Ladislas Sibomana, a CorpsAfrica alumnus, leveraged his background in computer engineering and passion for community development to spearhead impactful initiatives in Rwanda. During his service from 2018 to 2019, Ladislas led a successful project in Gitarama, Bwira Sector, establishing a poultry farm to empower local women and generate additional income through egg production and organic fertilizer.
“Becoming a volunteer in the CorpsAfrica community offered me valuable insights into the challenges confronting my community, as well as the obstacles encountered by young individuals in their pursuit of opportunities,” stated Ladislas.
Ladislas continued to learn and gain more skills through various leadership programs, honing his skills in digital literacy and entrepreneurship. In 2023, he was chosen, along with seven other CorpsAfrica alumni, for the CorpsAfrica Entrepreneurship and Incubator program. Here, Ladislas received crucial training and financial support to launch his venture, “We In Future Initiative.”
“We In Future Initiative” aims to equip young people with essential skills for the job market. With funding from the program, he trained 16 individuals in avocado agriculture and hired a professional agronomist for plantation maintenance. He also distributed and planted 700 avocado trees, promoting green job opportunities across two hectares. Additionally, they provided digital literacy resources, supplied computers and internet access, and hired personnel to assist community members.
“Participating in the CorpsAfrica Entrepreneurship Incubator Program, I aimed to develop management and fundraising skills while also building a network of like-minded entrepreneurs. The program surpassed my expectations by not only equipping me with essential tools and mentorship but also fostering a supportive ecosystem that helped me transform challenges into opportunities for growth,” stated Ladislas.
Despite challenges such as the digital divide and misconceptions about avocado cultivation, the venture team adapted, providing necessary training and adjusting to climate change. Their efforts are projected to yield significant results, with expectations of 700 avocado trees producing 250 kg each by early 2026. Ladislas’ journey exemplifies the transformative power of grassroots initiatives in fostering sustainable development and economic empowerment within communities.