Passionate about change
The People Behind BSI
A small but mighty team dedicated to community health in Rwanda.
BSI started as a pitch competition in 2022, organized by Dolberg Media and MERCK, to find the best project using storytelling to fight bilharzia. Since then, we have grown into a team working across three districts: Bugesera, Gatsibo, and Ruhango. We reach over 11,000 children through health notebooks, teacher training, inter-school sports, and community events.
Our Vision
A Healthy, NTDs-Free Generation
To build a healthy, NTDs-free generation with empowered communities, while fostering young talents to contribute to community well-being and development.
Our Mission
Combating NTDs Through Storytelling
To combat Neglected Tropical Diseases, particularly in regions surrounding lakes, wetlands, and other high-risk areas, while fostering and developing the talents of young children and students, empowering them for future success.
Meet the team
Our People
Bertrand Byishimo
Founder & Director
Bertrand is a WASH & NTDs Champion and the founder of BSI. At 25, he has led a communication project reaching over 11,000 children across Rwanda's Eastern and Southern provinces. He works as Programs Coordinator of Cardiothoracic Surgery at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda and is an MPH candidate at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health. A Global Health Corps Fellow alumni and former health reporter at The New Times Rwanda, Bertrand brings deep expertise in public health advocacy and storytelling.
Merci Nsabyumukiza
Project Lead
Merci is a medical student at the University of Rwanda pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery. As Project Lead, he focuses on educating communities and leading public health campaigns. He previously served as National Public Health Officer for the Medical Students Association of Rwanda and has conducted leadership and advocacy training through the International Federation of Medical Students Association since 2023.
Divine Uwase
Project Associate
Divine is a dedicated public health professional who leads BSI's health communication campaigns, coordinates school partnerships, and supports monitoring and evaluation. Her background includes volunteering with the Rwanda Biomedical Centre on national campaigns against schistosomiasis and malaria, and community development work through CorpsAfrica Rwanda. She holds training in One Health and antimicrobial stewardship.
James Binene
Finance & Admin Lead
James supports BSI's community health advocacy and outreach activities, educating primary school communities, teachers, and community health workers about bilharzia prevention and treatment. He has experience working in health center environments using digital health systems. He is currently studying Business and Information Technology at the University of Kigali.
What drives us
Our Core Values
Respect
Treat everyone with dignity, regardless of background, culture, or beliefs.
Integrity
Communicate honestly and accurately; never mislead or distort facts related to NTDs or affected communities.
Empathy
Show compassion for those affected by NTDs. Listen to and amplify local voices and experiences.
Collaboration
Build strong relationships with partners, pooling knowledge and resources for greater impact.
Accountability
Accept responsibility for decisions, actions, and resource management. Learn from mistakes and be open to feedback.
Inclusiveness
Ensure all stories and communications reflect gender, age, and social diversity, avoiding stigma or marginalization.
Punctuality
Be timely with assigned tasks and meet deadlines to ensure the project progresses smoothly.
Want to join our mission?