“Be the Change you want to see in the World.” Mahatma Gandhi
Kalimba’s favourite quote:
Vincent may be just 28 years old, but he has achieved great things professionally as he follows his passion about building Rwanda as a country in any way he can. 28 years old In 2009, Vincent started to work for Land O’Lakes under its International Development Division and he helped start a project that supported Rwandan farmers to produce high quality milk so that the industry Land O’Lakes could raise the quality of their produce according to Organisation Coordinator international standards. Today, the project is supported Rwanda by USAID and has been implemented nation-wide. In 2010, Vincent initiated the Rwandan National Dairy Board that represents the dairy sector. Vincent also co-founded DQAL Inc., to assist farmers in ensuring quality milk throughout Rwanda.
Vincent Kalimba
Vincent is one of the founders of AIESEC in Rwanda, and it was after his term as Vice-President of Talent Management that he realized his capabilities to make a positive impact on society in the way he felt most needed. He identified that there were no quality testing laboratories for food in Rwanda, and some food had to be imported from neighbouring countries, which increased the price of these goods, making them unattainable by most people. He then applied for a grant at USAID to begin milk and food testing, and that’s why the Dairy Quality Assurance Laboratory became a significant influence in Rwandan’s dairy industry. Since then, he has expanded quality testing to more products to ensure that the right nutrients are included in an entire diet. Kalimba, as he is known by many people in his community, is both a role model and leader for current and former AIESEC members, his colleagues, family and friends. After his internship in GE Commercial Finance in Australia, Vinay co-founded ONergy in 2009 and since then he has been focused on eradicating the use of kerosene and diesel as a source of fuel in rural Indian communities.. ONergy is a renewable energy venture, passionately committed to sustainability and equity, providing energy solutions in rural India while teaching them how to use appropriate renewable technology. ONergy has a vision to “ONergize” the lives of 1 million people in India by 2015. Vinay and his team in ONergy distribute Solar LED Lights, solar home electrification systems, solar water heating systems, solar TV and computers, water purification systems, solar cookers and bio-energy solutions in rural communities. They currently have interest in building such infrastructure and distribute renewable energy solutions in other parts of India without losing focus on the bottom of the pyramid.
27 years old
Vinay Jaju
Most inspiring person for Vinay Jaju: “My mother, for her strength, unconditional love and trust.”
Co-Founder and Director at ONergy India
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