Jean Nibigira (graduate, community & international development)
WeCare4U Club President
Could you tell me a little about yourself? What made you come to Andrews University?
I would say that's a complex question for me. I was not born a Seventh-day Adventist. It was much later that I found myself and became a Seventh-day Adventist, by choice, in 2011. From there, I had gotten a good opportunity to join a school overseas, so that was initially what made me come here. Secondly, I wanted to have a Christian education. Secular education has some gaps, while SDA-education, I feel, offers a more holistic experience.
Can you tell me about WeCare4U and what the club stands for?
You have already said it! It's as simple as “we care for you.” You know how it is when you see someone struggling and wish you knew what was going on in their life––not because you need to know, but because you have a passion to help them. The Bible tells us that we should want to and try to help our brothers and sisters. In our club we want everyone to know that we care for them and they are not alone.
There are many people who have been judged due to their culture, circumstances, or the groups they belong to, but we care for them. Sometimes you see people walking around, some of them have been hurt by their own families, from their communities, or even dear friends and they may smile, but inside their hearts, they're crying. WeCare4U wants to do more than just pass by. We want to know: are you happy? And if you're not happy, we are here to help you be happy in Jesus. Because it's ok if we can’t do it on our own.
Who started WeCare4U?
Jean. Ha, yes, I am the one. When I realized that the world is full of hate, I decided there was a need for caring in the world and that I have something to contribute. And, you know, being the president is just a name. I try to ignore stuff like titles because they can make you feel more superior than others. Right now, I'm praying that God will bring people who are cut out to help me fulfill my ultimate dream: to establish a global ministry by continuing even beyond Andrews. We live in a world where we all come from different backgrounds, but we want this club to be a space where regardless of your background, you can help care for others and also be cared for yourself.
With you as the president and founder of the club, have you collected or formed a team of other officers?
I have one other team member here at Andrews and another guy I was talking to yesterday. He is definitely a person with a heart for ministry, so I am excited about the team I am building. At the end of the day, I want teammates who desire to go on a journey to look beyond the limits of a club. In other words, I want teammates who are willing to work even after graduation.
Are there any specific goals that the club has for the year? Are there certain events that you are planning or are interested in having?
Well, for this year––God willing––I'm planning several different types of events. We need to bring together people from multiple backgrounds, whether that’s socially, financially, or politically. I want to have several panel discussions and meeting events where we can talk about questions that help us address how we can care for our community, such as: what do people think makes them feel “at home”? What sense of home is our club offering? What perceptions do we have about other people? I am also hoping to plan an event called the Love at Home Project. Over the course of the year our club will attempt to raise $3,000 to take the less fortunate out for a nice evening and meal. Additionally, we are planning to have an event during the year called Care2Care. Over the course of two days our club will emphasize caring for our community and those in need. Some people don’t know what it is like to have a family that cares about you, and we would like our events and club to provide a space full of love and hope for those individuals.
So are you aiming to have more forums or conversation-type events like co-curriculars or vespers services?
I think that’s the channel I would like to go through, yes, but I am still open to other ideas! Everyone is welcome to offer their experience and should also have a part in advising. We should also pray that the Holy Spirit can guide us. We must trust in what God wants us to achieve, not just what we want to achieve.
If someone at the Club Fair were to ask why they should join the club, what would you say?
We are a club trying to look out for the best interests of others, inspire hope and establish a home. By joining this club, someone can find purpose by adding value to other peoples’ lives and by showing compassion. We can share love to others on Christ’s behalf. The main goal is to always minister to them––to speak to and for those who are voiceless, and to advocate for those who are quiet and feel they have no hope. The world is not a peaceful place and the future is unknown, but I truly believe that those who join this club will find purpose sharing a little bit of love and beauty in this world.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.