The Roméo Dallaire Scholarship

Lewis & Clark’s Roméo Dallaire Scholarship honors the work and vision of Roméo Dallaire, former commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission to Rwanda, Canadian Army Lieutenant-General (ret.), world citizen, and humanitarian. To honor Dallaire’s work and vision, preference is given to low-income students who demonstrate a dedication to promoting human rights in sub-Saharan Africa. 

The Roméo Dallaire Scholarship allows recipients to enroll in the Academic English Studies program at Lewis & Clark College for one academic year. While studying and living with other students from throughout the United States and around the world, scholarship recipients experience first hand the history and habits of diverse cultures even as they share with others their own traditions, customs, insights and beliefs. The Dallaire Award Fund continues to advance the principle that has guided Lewis & Clark’s innovative programs in international education for more than 40 years: global understanding is rooted in relationships, and relationships are built day by day and person to person.

Dallaire Scholarship History

This award resulted from the initiative and efforts of Lewis & Clark College students who were moved to pursue the end of genocide, and to support human rights for all members of our global community.  Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire spoke at Lewis & Clark on November 18, 2004, and on that day became the first contributor to the scholarship that now bears his name.

 

Scholarship Recipients

Kelvine Muhire Ngerero, the 2011-2012 Romeo Dallaire Scholarship recipient, is a graduate of Kigali Independent University.  In 2009 she was awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Law.

Kelvine describes herself as a passionate human rights activist.  As a volunteer with the Rwanda Commission on Human Rights, she facilitated seminars and workshops throughout the country.  She also participated in Ministry of Health programs conducting research involving youth and sex workers.  Her focus was on investigating how human rights abuses affect behavior and make victims vulnerable to deadly diseases like HIV/Aids.

In her scholarship application, Kelvine stated “When I return to Rwanda I will continue the advocacy for human rights.  I feel I will be more energized given the exposure, international contacts and English language competence which will be acquired. I intend to enroll for a Masters Degree in Women’s and Gender Studies, majoring in Gender and Health and thus assisting my country and the East African community.”

Patrick Mugabo was the 2010-2011 Dallaire scholar.  Patrick has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the Kigali Independent University, and has worked as a nurse for many years at King Faisal Hospital in Kigali.  He is interested in health care policy-making in Rwanda and has worked on the steering committee for the Palliative Care Association of Rwanda.  

Update November, 2011:  “Right after my return to Rwanda, I resumed my work as a site coordinator of public health research conducted by Columbia University, Mailman school of Public Health, via its program in Rwanda; ICAP - International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs. The study was completed in September.

Since September, I have been working as a Research Assistant for Partners In Health (Harvard affiliated NGO operating in Rwanda and other 11 developing countries). The project I am working on aims at promoting mental health care in our catchment area. Besides that, I am applying to many universities in Europe & South Africa so that I can start my graduate studies next fall.”

Clarisse Mukamukiza received the Scholarship for the 2009-2010 academic year. She was born in Kigali, Rwanda and is a Genocide survivor.  In 2000, she received a degree in Nursing from the School of Nursing Sciences in Rwamagana. In 2006, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Kigali Independent University.  As an active member of the Student Genocide Survivor Association, she counseled others suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.  Prior to beginning her year of study at Lewis & Clark College, Clarisse worked as a nurse involved in public health education for HIV/AIDS prevention.

Rafiki Gasarasi received the Dallaire Scholarship in 2008-09. In his youth, Rafiki had been arrested in the Democratic Republic of Congo with his family for more than ten months because of difficulties between DRC and Rwanda. In Rwanda he was later a member of Youth Crime Watch of Rwanda. He has worked on HIV/AIDS issues in Rwanda, and hopes to continue contributing to his community on his return to Rwanda, perhaps after graduate study. 

Update, November 2011: “I’m now working for PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), It’s a very interesting firm, it keeps me busy and I’m learning a lot.”

The 2007-08 recipient was Viviane Gakire Kabeho.  She completed her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Administration from the National University of Rwanda.  She worked with the Center for Conflict Management pursuing peace, tolerance, prevention and peaceful settlement of conflicts in Rwanda.  After her return to Rwanda, Viviane accepted a position as a Local Government Program Analyst for the Rwandan Prime Minister’s Cabinet.  

Update November 2011:  Viviane received her MBA from Oklahoma Christian University in 2011.  She returned to her job as an Analyst in the Rwandan Prime Minister’s Office in Kigali.

The first recipient of this scholarship in 2006-07 was Romeo Umulisa, a young man active in issues of human rights and reconciliation in Rwanda.  Romeo was involved with the Rwanda Cinema Centre in Kigali, writing and directing documentary films on the 1994 genocide and other human rights concerns, as well as promoting reconciliation in schools through film and other educational projects.  Romeo is currently completing his Bachelor’s  degree in film-making. 

How to Apply for the Scholarship

The scholarship application deadline for the 2012-2013 academic year has passed. Applications will be accepted for the 2013-2014 scholarship in the Fall of 2012. If you would like to receive an application, please click here to request that an application be emailed to you.  

Donating to the Scholarship

You can help make Roméo Dallaire’s pledge come alive by giving to the scholarship fund that carries his name. There are several ways to give: 

• Call the Office of Annual Giving at 503-768-7944 or 800-753-9292.
• To make a gift online, please visit our Online Giving Page. To direct your gift, select College of Arts & Sciences, select Other from the drop-down menu, and write in Dallaire Scholarship in the blank box.
• Send your check, payable to Lewis & Clark College, to the address below.

Annual Giving
Lewis & Clark College
0615 SW Palatine Hill Road
Portland, OR 97219-7899
503-768-7944
800-753-9292
giving@lclark.edu
www.lclark.edu 

About Roméo Dallaire

Roméo Dallaire commanded the United Nations mission in Rwanda before and during the 100 days of genocide in 1994 that left 800,000 people dead. He returned to his native Canada haunted by images of death and the belief that he could have—should have—been able to do more to stop the killings. Now, through his writings, lectures, and humanitarian projects, Dallaire teaches conflict mediation, helps children affected by war, and works to ensure that the people of the world neither forget the genocide nor allow it to be repeated—anywhere.

His message is powerful in its simplicity and challenging in its scope: Never again.