As part of the Ubuntu Management Education Initiative, the Service Learning in Africa (SLA) elective course takes Ivey HBA and graduate students into classrooms at partner universities in Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Tanzania. Over four weeks, students teach case-based learning, conduct field research, and write a case study as their capstone project. Intensive pre-departure training prepares them for case teaching.
Once abroad, they lead case discussions and workshops, engage with local entrepreneurs, and immerse themselves in cultural exchange and community projects, gaining perspectives that extend far beyond the classroom. The result: sharper leadership skills, cultural awareness, and global connections that continue to shape their outlook on business and society. The following reflections highlight the impact of this year’s program on four participants.
Aaron L. Greenspan, MSc ’25
For Aaron L. Greenspan, MSc ’25, SLA was a chance to explore how assistive technologies are accessed and used in Rwanda. In Kigali, Rwanda, he taught business decision-making at the University of Rwanda, leading discussions on topics from farming to digital strategy.
“Teaching in Rwanda reminded me how transformative education can be – not just for students, but for instructors as well,” he said. “I saw how giving others hope and believing in their potential can empower people in profound ways.”
Beyond the classroom, Greenspan co-led an inclusive design case competition with the Rusaro Autism Foundation, mentored entrepreneurs at Norrsken East Africa, co-led an AI workshop with fellow Ivey student, Daphne Liu, alongside student leaders from Rwanda, and joined youth-led business forums. Meeting Rene William Ngabo, Executive Director of RATA (Rwandan Assistive Technology Access), deepened his understanding of how basic, affordable tools – like glasses or printers – can be life-changing.
The cultural exchange was just as valuable. Learning simple Kinyarwanda phrases, such as “Murakoze cyane” (“thank you very much”), helped him connect with students and faculty.
Greenspan said he's now keen to better understand how to apply what he learned to effectively design and develop future technologies, whether for emerging markets such as Rwanda or beyond.
“In just four weeks, I gained more leadership, maturity, and global understanding than I would have in any internship,” he said. “It’s one of the most transformative opportunities you will ever have.”
Photo above: Aaron Greenspan at the University of Rwanda
Howard Wen, HBA ’27 candidate
For HBA student Howard Wen, SLA was a step into the unknown: his first time in Africa and his first experience as an instructor. Alongside four peers, he taught business classes at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Kenya, adapting discussions based on student engagement and limited classroom resources.
“Africa is a continent I’ve never been to, and teaching was also uncharted territory for me. Having the chance to explore these two paths drew me into the course,” said Wen.
Guided by faculty lead Lameck Osinde and conversations with past participants, Wen said the most meaningful lessons came in the classroom itself. He and his peers quickly learned to adjust their style to encourage debate.
Outside of class, Wen and his group immersed themselves in Kenyan culture – sharing meals, playing soccer, and trading stories with students. A safari and a visit to Diani Beach added unforgettable memories, but what stood out most were late-night conversations with classmates about their aspirations, from which he gained perspective.
“It’s a unique program that can really push you to consider what forces shape the structure of society and business – and the degree in which they do,” he said.
Photo above: Howard Wen (far end of table) in Kenya
Daphne Liu, MSc ’25
MSc student Daphne Liu joined the program for two reasons: a passion for teaching, inspired by her parents, and curiosity about business realities in emerging markets. In Kigali, Rwanda, she and her peers taught seven Ivey cases on finance, entrepreneurship, and strategy at the University of Rwanda.
Early on, Liu realized that creating an open, supportive classroom was key to participation. Through small group discussions and encouragement, she helped students build confidence.
“By the end, each student had spoken multiple times, and some reached out personally to share how much they had grown,” she said.
Beyond teaching, Liu co-led workshops on public speaking, Canva, and artificial intelligence (with local partners facilitating in Kinyarwanda). A highlight was running a case competition with the Rusaro Autism Foundation, where students designed solutions for inclusive business models.
“It was inspiring to see them move beyond theory, considering market realities, resource constraints, and social impact to craft solutions that were both practical and meaningful for the community,” she said.
Cultural experiences also left an impression, including hiking in Volcanoes National Park and observing gorillas. These moments reinforced her awareness of global interconnectedness and responsibility. Liu now plans to pursue a career combining technology and global exposure.
Overall, the trip strengthened her interest in using technology for positive impact and gave her new tools for empathy and adaptability.
“It exceeded my expectations,” she said. “Rwanda is known as one of the safest countries in Africa for solo female travellers, and I encourage future participants to make the most of their time there. Talk to people, explore different places, and embrace new experiences.”
Photo above: Daphne Liu visiting the gorillas
Julianna Rizzo, HBA ’26
When HBA student Julianna Rizzo heard past participants describe SLA as “transformative,” she wanted to be part of it. In Mwanza, Tanzania, she and six peers taught more than 80 students at St. Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), covering topics from marketing to strategy using the Ivey case method.
Teaching was only part of Rizzo’s impact. Together with classmates, she co-founded the Twende Education Foundation, a nonprofit supporting post-secondary education in East Africa. Within weeks, they raised more than $13,000, funding student scholarships at SAUT, providing resources to local schools, and delivering supplies to an orphanage.
The program also offered cultural immersion. Rizzo learned Swahili phrases, adapted to a slower pace of life, and relied on local recommendations for travel and activities. Highlights included a Serengeti safari and connecting with children at an orphanage.
Looking back, Rizzo said the experience strengthened her confidence and inspired her to keep building the Twende Foundation.
“I can confidently say it turned out to be one of the most eye-opening and rewarding experiences of my life,” she said.
Photo above: Julianna Rizzo visiting an orphanage
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