Grace Ntibonera graduated from GAP School in 2020 and his accomplishments since are nothing short of amazing. From attending college on a full-ride scholarship, to starting his own nonprofit organization, to purchasing land in the Democratic Republic of Congo that will eventually be home to a community theatre space for his home country, Grace has been busy to say the least.
After immigrating to the United States in 2016 from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Grace became a student in GAP School’s now retired information technology (IT) pathway. Grace always knew he wanted to go to college. He wanted to set himself up for success and to be able to make a good living for himself, so, he utilized the resources offered by GAP School and its’ staff to their fullest potential. Erika Ryan, one of Grace’s teachers, worked closely with him as he asked for guidance on college applications.
Grace submitted an application to Gustavus Adolphus College which included an essay sharing his life story of coming to the U.S. from the DRC and the unrest he faced in his country growing up. Grace was awarded a full scholarship to the college!
In college, Grace continued to excel academically while also immersing himself in extracurricular activities. He discovered a passion for community service and leadership, which became central to his college experience. Grace was involved in various organizations and initiatives, reflecting his desire to make a positive impact on others. He also discovered a passion for theatrical lighting and design, which he ultimately decided to major in, and would inspire a future project of his.
This drive to help others led Grace to establish his own nonprofit organization, Le Coeur du Partage d’Etienne, while still in college. Inspired by his father's dedication to serving their home community in Africa, and his personal experiences with hunger as a child, Grace founded a nonprofit focused on alleviating food insecurity.
Le Coeur du Partage d’Etienne, “Etienne’s Heart of Sharing,” was inspired by the profound empathy and enduring strength of Grace’s father, Etienne Basirwa Chifizi. Fleeing political persecution in Congo, Etienne’s activism sowed the seeds of compassion in Grace from a young age. Witnessing his father’s dedication to uplifting the Congolese people (to the point of his imprisonment), and then his support for the impoverished in Uganda, and experiencing firsthand the life-changing impact of community support, Grace was compelled to act.
His organization operates primarily in Uganda and not only provides food, but also fosters a sense of community and security for the children. Under Grace's leadership, the nonprofit has grown significantly, providing nutritious meals and creating a safe and supportive environment for the children it serves. The nonprofit feeds more than 500 children each week and employs almost 20 adults who ensure that the meals are prepared with care and that each child is treated with dignity and love.
If this wasn’t impressive enough, Grace, with the help of his mentor and funders, has just purchased land in the DRC to build and create a community center for theatre performance, storytelling, mindfulness, and community. Grace is calling it a gift to the people of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The project will have three phases, the first being the land acquisition, landscaping, and outdoor launch. Grace is determined not to allow the financial cost of building delay programming launches, so starting outdoors is where the project will begin. A full theatre will eventually be built, and Grace is already planning theatre education programming, mentorship opportunities, and more. The design of the community center and theatre will focus traditional African materials, such as lumber from trees that are native to Congo.
In the past eight years, Grace has accomplished so much, it’s hard to remember that he is so young and just getting started. GAP School is proud to call Grace an alumnus and is grateful to him for taking the time to come back and inspire current students. The students see what is possible and take Grace’s joy and ambition with them on their own journeys.
From starting school as a recent immigrant to America at GAP School, to being accepted to and starting college, to finding his passion, Grace’s story is yet another example of the relationships you build being the key to change.
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