Celebrating the
Inaugural Cohort
of the Amahoro
Fellowship Program
2025 Graduation
When Isaac Kwaku Fokuo Jr., the curator of the Amahoro Coalition, first met the inaugural cohort of fellows in 2023, his words were striking: “I am scared for you.”
He wasn’t afraid because they lacked potential — quite the opposite. He knew the path ahead would be difficult, the stakes high, and the vision bold.
Fast forward two years to the African Forum on Displacement 2025, held in Nairobi, Kenya. This time, Isaac had no words — not because he had nothing to say, but because he was overwhelmed with pride.
The fellows had far exceeded even his highest expectations. For a man known for his eloquence, being speechless said it all. Watch his remarks below or click here to read.
This week, we didn’t just see results. We saw what happens when bold ideas, shared purpose, and deep relationships come together to transform displacement into opportunity. Rachel Adams captured this perfectly in her keynote speech: “All of us come into the world with a significant amount of power. But our experiences with others often compromise that power. We begin to doubt ourselves, and eventually, we hemorrhage power to the point where we can no longer recognize who we are.”
That is precisely why the Amahoro Fellowship has been so vital. It has helped fellows return to themselves — to rediscover their courage and reclaim their ability to lead boldly.
This forum wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration — the crown jewel in Amahoro’s journey of cultivating leaders who might never have been found without deliberate effort. As Louange Koffi beautifully put it, “Some of us were born for this, and the Amahoro Fellowship brought it out.” You can read her speech here.
In just twelve months, this inaugural cohort had collectively created over 250 jobs. But more than the numbers, it was the spirit of collaboration, the trust they built, and the communities they served that stood out.
Speeches
ISAAC KWAKU FOKUO JR. - Curator
Those who know me well will say I never shut up — I’m always talking. But tonight… I’m speechless. I’m overwhelmed. I’m nearly in tears. This is beautiful.
Louange Koffi - Class Speaker
Before I begin, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Isaac. Thank you for believing in us, for nurturing this dream, and for making it a reality.
RACHAEL ADAMS - Keynote Speaker
My life’s mission and ministry is to help people return to their power. I believe that all of us come into the world with power, but over time, we lose it.
Award Recipients
Ariane Umuhoza
Community Impact Award
Honoring the fellow who has driven meaningful change in their community
ZANG LUKA
Spirit of the Fellowship Award
For the fellow who embodies the core values of the program
CINDY OYUGI
Most Engaged Fellow Award
Recognizing the fellow with consistent participation and contribution
Shalom Ishimwe
Fellow’s Choice Award
A peer-nominated award for the most inspiring and supportive fellow
As the graduation came to a close, what remained was a powerful sense of momentum. These fellows are leaving not just with funding, but with renewed confidence, a network of allies, and a deeper understanding of their own capacity to lead. The impact of their ventures will ripple outward — not only addressing urgent challenges, but also reshaping narratives about what refugees can achieve. This is just the beginning of their journeys, and the communities they serve will be stronger because of it.