I must confess I was excited to meet Israel who hails from Rwanda and if you are like me, you know that there is power in a name. Israel means may God prevail, to be strong and to have authority over.
I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo because my Family (grandparents) had settled here from Rwanda around 1959 -1962. I grew up in a very strict Christian family to a Bishop dad. I was a very shy yet overly curious boy.
At about the age of five, we moved back to Rwanda. My love for reading started then. You would find me buried in comics and cartoons such Tintin. I read the Bible from cover to cover several times which got me selected to lead Bible classes and quote scripture at schools.
At about the age of six or seven, curious Israel began discovering the world and joined bad company as a result of peer pressure. In high school, he became more self aware and developed his life principles. He also began writing as a journal Servir where he would review poetry, essays, albums and books.
When he joined upper level secondary school, he majored in Bio chemistry and Mathematics. He was in various leadership positions such as the head boy for two years in row. Israel initiated an annual initiative of collecting basic items for hundreds of poor people in hospitals. This initiative grew bigger than he had imagined and his school adopted it.
During his gap year, Israel by the help of his uncle bought a photocopy machine with the aim of raising pocket money. The project grew into engaging bright students in the community. The proceeds from the initiative would help support parliament, embassy visits and connect widely with like-minded young people. The initiative grew beyond his expectations and was registered officially as The Global Institute for Youth.
Bimpe joined The university of Rwanda to study Computer Science and Pharmacy. He is the brain behind MEDInspire, an initiative of the medicine students that involved organizing public lectures, training on public speaking, research methodologies, social media and debates. Their first guest was Professor Phil Cotton, the current vice Chancellor of the University.
Israel also formed My campus Hashout Program and contributed to the launch of Youth Connekt, a Government initiative to connect youth in different parts of the country and engaged in problem-solving discussions.
As president of the Rwanda Pharmaceutical Students' Association in 2014, I raised 20,000 pounds for a sexual and reproductive health project. I organized anti-diabetes and Tuberculosis awareness campaigns in prisons. I was appointed Chairperson of the African Regional Office and Vice President (Netherlands) in 2015. I spearheaded the Beautiful Beyond Color campaign during my tenure- that focused on skin bleaching and ran in the African Continent.
Israel is a renowned social media guru and a member of Global Shapers Community in Rwanda. Bimpe even emceed in the World Economic Forum “Visa Free Africa” held in Kigali early this year.
I emceed in the Community Conversations of the World Economic Forum on Africa and later shared the stage as a panelist with Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of African Union and Minister Louise Mushikiwabo, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In the discussion on mobility on the continent I called for a "Visa Free Africa". This was a huge deal for my speaking engagements and I loved it!
The Rwandan youth under the Kigali Global Shapers Hub, an arm of the Global Shapers community later started a campaign to remove visa requirements for Africans traveling to other African countries. This resulted to the “Visa Free Africa” project.
They also have massive support from the Rwandan President Paul Kagame who is engaging other African leaders on the same matter.
Bimpe has worked in the past and continues engaging with the Youth Literacy Organization to equip young writers by giving them platforms to showcase their talents through various forms of media.
Being selected for YALI was out of this World. There was especially this class with Mr. David Kamau on Africa and our potential as young African leaders that completely shifted my paradigms and changed my life.
This encouragement pushed me to vie and get selected for office as the president of the International pharmaceutical Student Federation. Our headquarters are at the Hague. We have 350,000 students in attendance from over 90 countries around the world.
I made great connections with young African leaders from various countries who are fearlessly transforming their communities.
Young African leaders must sacrifice and take Africa to the next level even if it means to the point of death. We must equip ourselves with skills, knowledge and look at global interactions for better and faster growth.
Israel’s vision is to occupy a corner office at the World Health Organization in the near future. He is currently diving in the pool of knowledge, skills and networks. He also loves listening to podcasts, juicy burgers made anyhow, basketball and swimming.
