Our team
PETR KOČNAR Founder and CEO
Petr Kočnar is a young professional with an art background and a passion for equality. Originally from the Czech Republic, he previously worked in London as a retail manager, and in Nairobi, running educational programs for children on eco-farming. Petr believes that disability is not an inability, and works toward equal opportunities for handicapped people. Petr has taken classes in mental health care, patient manual handling and first aid, and is a certified massage therapist. In his spare time, he loves travelling and photography.
VĚRA WEGRICHT COO (Chief Operating Officer)
Věra is a truly global citizen with passion for travel and NGO work. Věra is originally from Czech Republic but spent the last 25 years traveling the world. Věra's background is in International psychology but spent most of her career working in NGO in USA, Japan and Rwanda. Věra believes every person deserve a chance in life despite race, gender, nationality, disability or age. Věra is a big fan of sports, she plays tennis, volleyball, she does backcountry skiing and CrossFit.
PLACIDE NDACYAYISENGA General Manager
Placide is our volunteer teacher. He joined us in July 2016 and teaches basic English as well as reading and writing for those who had no formal education. Placide performed various other jobs before his passion for helping others brought him to us. He says that TTA is like a family to him now. In his free time, he goes to church, reads books and watches tv series. He loves serving his country and participating in Umuganda.
HONORINE UWINGENEYE Area Manager
Honorine was one of the women we approached in the Southern province and soon proved to be a reliable and respected partner. We have therefore decided to put her in charge of the operation in Kabgayi and make her an area manager. She started weaving traditional baskets at the age of fifteen and is an experienced weaver now. She loves watching movies and listening to music.
EMILIENNE MUHAWENIMANA TTA Staff
Emilienne has joined TTA in 2015 as a member and quickly learnt how to weave baskets in a most professional way. Her English has also improved very fast and TTA decided to employ her to be in charge of the house, teaching new members weaving and also in charge of the kitchen. Emilienne loves welcoming visitors and she likes preparing meals for TTA members. She also loves selling our baskets at occasional markets.
JOSEE UWIMANA TTA Staff
Josee joined TTA in 2015 as a member and quickly learnt weaving and English. She has been employed by TTA to be in charge of welcoming visitors, TTAs garden and teaching weaving to visitors and new TTA members. She also loves taking care of the house, making sure its clean and organized. She helps Jeanne with preparing materials for weaving.
JEANNE MUKANKURANGA TTA Staff
Jeanne came to TTA in 2015 as a member to learn how to weave baskets. She has also been studying English well and soon became a part of TTAs team. She got employed by TTA and is in charge of teaching new members to weave, welcoming visitors and organizing TTAs gallery. Jeanne lost her arm during a bus accident and she loves interacting with new TTA members and encourage them to join and be confident despite their handicaps.