Meet Jean Michel

Jean Michel is one of the founding members of Peace and Love Proclaimers (PLP).  Launched in 2007 in Kigali, Rwanda, PLP is a movement for the youth, by the youth that currently consists of over 200 members worldwide who take an active role in "being the change" in their communities. Walk to Remember was initiated by PLP in 2009 and since then has spread to eight countries around the world.  Jean Michel is currently a student at Towson University in Maryland, USA studying International Development and Policy. Jean Michel is a leader among his peers who is full of wisdom and compassion. He is currently coordinating the Walk to Remember activities in the USA. 

1) Why do you participate as an organizer for W2R? What drives you?

For a long time I have always thought that Rwanda owed something to the world, in the sense that we had a responsibility to teach the world how hatred and bigotry can lead to genocide and how once done its really hard to repair!! W2R gives us that platform.

2) What makes you proud to be Rwandan?

A lot of things from the customs, music, language but most of all I am proud of Rwanda because I see it as a work in progress.

3) What do you wish people knew about Rwanda?

I wish people knew the stories of the people I work with! People who lost their families, friends etc. but who are working day and night to bring peace and healing to a nation that is hurt.

4) What is your vision for Rwanda and the entire continent in ten years?

I want to see a Rwanda with people who are dignified and who can be the best that they can be. I want to see a Rwanda and an Africa that is self-sufficient where its people are not killing each other or dying of hunger and disease.

5) How do you bring about change in your community?

I try to live a changed life that inspires others to do the same. Am working on different projects with PLP, projects to bring about dialogue among the young people projects to help the needy etc..

6) What do you think is the leading cause of war or genocide in one word?

EVIL

7) If you were asked to describe yourself with one word, what would it be?

FREE

8) What do you want to be remembered for?

I want people to remember me as someone who tried to be the hands and feet of God on the earth.

9) Favorite Rwandan delicacy?

Ubugari  nisombe (I miss it)

10) Your definition of success?

Someone who changed the life of people around him in a positive manner.

Bonus: What song makes you want to bust a move? I don’t know the title but the song that goes "I got a feeling uuuuuuuuhhh that tonight is gonna be a good night" 

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Thanks, Jean Michel!!