User:Rhoyllewalter/sandbox

I'm John Bosco Gakumba, a Computer Scientist with expertise in SQL Database Administration, Data Engineering, Food Science, Project Management, and Lobbying for Climate Smart initiatives and natural resources. I am also a Liberal Systems Analyst. Originally from Butare in the Southern Province of Rwanda, I was born in Uganda and currently reside in the United States of America. My professional journey reflects a commitment to universal welfare, independent thinking, and the belief that every moment of life matters.

Born on June 13, 1980, to the late Simon Peter Gakumba and Liz Nkurunziza, I come from a Tutsi refugee family. My grandparents fled Rwanda in 1959 due to persecution, settling in Masaka, Uganda. My early years were marked by hardship. After my mother's departure and eventual death in 1989, followed by my father's in 1997, I was taken in by my grandparents, which was a bittersweet turning point in my life. Later, my uncle brought me to Kampala, where I began my education at Rubaga Boys’ Primary School, excelling as a curious and quick learner.

In addition to my personal journey, I have made significant contributions in environmental advocacy and management:

From 2006 to 2019, I served as the National Coordinator for Nile Basin Discourse in Rwanda. I represented African Civil Society Organizations in the Clean Technology Transfer of Climate Investment Fund for the World Bank and the Stakeholder Advisory Network for Climate Financing from 2009 to 2019. In 2016, I was honored as an Alumni of the Community Solutions Program by IREX, sponsored by the US Department of State. From 2008 to 2019, I was a Regional Steering Committee member for the United Nations Development Small Grants Program in Rwanda. From 2017 to 2020, I successfully fundraised for and managed the Nordic Climate Fund 6 project, promoting sustainable agriculture in the Bugesera District amidst a changing climate. I also served as a Regional Steering Committee member of the Eastern Africa Global Environment Partnership and managed a Community Based Climate Change Adaptation project in East Rwanda funded by the European Union Delegation. Additionally, I fundraised for the CC DARE project in Rwanda and led efforts to influence policy strategies for community participation in the Nile Basin Initiative projects in the River Nile region. Currently, I apply my expertise as a SQL Database Administrator at the Arizona Department of Public Safety.