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A journey of purpose and connection

The team’s journey began months before arriving in Kigali. From February to June, they trained, planned and bonded virtually across time zones. Once on the ground, they immersed themselves in Rwanda’s rich cultural context by visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial and exploring Akagera National Park. These experiences helped the team connect deeply with each other and the community they would serve.

Building more than a bridge

Over nine days of construction, the team worked side-by-side with B2P staff and local community members to bring the Gatongati Bridge to life. From installing suspension cables and deck panels to painting abutments and handrails, every task was a shared effort. The build was marked by laughter, song and dance with shared moments that transcended language barriers and brought the Jacobs team and local community together. The Jacobs team also had the opportunity to help train the community team, who will maintain the bridge for years to come.

The Jacobs team also visited G.S. Nyagisozi Technical Secondary School, where nearly 1,000 students welcomed them with songs and smiles. For many, this was the most memorable moment of the trip—a reminder that the bridge is not just infrastructure, but a pathway to opportunity.

Celebrating the inauguration

On June 20, under clearing skies after a night of rain, the Gatongati Bridge was officially inaugurated. Local officials, B2P staff, Jacobs teammates and villagers crossed the bridge together, singing in celebration. The team returned home with new perspectives, deeper cultural understanding and lessons in collaboration that will help all of us create a more connected, sustainable world.

Voices from the team

Mohamed Nizar, Communications Lead, shared: “This journey hasn’t just deepened my understanding of Jacobs’ commitment to impactful infrastructure—it’s been a deeply personal and transformative experience.”

Support Team Member Irene Briarava added: “For the first time, engineering felt deeply personal and purposeful. We weren’t just building a structure; we were connecting people.”

Support Team Member Tamara Kaaki shared: “This experience reminded me that true impact is built through relationships. The strength of this project wasn’t just in the concrete and cables, but in the trust and mutual respect we built along the way”