INUMA safe water mini-grids are accelerating change to solve the water crisis. With safe, affordable, reliable and convenient access, families and communities experience a better, more relaxed experience. Learn more in this video.
#WWD23
#WWD2023
#Water
#Change
I am still blown away that we actually won!!!!! This was such an unreal moment for me and
@WaterRwanda
I am still overwhelmed with Gratitude.
Super super Grateful to God, my team, my family, all of you who voted and supported, and
@CiscoCSR
and
@GlblCtzn
for making it possible.
“The work we do, keeping the water running for hundreds of thousands — we’re going to scale to millions.”
@Cisco
Youth Leadership Award winner Christelle Kwizera is inspirational. Learn about her and her organization,
@WaterRwanda
, in this interview with
@NickJonas
for
#GCPrize
.
Few years back, I had this notion that I needed $50k to build a factory. I even pitched to investors with that in mind & was laughed at😅
With Multiples of that number spent, the new home of
@waterRwanda
is almost done.
Reminder to have the courage to fail, learn and keep going
Happiest of birthdays to our
@FirstLadyRwanda
!
A mother to the nation, a duty she handles with honor, dedication and with such a joyful soul.
Thank you for being an inspiration for every young girl in Rwanda and handholding us through the great task of building our nation.
To the next person who will marvel that I am still riding on a moto after winning that money: your business can be rich and full of value while your personal life is not. Also, motos are a good way to beat traffic when it is not raining. My business needs a car, I don’t yet.
Thanks to everyone watching and praying at home and to my
@waterrwanda
staff who made sure we made it here!
God is amazing. I couldn’t have hoped for a better 15 minutes.
@AFNetpreneurs
#ANPI2019
I’ll never regret taking the dive so early in life and with so little experience. Many failures along the way. today, this is a new beginning. a more focused beginning. Can’t wait to live up to the potential the judges saw in me.
#Grateful
At just 25 years old, Christelle of
@waterrwanda
has been forging forward for five years already. Getting a top spot at
#ANPI2019
already means she’s taken a big step toward success.
#LookingForHeroes
Umva!
Birarenze
Byandenze
Turarenze
This man is......everything 😇
Every moment this week has been a showcase of how
#RwandaWorks
We have him to thank for all.
#ThankYou
Mr President
@PaulKagame
and Strive Masiyiwa for such an inspiring afternoon. Knowing how tough you both usually are and seeing the belief you have in us is energizing. Couldn’t have wished for a better conclusion to my 25th year.
Our team just finished connecting 54 households on a new minigrid. All with safe drinkable water and all with smart prepaid meters.
Talk about December flexes !
Back in beautiful Kigali a few dollars heavier 😊 Everyone’s outpouring support is a great encouragement.
I absolutely love how we Rwandans win together and it’s an honor to carry the flag.
#RWOT
What did I miss?
As a student and now an owner, unpaid internships/apprenticeships still don't make sense to me.
Paid ones represent such a tiny % of payroll but mean the world to the trainees. It is also the difference in if you can attract trainees from vulnerable/underprivileged backgrounds.
The most discouraging part of being a social entrepreneur in your own country has got to be to witness how foreigners who "come to help" with lesser solutions get it so much easier. :(
Unfortunately the only way to challenge is to keep going.
The postponing of CHOGM is a real blow to businesses in Kigali that were investing heavily to get ready.
This pandemic continues to kill dreams. However, we must fully support all efforts to curb it for that light at the end of the tunnel.
Let's stay safe and sane.
Thank you for this great honor and recognition. It means a lot to receive it amid one of the most uncertain times for humanity. More wind beneath
@WaterRwanda
wings. Congratulations to my team for getting us here.
Congratulations to Christelle Kwizera on winning the Commonwealth Points of Light award in Rwanda. Ms Kwizera is recognised by Her Majesty The Queen for her outstanding work to promote positive change and helping to provide access to water for thousands of Rwandans.
@omardaair
Despite all the setbacks this year, all staff at
@WaterRwanda
now have a comprehensive medical insurance. From water sellers to managers, EVERYONE. We shouldn't just stop at creating jobs, but go extra to create descent jobs.
#milestones
Everyone deserves safe water.
Including remote communities like Kivusha. Glad to bring to a close our journey with this community from lake water to now having piped water in their community.
This year is the second National Leadership Retreat where private sector is invited, not just the recognizable captains of industries but young entrepreneurs. Also several young professionals and youth thoughtleaders. Excited for
#Umwiherero2020
#RwandaWorks
As a way to give back this year, I will be dedicating 2 slots a month this year to mentor 3 aspiring social entrepreneurs.
I don't have all the answers or only correct ones, bt I hold a treasure throve of resources & past wins/fails that will be helpful for the right people.
So proud of our team. We have now reached 160 households covering around 829 people and two schools!
Nowhere near where we need to be but small steady steps in a long journey and we will get there!
Time unlocked just like that. Our customer's day will no longer have to include walking for water with a baby on her back!
Can you feel the joy? the transformation?
learn more :
So 5 years ago at the height of my second worse Pemphigus flare, on more than 80mg daily prednisone doses, methotrexate and some other crazy medicines.... functioning on 3 good days per week, I managed to graduate.
Brings back so many negative memories. This is how far back we are taught to think of our curly hair as dirt. What did I gain from being sent back home because a pencil could stick in my hair!?
And then we wonder why antibleaching campaigns don't work. Let black hair be.
So excited to be included among 100 women leaders using our
#powertoEMPOWER
in the new book,
@VitalVoices
: 100 Women Using their Power to Empower. Get your copy
& see a familiar face!
Edited by
@alysenelson
, art by
@GayleKabaker
, published by Assouline.
Congratulations to 🇷🇼social activist Christelle Kwizera 🙌🏿 Christelle has been recognised by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her exceptional voluntary service providing clean water to over 100,000 Rwandans.
Good news!
Due to successes in past joint projects, one of our recurring client partner just renewed commitments and is looking at scaling with us to their other countries.
We continue transitioning to scale
@WaterRwanda
#SlayingByGrace
Feminine hygiene products are as essential in restrooms as is toilet paper. Thank you
@Stafford_Coffee
for leading the way as the first proper road stop in Rwanda.
Climate injustice is the fact that Rwanda didn't contribute to climate change, but now has to face heavier and heavier rainfalls and increased temperatures moving forward. Without enough resources to adapt, the cost to our people is enormous and will continue to grow. 😢
So thankful!
I reached out to friends and family to help feed 135families in my village. The response has been awesome and we’re excited to receive the first round of supplies: enough to feed 19 families for a week! There is still needs, if you want to help let me know.
#COVID19
Still unbelievable! thank you
@johnlegend
thank you
@GlblCtzn
Check out our work
@WaterRwanda
and learn about how we are transforming access to piped safe water for the bottom of the pyramid.
"Why do you stay in prison when the door is so wide open?" - Rumi
A thought for women out there keeping harmful traditions against other women alive.
May you have the courage to let others live without the wounds you experienced yourself.
20,000 new classrooms to be built in Rwanda for student school comeback! All of them need water for handwashing and drinking. We need to step up our programs for water in schools. September is the final deadline. solutions unrolling
@WaterRwanda
Ending the year on some good vibes. Of our 81 staff, 40 are women
This always matters to me since we're in a field where a lot of companies insist on hiring only one gender. Women are this, women are not this.... excuses will always be there, but doers just do. And it's not hard.
#Rwanda
#Youth
: let’s be bolder in calling out mediocrity and exposing corruption and corruptive behaviors. Let’s make sure our generation won’t respond with silence and the likes of “sinshaka kwiteranya.”
keep it coming
#RwoT
Make the best decision with the information you have today.
Don't regret it later when new information emerges, but be humble enough to change course if still possible.
The many comments on this prove that the intent has worked: many think black kinky hair is dirty, tha letting it grow out is not clean and would makes us stupid.
Please stop telling kids they need to hide their blackness to be successful in the world. Stop teaching self hate.
I love the look of Rwandans dressed by Rwandan designers. So elegant! So afrofuturistic.
It makes a statement on the kind of people we are: proudly carrying our heritage into a modern world.
Almost fled out of the room yesterday morning when I arrived in Kibuye for our
@waterrwanda
company
#retreat
. I mean I know the numbers but this is a lot of people. From 5 in 2014 to 61 currently!
My birthday always reminds me what a special group if friends I am blessed to have. Ppl close to my heart who pray, encourage and help. Some even skip heartbeats while they hold fingers crossed for me.
I truly appreciate you!
May the almighty shower blessings on You!
#grateful
Hey
#RWOT
My sisters and mum partnered to bring you
@RimbaStyle
As a plus size, it was important to me to create clothing that cather to all sizes and makes curvy figures shine with elegance. All for an affordable price! Shop RIMBA today from RWF12,500
Today my long term friend and social entrepreneur model
@GayatriDatar
(founder
@EarthEnable
) joined our board
@WaterRwanda
.
Super excited for what she brings on the table and how her skills and knowledge will push us forward to our 2030 vision.
I asked one of my favorite team members for feedback today. She asked for less internal meetings! mind you she only has 2 such meetings/week.
She is laser-focused on customers. She grew from 20 transactions/day to 400+. Never late on a report and really gets who the boss is. 1/
Crazy to remember, but for the past three years I spent my birthday in a room pitching
@WaterRwanda
.They all ended in victory. First birthday I am taking the day off, while I also wait on important decisions to be made.
We've come so far!
From the current reach of 70,000 people serviced daily via its safe water mini-grids,
@WaterRwanda
is setting high ambitions to service at least 30 million people in the next 10 years and create over 13,000 jobs.
Hey twitter fam,
Please pray fod mom
@dnyirasafali
who is due for surgery 2mrw. She is in capable hands with a great surgeon who has access to high end precision equipment appropriate for the procedure. We trust the ultimate doctor Jesus for healing and ask you join in prayer.
Truly inspirational!!!
Beyond his personal achievements,
@AGumyusenge
is investing back into his community. His home village has safe water now thanks to a system he sponsored with
@WaterRwanda
Ntitwibagirwa iwacu
#heroes
US-based Rwandan researcher, Prof. Aristide Gumyusenge, has been appointed as a professor at the
@MIT
, in the department of materials science.
He is the only black faculty member in the department.
1st step to conquering stage fright is accepting that it happens.
I still get jittery before presentations, but it no longer bothers me. I realized that I was my worst judge and no one else could tell my stage voice is “shaky”
Don’t be scared to share all your great work!
Had a super energizing morning sharing and learning about all the moves entrepreneurs are making to make this time, Africa’s time!
Love the
@africa_heroes
community. Always inspiring
#itsourtime
Thankful to everyone who made my birthday extra special. Your good wishes, sweet messages and care truly made it special. Cheers to another year filled with memorable moments of love, friendship and laughter.
To Rwandans who graduated from aboard and looking for jobs. Many startups and private sector organizations hiring and can’t find talent. Contact me for any help locating them.
@WaterRwanda
looking for good people too!
#rwot
#MeetthePresident
Natwe we complain ko twababuze!
So thankful for platforms like
#RPFYouthLeague
where our challenges are expressed and result in tangible actions. This is Accountable Leadership.
@rpfinkotanyi
As an entrepreneur, being able to answer how you're doing without mentioning your business is tough. How your business is doing affects your mood. Now with COVID19, please check on your entrepreneur buddies.
I am struggling between being thankful for measures that protect us from COVID19 and the pain from losses and businesses closing. I feel both, I wish there was a middle ground.
This pandemic is destroying dreams.
Did the Kamiranzovu waterfall hike this morning in Nyungwe.
So worth it guys. It wasn't easy, I struggled heavily on the way back but the guide was so helpful.
We spotted a few monkeys and birds too! Totally recommend.
Will post pictures later.
So for $2k I'll be named a top 10 Influential woman leader of 2022!
Some of these lists are a joke, and they discredit the real lists that recognize actual achievements.
(1) As a 25 year old
However burdening to think that it is written in my DNA, that the Genocide against the Tutsi happened, and my Rwandan ancestors let divisionism and dehumanization reign in Rda.
I can’t run from that history. But that history is not my inheritance.
#Kwibuk25
Without customers, your business is nothing.
These diamonds in the rough are really out there. Obstinately look for them and let them grow with you.
#Startups
#RWOT
End of thread
Love all, especially those who hurt you.
Remember that our father hates the sin but loves the sinner. If we are truly Christian, and carry God in our hearts, then it is this kind of love we should be carrying.
#SundayReading
#LentSeasonIsHere
Let’s be the generation that protects our country’s current and destined prosperity. We should not be stuck on ground when we are meant to fly.
Let’s expose all those who may, for selfish gains, condemn us to fail the next generation and not achieve vision 2050.
#Umwiherero2020
Thank you everyone for your prayers. Surgery took longer than planned but all went WELL by God's grace.
She's slowly waking up, and is already responsive.
Hey twitter fam,
Please pray fod mom
@dnyirasafali
who is due for surgery 2mrw. She is in capable hands with a great surgeon who has access to high end precision equipment appropriate for the procedure. We trust the ultimate doctor Jesus for healing and ask you join in prayer.
Some youths are letting their lives pass them by as they wait on a visa approval and papers to stay in western countries. This is sad and a huge loss for everyone.
Round two! Supplies for 99+ people grouped in 16 households. This time the focus was on big households.
So thankful for everyone who gave for this to happen.
#COVID19
So far 36 families in my village supported on top of Government’s food distribution.
#GUMAMURUGO
So grateful for the world opening up again and the opportunity to meet great women we connected online during the heavy lockdowns. Bumped into
@rehmah1
who co authored the
#SheroesOfCovid19
book that featured me at the
#VVHQ
opening.
I am learning so much about patience. My prayer today is to see the beauty of labouring and not seeing immediate results. As someone who dreams and envisions a lot, I can easily see it as happening already. I get annoyed at all the obstacles along the way.
Meet Patricia Johnson (middle).This lady completely changed my life 🥰. It was so great finally meet in person after she mentored me through 2020 and unlocked soooo much in my leadership both professionally and personally.
2020 was a tough year, but one that brought our core strengths to the surface and sharply focused us on : water and jobs. We kept taps open, we kept jobs. It's time to take it to another level and grow towards our 2030 vision.
Cheers 🥂
Never thought I’d receive another nickname this late in life, but I shall henceforth accept to be known as “christelle Nyirabayazana”
So excited for July!
I am always grateful 4 the opportunities I got as a girl. They seem abnormally high as more girls were denied the same, & that is why I work hard to create new normals for girls, filled with equal chances & opportunities to work 4 the future they dream of.
#DayOfTheGirl
As you scale and grow your startup, you need clarity that helps you stay 3 or more steps ahead of your team in terms of to-dos.
This makes the next steps smoother for everyone. Ability to do this is the one absolute strength you should look for in your operational lead.
Kudos to whoever wrote the current draft of the Tech-Enabled Innovation Policy. Reads like a great speech or manifesto. " dense and simple" for sure. If it is passed and all its pillars implemented swiftly, the Rwandan startup ecosystem will surely Thrive.
@RwandaICT
The fear of failure is a great motivator to work hard and avoid failure.
As a founder, that fear becomes real as you grow. Failure is no longer the death of your dream, but the dreams of your team, their livelihoods and everyone you inspired.
So wake up, work hard, succeed!
Rest in peace Desdmond Tutu,
The world has lost a strong voice for the voiceless.
I'll always remember the first time we met, you made me laugh on our first interaction with your good humour and endless bag of jokes.
So overwhelmed by all the love and support! I have been brought to tears several times today. Thank you thank you extra thank you.
Voting is till Tuesday next week, WE CAN DO THIS!
What an exciting day! Excited to begin another term of “Umuturage ku Isonga” under President Paul Kagame’s exceptional leadership.
#KagameInauguration2024
The work we do
@waterRwanda
is extremely important. It saves loves, breaks the cycle of poverty and guarantees dignity. I am extremely grateful to be featured in the
#SHEROESofCOVID
illustrated children's book.
Here is an excerpt. Launch and other details to follow.
#spreadhope
A terrifying thread of ongoing atrocities against Tutsi in DRC. Yet again the world watches… what is the meaning of repeating never again slogans when we still fail to act as another Genocide is happening and hatred is being sowed for more killings ?!
@UNOSAPG
DRC ,La chronique du Genocide:
In June 2022 ,a Congolese Tutsi Mr Semutobo was burned and eaten by extremists in Kalima,Maniema province .At the time they recorded themselves, chewing his Flesh with bread , no one was arrested,even thou that barbarism echoed from Congo to Paris
I'm back!! My account was finally unlocked.
I didn't get to personally thank so many of you following
@GlblCtzn
Award. I read your tweets from outside and I am still extremely grateful.
The account is back in time for all the updates on the great work we have planned in 2021.
In other good news, proud to announce
@WaterRwanda
is now a registered investor for our planned expansions.
Everyday feels like the end or the beginning of great things. So far the team has managed more wins than losses. We soldier on by God's mercy,
#SlayingByGrace
"Unless we change the business world, nothing is going to change. We have to change it and create a new business to save the world"
Throwback to finally meeting
@Yunus_Centre
, He is the first social entrepreneur I read about in detail, this has shaped me in many ways.