Donate to the Brad Gasser Memorial Scholarship Fund

Tujenge Africa Foundation is renaming its Opportunity Fund – created in 2022 to provide scholarships for its alumni who opt to pursue higher education at Burundian universities – the Brad Gasser Memorial Scholarship Fund, in honor of our late instructor, mentor, and friend.

Brad started with the Tujenge Scholars Program in 2018, and quickly established himself as a beloved instructor. He developed courses which have come to define the interdisciplinary culture of the program, combining his wide-ranging expertise in science, technology, philosophy, and history. Students honed their reading and critical thinking skills under his tutelage, and over the course of their 18 months in his classes would discover completely new ways of looking at the world. Brad was a major source of advice and inspiration for the 159 students he worked with during his tenure.

Brad was also a tireless champion for his students throughout their time in the program and beyond. He recognized the need for ongoing support for alumni who pursue university studies in Burundi, and would fund-raise for the Opportunity Fund throughout his personal network. His efforts have been a major factor in the success of this scholarship program. In light of these efforts, the Foundation is renaming the Opportunity Fund program in his memory and is launching this fundraising campaign for his students who will be starting in Burundian universities over the next six months.

In recognition of Brad's devotion to his students, funds raised in this fundraiser will go directly to student scholarships with zero administrative overhead. Funds raised in excess of the current year's budget will be saved to fund scholarships in future years.

Scholars' Short Bios

1. Piaguette MUHIMPUNDU

Piaguette is a young Burundian woman, born and raised in the Gitega Region in Bukirasazi-Kibuye. She is the fourth child in a family of six, with both parents and five siblings – three brothers and two sisters. Her birthdate is May 14, 2003, and she is a proud Tujenge alumna from cohort 5. Since 2018, Piaguette has immersed herself in the field of journalism, culminating in her recognition as one of the top child journalists nationwide. Importantly, she is actively engaged in advocating for children’s rights and women's rights within her community through journalism. This commitment has garnered invitations for her to present her project on various media platforms, including radio stations, television, and social media. Piaguette’s journey extends beyond leadership and entrepreneurial roles at a young age. She harbors a profound interest in advocating for human rights, particularly those of children, and fostering peace wherever she goes. With steady determination, she aspires to pursue studies in the Sage Femme department at Hope of Africa University in Burundi. Her goal is clear: to stride toward her vision and personal life goals, combating inequalities in all their manifestations. Your support will propel Piaguette towards making a meaningful impact and creating positive change in her community and beyond.

2. Therence NDAYIHORIMBERE

Therence was born and raised in Ngozi Province, located in the northern region of Burundi, specifically in Kiremba. He attended and completed the Tujenge scholars’ program as part of Cohort 4, and is now in his second year of pharmacy studies at Université Panafricaine Les Mages, located in Bujumbura, Burundi. With this degree, he believes he will be able to achieve his dream of solving the problem of inaccessibility to pharmaceutical products in rural areas of Burundi, especially in the region where he was born.

3. Marie Ariella IRANZI

Marie Ariella grew up in Buyenzi, Bujumbura Mairie, Burundi. She was part of the first cohort of the Tujenge Scholars Program. Although she received several offers of admission from different universities, they turned out to be unaffordable due to the lack of full scholarships. She patiently waited until the Tujenge Scholars' Program's second cohort began the admissions process and tried again. She was finally awarded a MasterCard Foundation Scholarship to study at Agnes Scott University in Georgia, United States. However, due to health issues, she was compelled to return to Burundi for treatment. It is worth noting that Ariella has been interested in solving community issues, particularly through the field of medicine, and believes that by taking a medical program, she can ultimately gain the most adequate skills and experiences needed to realize her dream. In the same spirit, she is currently in her second year of undergraduate studies in Pharmacy at Université Panafricaine les Mages in Bujumbura, Burundi. With this degree, she intends to pursue her healthcare career aspirations.

4. Etienne MUGISHA

Etienne was born and raised in Cibitoke, a northwestern province of Burundi, in a low-income family. As a member of the Batwa community, he faces historical marginalization in almost every aspect of life. For generations, his community has struggled with significant barriers, including limited access to education due to financial constraints and systemic marginalization. Despite these challenges, Etienne's family remains in the same village where he grew up. However, with the support of the Tujenge Opportunity Fund Project, Etienne has overcome these obstacles to pursue his university studies in Burundi. He is currently in his second year of undergraduate studies in Sciences Economiques et Gestions at Université Sagesse D'Afrique. With this degree, he aims to empower the young generations in his community with practical and financial skills, enabling them to become fully self-dependent and break the cycle of poverty.

5. Charles MINANI

Charles was born and raised in Gisagara, Cankuzo Province, one of Burundi's northern provinces. As a Tujenge Scholars Alumnus from Cohort 4, he has overcome significant obstacles to pursue his dreams. Although he received admission to African Leadership University (ALU) in Rwanda, the lack of a full scholarship meant he couldn't afford the tuition. Undeterred, Charles is currently living in Bujumbura and attending his first year of Ophthalmology studies at Hope University. He is thrilled to be pursuing his passion, believing that his dream has finally come true. He aspires to acquire the necessary skills to address the pressing community issues and health challenges that Burundi faces year after year.