What starts as a simple classroom idea can quickly turn into an international journey. For four Rwanda Coding Academy students, team AgroHaven became their ticket to building real leadership skills and representing Rwanda on Africa’s biggest student entrepreneurship stage.
Below, the four team members reflect on their standout moments with JA Africa and the JA Africa Company of the Year 2025.
Kevine Ihimbazwe: Unlocking Proactive Leadership
Before joining JA in Rwanda, Kevine preferred working quietly behind the scenes, far from team leadership or public presentations. Stepping into the program pushed her outside her comfort zone, building her confidence and teaching her to embrace opportunities head-on.
Beyond business skills, the program opened doors to international travel, including attending the Delta Air Lines Girls Lead Camp in Ghana, where she built lasting connections with an inspiring community of young female African leaders.
“If you are hesitating to join JA in school, please join it. You will gain more skills, meet amazing friends, and have all these discoveries you never knew about yourself.” Kevine Ihimbazwe
Kevine Ihimbazwe
Kendy Gisa: From Tech Enthusiast to Award-Winning Entrepreneur
While Kendy always loved technology, leading a company and speaking in public felt daunting. Through AgroHaven, Kendy developed critical skills in entrepreneurship, communication, and teamwork while learning to turn raw code into scalable business solutions.
A major milestone was representing Rwanda at the JA Africa Company of the Year Competition in Nigeria, where the team received the Delta Air Lines Girls Lead Award.
“JA has inspired me to pursue a future in technology and entrepreneurship… If you are looking into joining JA, please go for it 100%. It is a life-changing decision.” – Kendy Gisa
Kendy Gisa
Ange Kevine: Taking Ownership of Community Challenges
For Ange, the biggest lesson from the JA journey was responsibility. Rather than waiting for others to address community issues, Ange learned to take action, develop solutions, and collaborate toward a shared goal.
The supportive environment empowered Ange to speak up, make decisions, and feel valued as an innovator.
“I realized that when I see a challenge in my community, I should not wait for someone else to solve it. I should think about what I can do in order to start.” – Ange Kevine
Ange Kevine
Hirwa’s Response: Transforming Ideas into Impact as CMO
As Chief Marketing Officer, Hirwa Reponse had plenty of ideas but needed a platform to execute them. Building the AgroHaven brand required stepping out of comfort zones, working closely with the team, and honing public speaking skills.
The most unforgettable moment? Watching people connect with AgroHaven’s vision and seeing their product come to life.
“JA isn’t just a program; it’s a launchpad for your potential. To any student out there thinking about joining, stop thinking, just do it.” – Hirwa Reponse, CMO
Hirwa Reponse
