Photograph and Interview conducted by Grant Bridgman
Charity Mutesi (Class of 2017 BBA, International Business Concentration) came to LeTourneau University in 2013 as an international student from Rwanda. Her pursuit of a degree in business was always driven by her heart for helping others find meaning and support. She knew early in her studies that she felt a calling to non-profit work and through service and ministry connections built during her time as a student, that calling became increasingly pronounced. Today, a decade after her studies first began, she is wrapping up the first year of operating Bohoka, a non-profit in Rwanda aimed at empowering and supporting women in local communities. Our team had a chance to sit down with Charity this fall and connect briefly with her regarding her work with Bohoka, and take a trip down memory lane as she looked back on her time as a student. The following is a snapshot of that conversation.
When you reflect back on your time as a student at LETU, what are the most meaningful memories that surface?
One of the most cherished aspects of my time there was the strong bonds I formed with my professors. The warmth of being invited into a professor's home for a beautiful meal created a sense of family. As an international student, there were moments when I felt far from home, but the professors embraced me, inviting me to share in Thanksgiving celebrations and making me feel like part of their family. Longview became my second home, a sentiment I hold even today. During my freshman year, however, I faced challenges understanding my professors, resorting to recording lectures and reviewing them later. There were moments when I questioned why I was in America, struggling to adapt to the culture. However, my academic advisor recognized my struggles and encouraged me to seek counseling. Although seeking counseling was unfamiliar in my Rwandan culture, I embraced it, and my counselor became a crucial support in navigating my journey at LeTourneau.
Could you tell us a bit about what that navigating looked like?
I acknowledge a few regrets, particularly my limited engagement in campus life. I wish I had delved deeper into the LeTourneau community, understanding its culture more thoroughly and connecting with a broader range of people. That being said, the international student 
community played a significant role in my college experience, offering an encouraging network for those of us far from home, sharing in each other's successes and providing the support needed to navigate life in a foreign land. I also was fortunate to get involved with East Texas CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children), in 2014 and 2015. I was driven by a desire to contribute to my newfound home, Longview. I wanted to be a part of something meaningful within the community. While CASA itself may not have directly influenced the work I do now, the experiences I gained while working with foster children left a lasting impact.
Who were some of the influences you attribute to what you are doing today?
Upon moving back to Rwanda, I initially started a business but felt a lack of satisfaction. It was through interactions with Sarah Epling and Rebecca Haesecke, who I got to know through their work in the LETU office of Global Initiatives, and who visited me in Rwanda, that I was reminded of my calling. This realization led to the establishment of Bohoka.
What is Bohoka?
Bohoka is an organization aimed at empowering and supporting women facing various challenges. Bohoka means "free," and was born out of my desire to see women liberated from the struggles they faced. The butterfly logo represents transformation and freedom, symbolizing the women's ability to rise up beyond their circumstances and be free. Our focus at Bohoka is on providing a space for women to engage in artistic activities, particularly crochet. There are definitely challenges, yet the women have embraced this form of expression, 
and the process has become a therapeutic journey for them. Some of the women were struggling. They initially said 'we cannot do this... we cannot do this.' Those are vulnerable moments. Being brought to tears because you are wondering, 'why are you giving me this hard task? I cannot do it.' And they would compare themselves to others. 'Why is she faster and I'm not?' So when I see a woman work on a scarf and take a whole week to finish this scarf, but she finishes it, I'm so happy for her. And we've built a culture where once you finish the project, everybody stops what they're doing and we celebrate you. Like 'hey, you've done it!'
How has this journey been meaningful to you?
From the very start when obtaining a non-profit license, I could see God in this work. It is very hard to get a non-profit license in Rwanda, but the process was so smooth, I said ‘God, this is you’. When I speak to the women, I have always been transparent about my uncertainty. I expressed my wish for them to become independent, trust themselves, and excel as mothers. While admitting my lack of expertise, I emphasized my commitment to learning alongside them. I try to involve them in decision-making, seeking their input on important matters. While working with Bohoka has its challenges, the testimonies of transformation make it all worthwhile. Hearing from women who, despite setbacks and very hard past experiences, still feel loved and seen within the Bohoka community, that means so much to me.
What has struck you during your visit back to Longview?
Returning to East Texas after some time away, I find it really still feels like home. The warmth and openness of the people, their willingness to engage with individuals from different backgrounds, and the supportive community make it a comforting place. I recently had the opportunity to share my experiences with Dr. Isabella Junqueira's current business class, offering insights into running a non-profit in a different country. It was rewarding to connect with students, sharing the challenges faced and inspiring them in their own projects. I would love to see students involved in our work in the future as well.
