OUR BACKGROUND
THE IDEA.
The genesis of this initiative dates back to 2016 when Joel, then 15 years old in his native country, Burundi, identified a critical need within the education system. Upon conducting a comprehensive examination of UNESCO and its global role, he recognized the alignment of its values with those he envisioned for the club. The impetus for this endeavor arose from Joel's observation that his peers struggled to articulate themselves in French due to doubt and fear.
In response, he established a group dedicated to enhancing language skills, subsequently elevating its purpose to not only foster linguistic proficiency but also to empower learners to engage with global affairs and issues impacting their nation.
History
Educational Empowerment through Research
Joel passionately advocates for the transformative power of research and global literature in encouraging learning and language skill development. Beyond linguistic enhancement, the club strives to cultivate self-confidence, leadership, and publicspeaking skills among its members. Recognizing the potential of the club to stimulate networking with other organizations and schools, Joel envisions hosting talks on pertinent issues and organizing competitions to further enrich the learning experience. Despite his relocation to South Africa, Joel remains committed to the ideals of interactive and participative learning.
Evolution and Vision for SOH UNESCO
Since 2020
Expansion Beyond School Boundaries
2022
Combining elements from UNESCO and Genie en Herbe (Budding Genius), Joel shaped his vision for SOH UNESCO, a club operational at the School of Hope since 2020.
Driven by the club's impactful contributions within the school, Joel sought to extend its influence beyond educational confines. In 2022, he actively sought individuals to support his vision outside the school environment and successfully enlisted the support of five enthusiastic collaborators: Vizo Mdwara, Songezo Ngxabani, Dr. Denis Okovo, and Wayne Omollo.
Establishment of Yuniversal Changemakers
January 23, 2023
On January 23, 2023, Joel formalized the club's status as a non-profit organization, albeit pending registration. Rebranded as Yuniversal Changemakers, symbolizing youth through the letter Y, the organization has positively impacted the Mowbray community. Over 15 young individuals, aged 10 to 17, have benefited from programs such as chess, public speaking, and debate.
Continued Impact and Reach
Even as Joel embarked on this new chapter, he remained dedicated to his previous school, offering Yuniversal Changemakers' programs during school breaks at the School of Hope. The endeavor continues to leave a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals, contributing to their holistic development.
Sir Patrick Lewis
Project Manager and Principal of the School of Hope
"I am Sir Patrick Lewis, the Project Manager and Principal of the School of Hope. It's my pleasure to share with you our journey and collaboration with Yuniversal Changemakers, a transformative force in education.
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For the past, I've had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact of Yuniversal Changemakers' programs on our learners. Introduced to us by Benis-Joel Baraka Hazigamimana, the Founder and CEO, their initiatives, including Debate Training, Chess Classes Training, and Public Speaking Training, have ignited a new level of commitment and passion among our students. These activities not only equip them with essential skills but also foster a spirit of competition and collaboration.
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In my capacity as Principal, I can confidently say that the quality of service provided by Yuniversal Changemakers is exceptional. With unwavering commitment and dedication, Joel and his team have earned a resounding 5/5 rating from us. I wholeheartedly recommend their programs to other educational institutions, believing in their potential for widespread impact and growth.
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Looking ahead, we envision a future where the School of Hope continues to flourish, building upon the strong foundations laid by Yuniversal Changemakers. As we embark on phase 2 of our collaboration, we are excited about the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.
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On a personal note, I would rate the impact of Yuniversal Changemakers on our school and students' development at a commendable 9 out of 10. Our partnership with them has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey of growth and empowerment together.
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Thank you for your interest and support in our endeavours. Together, we can create a brighter future for our learners and communities."