Career
The couple have four children - Ivan, Ange, Ian and Brian. Jeannette Kagame returned to her native Rwanda following the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. She has since become devoted to uplifting the lives of vulnerable population in Rwanda, particularly those of widows, orphans and impoverished families.
Kagame hosted the first African First Ladies’ Summit on Children and Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Prevention in May 2001 in Kigali, Rwanda.
The summit lead to the founding of the PACFA (Protection and Care of Families against Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). an initiative primarily focused on providing a holistic approach to Human Immunodeficiency Virus prevention and care for the whole family. Kagame later co-founded the Organisation of African First Ladies against Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (OAFLA) in 2002.
She served as OAFLA"s president from 2004 until 2006. During her mandate as President of OAFLA, she along with her fellow African First Ladies initiated a continental campaign known as “Treat Every Child as Your Own”.
Over the years, PACFA grew to include projects other than those in the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome domain and in 2007 Imbuto Foundation - which means “seed” in Kinyarwanda - was established.
The Foundation implements various projects such as: extending basic care and economic support to Human Immunodeficiency Virus affected families. Enhancing knowledge and changing attitudes towards adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Protecting youth against Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
Malaria prevention.
Motivating girls to excel in school. Providing scholarships to disadvantaged youth. Promoting a reading culture.
Mentoring and equipping youth with entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
The First Lady is also a patron of the Rotary Club Virunga, based in Kigali, which established the first public library in Rwanda in 2012. In 2010, Kagame received an Honorary Doctorate, Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa from Oklahoma Christian University for her significant contribution to the worldwide fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and poverty.
In the same year, she was appointed Special Representative on Child Nutrition by the World Food Program (World Food Program). In 2007, World Health Organization (World Health Organization) appointed her the High Representative of the Africa Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Vaccine Program (AAVP), to ensure the active participation of African stakeholders in all areas of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome vaccine research and development.
Kagame holds a degree in Business and Management Science, and has delivered keynote speeches at numerous national and international fora on various themes including leadership, economics, health, children"s welfare, and women's empowerment.