AHUSC Awards Dr. SINA and Wife Honorary Doctorate Degrees

By George Kalisa

Dr. SINA GERARD and his wife Dr. Olive Uwicyeza on December 9, 2023 received Honorary degrees from American Heritage University of Southern California (AHUSC).

The USA Special Honours 2023 ran under the theme: Education as indispensable Tool in National Development.

Dr. SINA, the Rwandan millionaire is the Founder and Managing Director of  SINA GERARD Enterprise Urwibutso, Rwanda’s leading Agribusiness where Dr. Uwicyeza has served as the Deputy Managing Director since the company started operations far back in 1983.

The University awarded the Rwandan couple in recognition for their immense contribution in the economic and social transformation of the people in their communities. 

This is the second Honorary Doctorate Degree for Dr. SINA.

In November 2022, Azteca University awarded Dr. SINA an Honorary Doctorate Degree in recognition for his outstanding achievements in the socio-economic transformation of the Rwandan people through various innovations. He held a spirited graduation ceremony on February 4, 2023. The Mexican based University has presence in all the Continents.

Meanwhile, Dr. Olive Uwicyeza,  for the last 30 years has been engaged in implementing various humanitarian programmes aimed at uplifting the welfare of vulnerable women and children. Hundreds of widows, orphans and people from poor families received hope for a meaningful life after Dr. Uwicyeza’s intervention. She recommends scholarships for the orphans and poor children in College Fondation SINA GERARD, which the couple started in 2003.

The school has empowered thousands of Rwandan youths with vocational skills in an effort to make them employable and address the problem of youth unemployment.

Many vulnerable women work at the farms of SINA GERARD Enterprise Urwibutso and the Agribusiness firm provides ready market for the produce of out growers in Rulindo District and neighbourhoods.  

An Innovator, Dreamer and Doer

During his remarks as a graduate, Dr. SINA’s recognized his team at the Agribusiness firm for his achievement.    

“I stand before you today, humbled and honored to be recognized as a successful entrepreneur. This award is not just for me, but for the entire team at Sina Gerard Enterprise Urwibutso who have worked tirelessly to make our vision a reality,” said Dr. SINA.  

Dr. SINA said that he has always been an innovator, a dreamer, and a doer and believes that anything is possible if one sets their mind to it and demonstrate willingness to work hard.

“When I started Sina Gerard Enterprise Urwibutso, I had a simple idea: “to do business with home-grown solutions”. I knew it would be a challenge, but I was determined to succeed.”

“The early days were tough. We were bootstrapped, and I worked long hours wearing many hats. But I never gave up on my dream. I knew that if I could just get my product to market, it would be a success,” added Dr. SINA.

“And I was right. Our product was an instant hit. We quickly gained a loyal customer base and began to grow rapidly. Today, Sina Gerard Enterprise Urwibutso is a Rwandan company with a global reach. I am so proud of what we have accomplished. But I know that we couldn’t have done it without the support of our customers, our employees, and our investors. I am so grateful for their belief in us,” said Dr. SINA.

Dr. SINA is grateful to the many mentors and advisors who have helped me along the way. Their guidance and support have been invaluable.

“As I look to the future, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. We are constantly innovating and expanding our product line. We are also committed to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the world,”

He said that he believes that entrepreneurship is the most powerful force for change in the world adding that Entrepreneurs are the ones who solve problems, create jobs, and make the world a better place.

My journey as an entrepreneur is not always easy. It is filled with challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. However, it is also a journey filled with passion, creativity, and the satisfaction of building something from the ground up.

I have always been driven by a desire to make a difference in the world. I believe that entrepreneurs have the power to solve problems, create jobs, and make a positive impact on society.

“My entrepreneurial journey began with a small shop in my hometown. I have faced many challenges along the way, but I have never given up on my dreams. I am so proud of what we have accomplished. But I know that we couldn’t have done it without the support of our customers, our employees, and our investors. I am so grateful for their belief in us.”

The mission of American Heritage University of Southern is to provide higher education to a culturally diverse community of adult learners and prepare them with critical perspectives and contemporary skills based on Christian values. Founded in 2003, AHUSC is one of the pioneers of distance-learning education and continues to innovate and influence students and educators worldwide.

AHUSC has alumni all over the world with presence all across the United States of America, through India, Europe, Dubai, Asia and Africa.  

AHUSC Graduation in pictures