Founders: Jean Damascene Bigirimana and Agnes Kubwimana
The Africa Higher Education Health Collaborative, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, will be welcoming the Health Entrepreneurship (HENT) African Impact Challenge’s second cohort for their upcoming visit to Toronto, where they will continue their implementation phase through activities targeting business development, expanding entrepreneurial networks, and facilitating exposure to potential investors.
The University of Toronto’s Health Collaborative Internal Communications Working Group caught up with the ventures to learn more about the origins of their companies, what they’ve learned to date, and what is coming up next…
HealthEdu Ltd.
Co-Founders Jean Damascene Bigirimana (CEO) and Agnes Kubwimana (Programs Director) established HealthEdu Ltd. with a clear mission: to democratize access to resources and tools, thereby empowering healthcare professionals to excel in their practice and career trajectory. At its core, HealthEdu aims to confront the pressing need for a unified, easily accessible platform catering to the educational needs of healthcare professionals. The pair are working to provide educational resources and training modules which will equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies for their healthcare careers. Something that sets HealthEdu apart is its commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and networking among professionals. Through this collaborative ethos, HealthEdu creates a supportive community wherein practitioners, health organizations, and academic institutions converge to exchange insights, glean best practices, and collectively elevate standards of care.
Since its inception, HealthEdu has already impacted the lives and careers of over 10,000 professionals across various disciplines, including medical doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, dental therapists, laboratory technicians, public health specialists, and clinical psychologists. Further, HealthEdu has trained 100 community health workers, with the goal of expanding their support to the more than 45,000 Registered Community Health Workers across Rwanda. A testament to its dedication to excellence, HealthEdu has garnered accreditation from all regulatory bodies under their regional Ministry of Health.
Focused on building community and fostering collaboration, HealthEdu’s team has forged strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations including the African Impact Initiative, ENABEL, JICA, HangaPitchfest Awards, and the Novartis Foundation. Through these alliances, HealthEdu has not only expanded its reach but also enhanced its offerings, ensuring that healthcare professionals receive unparalleled support in their continuous pursuit of excellence.
What is the accomplishment to date that your team is most proud of?
“Seeing professionals from diverse backgrounds and regions access our platform, enhance their skills, and improve patient care has been incredibly fulfilling. Additionally, we are proud to have received positive feedback and testimonials from users who have benefited from HealthEdu as this validates the importance of our mission and motivates us to continue expanding and improving our offerings. We are proud to have trained more than 10,000 professionals through in person training and online courses. This, and our focus on training more community health workers will increase access to healthcare services in communities” .
If you could give advice to another founder getting started, what would that be?
“Stay true to your passion and purpose. Building a startup can be challenging, but having a clear understanding of why you’re pursuing your idea and the problem you’re solving will keep you focused and resilient through the ups and downs. Additionally, surround yourself with a supportive team and seek guidance from mentors and advisors who can provide valuable insights and help navigate the journey.”
Looking ahead, HealthEdu is committed to amplifying its influence and broadening its services to better support healthcare professionals globally. It aims to do this by enriching its platform through innovative features, enriching content, and strategic alliances to cater to the changing demands of its users. The ultimate objective is to establish HealthEdu as the premier destination for healthcare professionals seeking educational resources, training, and avenues for professional growth, thereby catalyzing advancements in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes on a global level.
You can learn more about HealthEdu Ltd.
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