Mass Media, and Communication. With experience in media as a news anchor, documentary producer, and talk show host, she has developed strong communication and organizational skills. Her background also includes marketing, social media management, and content creation, where she has connected with diverse audiences and implemented effective strategies.

As the Administrative Assistant and Logistics Officer at Jordan Foundation, Justine plays a key role in managing day-to-day operations and supporting the organization’s mission to provide education to blind children. Her commitment to humanitarian work, combined with her organizational expertise, makes her a valuable asset to the team.