Past Featured PROGRAM
360 Deep Dive Rwanda
360-degree deep dive into Rwanda’s fast-growing green economy and groundbreaking sustainable development ecosystem
A hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Africa, Rwanda is known for its spectacular natural beauty, endless mountains, and national parks protecting rich montane rainforests.
Sustainability
In recent years, the country has also become synonymous with fast growth, technological innovation and sustainability. From 2001 to 2014, Rwanda’s average annual GDP grew at an average annual rate of 8%; international leaders hailed Rwanda’s rapid development as Africa’s “economic miracle.” The Rwandan government has developed an innovative green energy development plan, proposing ambitious development goals around energy diversification, a green economy and civic participation in environmental protection.
The project will lead you to the Rwandan capital of Kigali, around the Virunga mountains and through rainforests to gain first-hand insight into green development, technological innovation, and environmental entrepreneurship. Through roundtable discussions and field visits with local governments and innovative companies, and immersion with local communities, we will dive into the future of sustainable development for the world’s fastest-growing economies.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Student Leaders
Undergraduate or graduate students with a drive to tackle social or environmental issues, build international networks, and gain hands-on experience. Build professional career prospectives in finance, sustainability, impact investing, international development, entrepreneurship, and more.
Young Professionals
Young professionals looking for an opportunity to change careers paths, grow their networks, or deepen skillsets related to investment due diligence, impact evaluation, team building, negotiation, collective decision-making and more.
Rising Entrepreneurs
Young entrepreneurs seeking to deepen their experience and connections in China’s social innovation space. Reflect, gain perspective and find collaborators to grow an enterprise while engaging in peer learning.
PROGRAM’S HIGHLIGHTS
Advanced Course
Through online curriculum materials from Columbia University, workshops with the Akilah Institute, and roundtables with local entrepreneurs, government and academics, explore different perspectives on this question: how do we support economic growth sustainably?
Meet Innovative Changemakers
Field visits to some of the world’s most innoative sustainbility companies, including Zipline, the world’s only drone delivery system; BBOXX, one of the world’s fastest-growing solar energy companies.
Local Immersion
Spend two nights with a family in a Kigali homestay. Experience Rwanda’s rich biodiversity with day-hikes in the Virunga Mountains, where some of the world’s last remaining mountain gorilllas hide, and Lake Kiva Forest, an area rated the highest priority for forest conservation in Africa.
Service Learning
Participate in Umuganda, a nation-wide day of service with a local Kigali neighborhood and reflect on how communities foster collective responsibility.
Design Business Strategies And Policies
Work with local entrepreneurs, coffee growers, and ecotourism companies to design strategies for scale and engage with changing China-Africa narratives. Discuss Rwanda’s Vision2020 with officials at the national government’s International Growth Centre.
PERKS
Sustainable Development Certificate
Earn a certificate recognizing your training and skills in sustainability and development. Recommendation letters available for exceptional participants.
PIM Global Community
Join our global community of young leaders (including the United Nations, Forbes, World Economic Forum and other outstanding youth organizations) to find peers who share a mission for social impact.
Access To PIM Resources
Continue to access mentorship, professional development opportunities and networks for social impact through PIM’s global network. As a community, apply skills to lead mission-driven investments and social innovation in your career, communities and beyond.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAID
Partners
