Staff & Team
Dedicated Hearts, Collective Impact
At Helping Heart Family Rwanda (HHFR), our strength lies in the passionate and committed individuals who drive our mission every single day.

Kantengwa Marie Odette
Visionary of Helping Heart Family.
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Visionary of Helping Heart Family.

Rwikaza Gentil
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Helping Heart Family Rwanda.
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RWIKAZA Gentil is a dedicated legal professional with a deep passion for human rights law, legal research, and advocacy for vulnerable populations particularly women and children. He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the National University of Rwanda and is currently pursuing his Legal Practice Course at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD).
Gentil is the Founder and Executive Director of Helping Heart Family Rwanda, an organization committed to promoting child protection, legal awareness, and community empowerment. He also serves as a Youth Advocacy Trainer with UNICEF Rwanda and holds the distinguished role of Vice Chairperson of the Youth Advocate Network under UNICEF.
He previously served as a Judicial Clerk at the High Court of Rwanda, where he gained significant experience in legal analysis, judicial decision support, and case review.
Gentil is especially passionate about advancing access to education particularly foundational learning and life skills and promoting the rights and well-being of children through grassroots advocacy and legal empowerment.

Uwamahoro Diane
Deputy Executive Director, of Helping Heart Family Rwanda.

Banamwana Yvonne
General secretary, of Helping Heart Family Rwanda.

UMUHOZA Ana
Administration & Finance Manager, of Helping Heart Family Rwanda.

UMUHOZA Eduige
Audit Committee, Helping Heart Family Rwanda
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UMUHOZA Edwige is a dedicated legal professional currently completing a professional internship at Global Trade Law Chamber. With a strong academic background and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Edwige brings a solid foundation in legal principles and a growing interest in areas related to commercial and international trade law.

Geofrey MUKUNDANE
Audit Committee, Helping Heart Family Rwanda
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UMUHOZA Edwige is a dedicated legal professional currently completing a professional internship at Global Trade Law Chamber. With a strong academic background and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, Edwige brings a solid foundation in legal principles and a growing interest in areas related to commercial and international trade law.

NIYOMUGABO Felicier
Advisor, Helping Heart Family Rwanda
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Felicien Niyomugabo is the Legal Advisor of Helping Heart Family Rwanda (HHFR), where he steers the organization’s compliance, governance and child protection strategy. He holds an honors Bachelor of Laws from the University of Rwanda and is currently completing the Post graduate Diploma in Legal Practice at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) as part of his path to the Rwanda Bar Association. Backed by more than three years’ experience across nonprofit and private sectors, Felicien specializes in Rwandan commercial, labor, corporate and tax law and excels in contract drafting, mediation and dispute resolution. His blend of technical expertise and proven leadership in student and community initiatives makes him a trusted advisor to HHFR’s mission of strengthening Rwandan families.

NIYONSABA Yvette
Advisor, Helping Heart Family Rwanda.
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Niyonsaba Yvette is a dedicated legal professional with a strong interest in human rights law, legal research, and advocacy for vulnerable populations particularly women and children. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the University of Rwanda and she is in the school of law practice (ILPD)
Yvette has served as a Judicial Clerk at the Supreme Court of Rwanda, where she gained substantial experience in legal analysis, judicial decision support, and case review. She also worked at the Ministry of Justice in the Department of International Justice and Judicial Cooperation, contributing to Rwanda’s Human Rights Treaty Body reporting and facilitating international legal cooperation.
Her work reflects a deep commitment to advancing justice for all, protecting human dignity, and strengthening legal frameworks that uphold the rights of the most vulnerable.

Merveille Jedidja AZABE
Advisor, Helping Heart Family Rwanda.
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AZABE Merveille Jedidja
Development Agent
AZABE Merveille Jedidja is a Development Agent with a strong passion for community transformation and sustainable development. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Development Studies from the University of Rwanda and has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at improving rural livelihoods and promoting inclusive growth. AZABE has experience working with grassroots communities, contributing to projects focused on education, health, and economic empowerment. His dedication to development work is rooted in participatory approaches that ensure long-lasting impact. He speaks English and Kinyarwanda fluently.

IRAKOZE Eric
Conflict Resolution Committee, Helping Heart Family Rwanda
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rakoze Eric is a versatile professional who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and has demonstrated
remarkable adaptability throughout his career at Helping Heart Family Rwanda (HHFR). Beginning his
journey as an intern in the organization’s Legal Department, Eric quickly showcased his legal expertise
while gaining practical experience in family law and community legal services.
His exceptional flexibility and ability to adapt to new challenges led to his promotion to Financial Manager, a transition that highlights his diverse skill set and capacity to excel beyond his initial legal training.
This career progression demonstrates his commitment to continuous learning and his willingness to take on new responsibilities that serve the organization’s broader mission.Eric embodies the qualities of a truly supportive, dedicated, and passionate professional who brings unwavering commitment to every aspect of his work.
His supportive nature is evident in his interactions with colleagues and beneficiaries,
always ready to provide assistance and share his knowledge to advance HHFR’s goals. As a hard-working
individual, Eric consistently goes above and beyond his assigned duties, often dedicating extra time and effort to ensure projects meet the highest standards. His passion for social justice and family welfare drives his meticulous approach to financial management, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to maximize the organization’s impact on vulnerable families. Through his dedication and professional
excellence, Eric has become an indispensable asset to HHFR’s mission of healing hearts and
strengthening family bonds in Rwandan communities

UWIMANA Jeannette
Conflict Resolution Committee, Helping Heart Family Rwanda
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UWIMANA Jeannette is a dedicated legal professional with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Passionate about delivering justice through advocacy, Jeannette focuses on human rights and transitional justice, aiming to contribute meaningfully to legal reforms and societal healing.
With a strong foundation in legal principles and ongoing practical training, Jeannette is committed to advancing human rights and supporting communities affected by conflict and injustice. Through legal research, and community engagement, Jeannette seeks to uphold the rule of law and promote accountability.

UWAMAHORO Blandine
Conflict Resolution Committee, Helping Heart Family Rwanda
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Uwamahoro Blandine is a dedicated legal professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Law, bringing extensive experience as a Legal Officer at JURIS CIVITAS LAW FIRM and Attorney at T&M. Driven by an unwavering commitment to justice and a passion for litigation, she advocates fiercely for clients while maintaining a helping heart for those in need. Her practice combines sharp legal acumen with genuine social consciousness, ensuring every case receives both strategic expertise and compassionate representation in the pursuit of fair outcomes.
Join Our Growing Family
Our team is always growing! If you’re inspired by our mission and wish to contribute your skills and passion, we invite you to explore our Volunteer Page and Get Involved Page to learn how you can join the Helping Heart Family Rwanda.