Our mission

My name is Youma Kromer. I am an international student from Germany and currently live in San Diego, California. I founded this project because I believe that one’s background should never define one’s future.

A journey to Rwanda fundamentally changed the way I see the world. There, I did not only witness poverty and structural challenges, but above all extraordinary strength, responsibility, and a deep sense of future orientation. Meeting students and families taught me how unequally opportunities are distributed globally – and how essential access to education is for real, lasting change.

During my time in Rwanda, I had the opportunity to work directly with students and contribute to their learning. I taught English, helped students develop interview and communication skills, and led workshops on self-presentation and professional confidence. These experiences allowed me to build meaningful relationships with young people and gave me a firsthand understanding of the challenges and aspirations they face. At the same time, I learned just as much from them as they learned from me.

As a result of this experience, I began to take action. I did not want to simply support from a distance, but rather create connections that generate impact on both sides. This led to the creation of YoumaKromer.com: a platform that enables direct support for educational and development projects, providing young people with access to resources that can meaningfully shape their future.

At the same time, I realized that many young people in Europe and the United States could also benefit from such experiences. That is why I organize and accompany educational and exchange trips to Rwanda. These journeys give students the opportunity to look beyond their own reality, experience other cultures firsthand, and truly understand global interconnections.

The next trip will take place in the summer of 2027. My goal is for participants to return with a deeper understanding of gratitude, personal responsibility, and civic engagement.

For me, leadership does not mean guiding others, but creating spaces in which people can grow. Whether through educational support in Rwanda or international exchange programs, my mission is to build bridges between people, cultures, and opportunities.

I believe that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. That is why I am working to close this gap and to give young people the chance to unlock their potential—no matter where they are born.

Art for Change works with street children in Musanze District, Rwanda, offering protection, education, and emotional healing through creative expression. Founded in 2020 by visual artist Hodari Olivier, the organization began as an art outreach project and quickly grew into a full support program for children living in extreme vulnerability.

Through painting, drawing, music, dance, sewing, and mentorship, children are given a safe space to express their stories and rebuild confidence. But Art for Change goes beyond creativity — the organization also provides basic needs, educational support, family reunification, and long-term guidance to help children leave street life permanently.

Many of the children served have faced hunger, violence, exploitation, and trauma. Art for Change meets them where they are, offering not only skills, but hope, stability, and a path toward becoming healthy, productive members of their communities.