Creating an Inclusive Future
The Moyo Center transforms inclusive education in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan African through training, research, and community building.
The Moyo Center's Mission
The Moyo Center is dedicated to a future where inclusive, thriving communities across Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa empower every child, especially those with disabilities, to reach their full potential. We envision a society where all children can contribute meaningfully to the social and economic well-being of the region, breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of belonging and equality. By creating inclusive environments, we aim to nurture each child’s abilities and aspirations, ultimately transforming communities to be more compassionate, supportive, and unified.
Our mission is to transform inclusive education in Rwanda and Sub-Saharan Africa through cutting-edge training, professional development, research, and community building. By equipping educators and professionals with the skills needed to support children with diverse needs, we foster a culture of lifelong learning and collaboration. We are committed to building partnerships, strengthening community bonds, and advancing research to address the unique challenges faced by children with disabilities. Together, we strive to create a robust network that champions accessibility, equality, and opportunity for all.
Our Guiding Principles
Inclusion
We believe that everyone deserves a life of dignity. Our programs equip educators with the tools to create inclusive classrooms, ensuring every student feels valued, respected, and supported in reaching their full potential.
Empathy
Empathy is the foundation of understanding. We work with educators to foster a culture of compassion in schools, encouraging a nurturing environment where all students, regardless of ability, feel welcome and accepted.
Possibility
We focus on unlocking the potential in every child. By training teachers to adopt a positive outlook, we empower students to explore their strengths, set goals, and realize their dreams, embracing every difference as a strength.
Ubuntu
Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu, “I am, because we are.” Our programs foster interconnectedness, unity, and collective responsibility to create educational communities where everyone supports each other’s growth.
About the Founders
Both Paulin and Nathalie grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where their families lived in exile. They returned to Rwanda, their homeland, following the harrowing 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Their paths crossed at the National University of Rwanda and they married in 2007, marking the start of a partnership rooted in resilience, love, and a shared dedication to making a difference.
In 2012, they relocated to the United States. After an emotional wait of six years, they welcomed their twin boys in 2013 and their third son in late 2014. Their joy, however, was tempered when two of their sons were diagnosed with autism. This experience profoundly impacted their lives, turning autism from a personal journey into a mission to improve the lives of other families.
As they embarked on their professional journeys back to Africa, Paulin and Nathalie witnessed firsthand the stark disparity in autism services between the United States and Africa. Undeterred, they committed themselves to bridging this gap, dedicating their efforts to enhancing local autism support systems across Sub-Saharan Africa. Through their resources and connections, they have passionately advocated for the inclusion of children with autism and other disabilities in the educational sector, championing accessibility and equality.
Inspired by their children, shaped by their experiences, and driven by a deep desire to make a difference, Paulin and Nathalie embody the heart of our mission. Their journey is a testament to hope, resilience, and determination, transforming personal challenges into a beacon of hope for countless families navigating the complexities of autism.
The Moyo Center Team
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Dr. Paulin Basinga & Nathalie Muhoze Furere
Co-founders providing visionary leadership and strategic guidance.
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Julie Coleman
Senior advisor, providing strategic guidance and high-level management support.
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Julie-Anne Savarit-Cosenza
Provides strategic guidance, fiduciary oversight and high-level management support.
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Donna Bracewell
Designs curriculum, sources supplies, trains teachers, and oversees demonstration classrooms.
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Olivier Habimana
Leads the establishment and development of The Moyo Center, including research and design.
Learn More
Short-term: Pilot Program
Our pilot program includes developing customized educational materials & training teachers in two schools.
Long-term: Training & Research Hub
We seek to build a custom-designed research and training center which will also serve as a community hub.
Our Partners
We have partnered with the following non-profits, offering us support, guidance, and resources to expand our reach and impact.
African Education Program
Empowering African children, youth and women for lasting community change through long-term investments in education, health, and leadership.
The Grace Foundation
The Grace Foundation builds and develops Jesuit schools in Rwanda, providing academically excellent education.
Segal Family Foundation
Segal Family Foundation is a social impact funder and advisor. They invest in local African leaders with huge potential to transform society and help progressive donors do the same.