About Us
Education and Opportunity for All
Sheer Love Rwanda (SLR) officially started on December 25, 2017, at a Christmas gathering. The founder, Alexis (Amani) Simbayobewe, used to share his special days and events with street children from the community. At this time, he realized that there was a need to have smiling faces in those children forever. He announced that they were going to start a program for those children so that in the future they could go to school.
From Christmas 2017, SLR was born. At the first gathering, the children shared snacks and learned more about ethical behaviors and living a life that has a vision. Of course, the children did not accept it right from there; it took time and patience to come into their beliefs. Some of the children were staying on the streets, but with motivation and teaching about loving their parents and families, they were reunited with their with their parents or guardians.
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Today, SLR has expanded to support 50 children and counting. Achieving this requires collaboration between local government, parents or guardians, and SLR. As a result, the children have safe and supportive families with a community that values them. They are pursuing their dreams through education.
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The children are now changing the narrative of street life. They are aspiring to become lawyers, teachers, doctors, engineers, and so many others.
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Meet Our Staff
Meet the incredible individuals comprising the heart of Sheer Love Rwanda, a non-profit dedicated to transformative change. Our skilled and compassionate staff members bring a wealth of experience in community development, education, and healthcare, tirelessly working towards empowering Rwandan communities. Together, we strive to make a lasting impact and create a better tomorrow for all.
Alexis Amani Simbayobewe
CEO and Founder
Alexis, a Southern New Hampshire University graduate, completed the Watson Institute semester accelerator program in fall 2021. Having experienced five years living on the streets, he considers himself fortunate to have escaped that life and pursued education. His aspiration is to extend similar opportunities to other street children, aiming to help them realize their dreams. Alexis finds joy and excitement in Sheer Love Rwanda's commitment to offering children and families in Kigali the chance for a brighter future.
James Mugarura
CFO and Founder
James is the SLR programs director, accountant, and HR lead. He is also a social entrepreneur; developing and initiating sustainable project ideas, he has ensured that the organization can subsidize costs for underprivileged children and provide free education to those in need, making quality education accessible to all SLR supported children.
Believing in transformational change and having unwavering commitment to ethics and servant leadership, James has transformed the lives of countless former street children and set a powerful example of how one’s determination and compassion can create lasting change.
Oscar
Teacher
As a dedicated student teacher at SLR, Oscar is committed to fostering a nurturing educational environment for every child's growth and development. Passionate about empowering young minds, he strives to inspire a love for learning while supporting each student's unique journey towards success. With a heart devoted to education and mentorship, he aims to make a positive impact on the lives of the children he teaches.
Brave
Finance and Communication Intern
Brave is an intern at SLR and a student at Southern New Hampshire University. Brave leverages his skills in financial management and operations he has acquired in over 3 years experience in accounting to support the organization's mission. His passion for helping street kids return to school and his dedication to making a meaningful impact in the community drive his work at Sheer Love Rwanda, making him a vital asset to the team as we strive to create positive change in the community.
Meet Our Board
Welcome to the dedicated and passionate board members of Sheer Love Rwanda, a non-profit committed to empowering communities. Our diverse and devoted team brings expertise in humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and advocacy, working collaboratively towards a brighter future for Rwanda. Join us in our mission to foster positive change and uplift lives across the nation.
Kevin
Board Chairman
Bringing invaluable financial expertise to Sheer Love Rwanda's board, Kevin, a seasoned financial advisor, champions strategic planning and fiscal responsibility. With a passion for philanthropy, he merges his financial acumen with a dedication to advancing the organization's mission. Kevin commitment lies in ensuring sound financial governance, enabling impactful initiatives for the community's betterment.
Neil
Board Vice Chairman
As a pivotal figure on Sheer Love Rwanda's board, Neil, a seasoned fundraising advisor, orchestrates strategic campaigns to propel the organization's mission forward. With a passion for cultivating partnerships and mobilizing resources, he drives sustainable initiatives that uplift the community. Neil's expertise in fundraising and dedication to social causes fuel the organization's endeavors in creating lasting, positive change.
Megan
Board Treasurer
Megan serves as the Treasurer of the Sheer Love Rwanda Board. She first met Amani while interning in Kigali, Rwanda, where she was deeply inspired by his dedication to empowering local communities. With a strong background in engineering and project management, Megan brings a wealth of organizational and analytical expertise to her role. Her experience in managing complex projects ensures that Sheer Love Rwanda’s financial strategies are both efficient and transparent.
Passionate about sustainable development in Rwanda, Megan is committed to leveraging her skills to support the organization’s long-term success and impact.
Teal
Board Secretary
Teal is an electrical engineer with extensive experience at several large tech companies, where hehave seen firsthand the significant impact these organizations can have on the world, particularly in the realm of social responsibility. At each of their employers, Teal has taken on leadership roles in community involvement efforts. In 2018, he worked with Engineers Without Borders in a small community in Rwanda, where he met Amani. Teal actively supports SLR by optimizing matching donations and ensuring the organization is registered with platforms like Benevity to receive matched contributions. Committed to SLR long-term, Teal plans to gradually increase their involvement as their career, family, and financial stability grow. As a close friend of Amani, he has a deep affection for the children of SLR and a passion for their education and success.
Divya
Board Member
​Leveraging a wealth of marketing expertise, Divya, a dynamic marketing advisor on Sheer Love Rwanda's board, drives impactful promotional strategies for community engagement. Her innovative approaches and keen insight into audience outreach play a crucial role in amplifying the organization's mission. Divya's passion for utilizing marketing as a catalyst for social change empowers Sheer Love Rwanda's endeavors in making a meaningful difference in Rwandan communities.
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Melissa
Sponsorship & Mentorship
Melissa is originally from the United States but has spent the majority of her adult life living abroad in countries such as Thailand, Iraq, and Hungary. With a lifelong dedication to serving others, Melissa believes that her true purpose lies in making a positive impact in the world.
A deep passion for social change motivated Melissa to join SLR, drawn by Rwanda’s unique history and its efforts toward reconciliation and development. Being part of an organization that uplifts communities and promotes sustainable development aligns perfectly with her commitment to contributing to meaningful, transformative work.
For Melissa, joining SLR is about more than service—it's about being part of a movement toward a brighter future for Rwanda's people and communities. The opportunity to contribute, even in small ways, to the country’s ongoing journey toward peace, prosperity, and sustainability is a powerful motivator and a source of immense personal fulfillment.
