Bujumbura based entrepreneur, Aniella Niyondiko talks to us about her role in contributing to the environment in Bujumbura.
- You are an administrator in a Business law firm and at the same time an environmental activist, how do you do it?
Life has been a great adventure for me. After high school, I was quite the singer and the actress. Well, I still sing in the choir in church which I enjoy very much thanks to my brother who discovered my talent.
The daily choices I made since child hood till now together with the side passion projects I have embarked on, led me to this career and job. I studied Communication Sciences at the University Lumiere De Bujumbura. This equipped me with great skills that help me lead better in my current job. It also led to exploring my community and discovering my passion as an environmental activist. My eyes were opened to the litter, waste in the streets, pollution. I decided that this would not happen under my watch.
- How do you thrive in this position and as a woman?
It is not easy because I have to balance between motherhood and work. What keeps me going though is my resilience, I have to be above average. I have to ensure I contribute in building my community where I can. We are all called to help others, to make our communities thrive. I will not sit down and watch things happen, I will be part of making them happen.
- You were selected for the Young African Leadership Initiative- which was how we met. How was the YALI experience for you?
I had doubts about how I would help my community in environmental challenges but the YALI opportunity has confirmed that I am capable. That I am a success in the little I have done. I feel equipped, ready to take Bujumbura to the next level, to work with other Africans and build the mother continent.
- Any Last words?
Stop talking and start doing! Invest in family and friends. Every single time I see my son and daughter playing, I am reminded how valuable family is. They make me feel super fulfilled and ready to concur the world.
