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.
PLACIDE NDACYAYISENGA
General Manager
Placide has been involved with Talking Through Art since May 2016. Driven by a desire to help his community, he volunteered relentlessly for three years without financial compensation. His impact was so valuable that TTA appointed him full-time General Manager. Under his leadership, TTA better empowers women with disabilities and has grown into a more sustainable, successful organization. Placide holds a master’s degree in Development Studies and is a devoted father of two.
OMAR Master Tailor
Omar mentors the women who are unable to weave baskets, helping them become skilled tailors through the knowledge he gained making clothes for his own brand. Whenever a machine breaks down, he is quick to repair it himself. Omar also sews the mosquito nets made by Talking Through Art, and when the General Manager is away, he confidently steps in to take over the management of the organization.
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.