Mrs. Hyacinthe TWISHIME is the Director of Students’ Welfare, Community Services, and Career Advisor at INES-Ruhengeri. She holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the University of Rwanda and a Bachelor’s degree in Psycho-Pedagogy from the former National University of Rwanda.

With over 22 years of professional experience, Ms. Twishime has served across multiple sectors including higher education, local government, NGOs, and the education sector. She is a seasoned administrator with expertise in student welfare, community engagement, counselling, and leadership development. She is widely recognised for her inclusive approach, strong coordination skills, and dedication to youth empowerment and institutional collaboration.

Prior to joining INES-Ruhengeri, she held the following key roles:

• April – June 2017: Researcher under RALGA / I–5 SAFE Ltd, collecting both qualitative and quantitative data using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs).

• February 2017: Consultant with Five Pillars, training three livestock cooperatives (KOGAM, CODERU, CODAMIN) on business plan and strategic plan development.

• 2013–2016: Consultant under RALGA, supporting local governance and decentralisation initiatives.

• 2013–2015: Consultant with GIZ and Private Sector Federation (PSF) at national level, facilitating Rwanda Public-Private Dialogue (RPPD) in districts such as Gakenke, Burera, Rulindo, Gicumbi, Ngororero, and Nyabihu.

• 2006–2011: Served in Local Government for five years, two and a half years as Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs and Welfare (Gakenke District) and two and a half years as Executive Secretary of Ngororero Sector (Ngororero District).

• Earlier Years: Spent 8 years working in the education sector in teaching and educational support roles.

Her professional interests include social development, capacity building, career mentoring, and public-private dialogue. At INES-Ruhengeri, she continues to contribute meaningfully to student success and institutional growth through strategic and learner-centred leadership.