Thirty years ago, Nyiragarama was a remote village nestled in Rulindo District as one of the areas characterized with biting poverty, high illiteracy levels, ignorance and roads defined by sharp curves, dust and potholes.
The deleterious situation mirrored the despair of its inhabitants. Hope seemed a distant memory.
Change started with the country’s liberation in 1994. Peace, security, good governance and the favorable investment climate were ushered in by the unity government under President Paul Kagame following the liberation that brought progress.
Sina attributes the transformation and his success to the leadership of His Excellence Paul Kagame who engineered the country’s transformation.
Sina Gérard, a local entrepreneur famous for innovativeness and industriousness emerged from this background. He’s variously contributed to the rebuilding of Rwanda, and his passion to uplift Rwandans’ wellbeing particularly in Rulindo is common knowledge.
His efforts align with the Agribusiness firm’s vision of being influential through providing excellent made in Rwanda products; Being competitive worldwide and Enhance social economic development.
Dr. Sina has been recognized at local and international levels by awarding him two honorary degrees and dozens of accolades.
Azteca University awarded him a Degree in November 2022 in recognition for his outstanding achievements in the socio-economic transformation of Rwandans.
December 9, 2023, Sina Gérard, wife Olive Uwicyeza received honorary degrees from American Heritage University of Southern California (AHUSC) in recognition of efforts towards uplifting livelihoods.
Dr. Sina is Founder and Managing Director
Dr. Sina is Founder and Managing Director of SINA GÉRARD /ENTREPRISE URWIBUTSO and COLLÈGE FONDATION/SINA GÉRARD headquartered at Nyirangarama in Rulindo. His Agribusiness firm boasts of over 30 products while number of products on foreign markets is on the rise.
The excellent performance of products speaks volume about his innovativeness. Akabanga Chili Oils (2003) and Akarusho Grape Wine (2011) penetrated foreign markets with growing demand in Europe.
“I established vineyards in Nyirangarama in 2005 just before I embarked on building Agashya juice processing plant in 2006 that sooner or later had met international standards. Producing high-quality products earned me recognition and I have won various awards at national and international levels. In 2011, I produced the Akarusho Grapes wine, which is competitive in particularly European markets,” says Dr. Sina, in his book titled You Also Can.
Agashya, Akarusho and Akandi natural mineral water, Strawberry JAM Akarusho Grape Wine, AKIZEWE (honey brand name), Akabanga Chili Oils, AGASHYA Juices, AKARYOSHYE Yoghurt, AKARABO Biscuits (Akarabo Biscuit from locally grown wheat and potatoes), AKINEZA Nuts, AKA Mayonnaise, AKAWE, AKIWACU Jam, Bread and Cakes.
Dr. Sina’s zeal to uplift livelihoods prompted him to author two books: You Also Can and The Innovator – published in English, Kinyarwanda, Swahili and French.
In both books, he shares experiences that enabled him to rise from an unknown rural farmer to a prominent entrepreneur.
His school offers a holistic curriculum right from Nursery to Secondary level and Dr. SINA proudly calls it an “industry of knowledge for the future,” and positively impacted on society. He incorporated Technical Vocation Education and Training.
At least 2,000 youths enrolled in 2019, and currently nears 2,500. Between 600-700 children from poor households yearly get free education and all scholastic materials free of charge.
Dr. Sina focuses on instilling vocational skills through hands-on-training in Carpentry, Tailoring, Welding, Food processing, Agronomy (crop production), Veterinary Medicine (animal health) and Mechanics.
He insists every secondary school graduate should leave with a driver’s license, courtesy of the school’s driving department. His commitment to equitable opportunities is underscored by his belief that cycling proficiency is as fundamental as any academic subject is.
“We endeavour to equip students with necessary skills,” says Dr. Sina.
In 2019 CHAPELLE St. GÉRARD was established and in 2020 Kigali Archdiocese opened a new convent for Missionaries of Sacred Heart (MSC). The Chapel serves not only as a house of worship but also a place where his children and others can access Christian values.
It’s Dr. Sina’s desire that learners live Christian lives – the reason why he incorporated Christianity.
To promote local talents, he invested in various sports including football (SINA GÉRARD FC), motor sports and athletics.
“There was no football pitch here. We’ve a team competing at the national scene – with students and youths out of school,” says Emmanuel Bikorimana.
Sina credits President Paul Kagame for unwavering commitment to security and good governance.
Sina’s story is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and belief in a brighter future.
