Celebrating Academic Excellence: Dr Pierre Celestin Bimenyimana’s PhD Journey

At the University of Rwanda, on October 17, 2025, the atmosphere at the University of Rwanda was filled with joy, pride, and celebration as scholars, family members, and colleagues gathered to witness one of the most anticipated events of the academic year, the PhD graduation ceremony. Among the distinguished graduates was Dr. Pierre Celestin Bimenyimana, who was conferred the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Social Science, with a specialisation in Social Work.

For Dr. Pierre, the journey to this remarkable achievement has been one of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and deep commitment to social transformation. His doctoral studies were supported by the RESILIENT Project, a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening academic capacity and research in the field of social sciences across East African universities in Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, supported by UiA in Norway. Dr Pierre expresses profound gratitude to the project for providing not only financial support but also mentorship, networking opportunities, and an enabling academic environment that made his dream possible.

Dr. Pierre with supervisors and opponent 

Dr. Pierre with the Resilient Team

A Journey of Inquiry and Impact

During his PhD studies, Dr. Pierre conducted an insightful research project on “the Role of Youth Volunteers in Rwanda in Dealing with Pandemics: Policy Motives, Social Innovations, the Role of Social Media, and Guiding Moral Dispositions.” His research explored how Rwanda’s vibrant youth volunteer movement contributes to community resilience, social innovation, and public health responsiveness, particularly during health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Pierre’s work not only analysed policy and practice but also highlighted the moral and social values that motivate young people to serve their communities selflessly. His research offers important policy implications for youth empowerment and social work practice, providing a model for how community-based initiatives can complement national responses to crises.

Throughout his PhD journey, Dr. Pierre demonstrated academic excellence by publishing four peer-reviewed journal articles in high-ranking international journals. His publications have been widely appreciated for advancing both theoretical and practical understanding of youth engagement and social innovation in African contexts.

Dr. Pierre, Government & university officials, and colleagues, after receiving his degree

Acknowledging Mentorship and Institutional Support

No academic journey is undertaken alone, and Dr. Pierre is quick to recognise the mentors and institutions that guided him throughout his doctoral studies. He extends heartfelt appreciation to his supervisors from Makerere University (MAK), the University of Agder (UiA, Norway), and the University of Rwanda (UR) for their academic guidance, constructive feedback, and constant encouragement.

He also conveys his deep gratitude to the leadership of the University of Rwanda for granting him the opportunity to pursue doctoral training while contributing to the institution’s mission. The collaborative structure of his PhD program under the RESILIENT Project fostered intellectual diversity and exposed him to international research networks that continue to shape his scholarly outlook.

Dr. Pierre with family after the ceremony

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

As he proudly joins the community of scholars holding a PhD, Dr. Pierre Celestin Bimenyimana remains deeply committed to the advancement of the social work profession in Rwanda. His future ambitions are grounded in engaging and empowering the youth to become active agents of development and social change.

He plans to achieve this by promoting research-based practice, grant writing, social innovation labs, and collaborative partnerships with colleagues within Rwanda and beyond. Dr. Pierre believes that empowering young professionals and students in social work will not only strengthen community resilience but also contribute to sustainable national development.

Currently, Dr. Pierre serves as the Advisor to the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research at the University of Rwanda, where he also teaches in the Department of Social Sciences. His dedication to academia, mentorship, and public service continues to inspire many.

As the sun set over the graduation grounds, the applause that echoed across the University of Rwanda symbolised more than personal achievement; it reflected the triumph of perseverance, the power of knowledge, and the hope for a brighter future.

Congratulations, Dr. Pierre Celestin Bimenyimana, on your remarkable academic milestone and your continued contribution to social transformation in Rwanda and beyond.