BIO

Larissa Jasmine grew up in Rwanda. The only girl in a family of three children, Larissa Jasmine was deeply shaped by the community she grew up in. Larissa Jasmine initially struggled in primary school due to language barriers. Larissa Jasmine originally attended primary school where classes were taught in the local language. Upon transferring to a different primary school that exclusively taught everything in English, Larissa Jasmine had to work hard to adjust. While this was a challenge for her, she shared she is thankful for the experience, as it “taught me hard work, scheduling, and reading” – skills and values she says continue to guide her in her everyday life. 

Larissa Jasmine joined our program in 2025 and is now studying Midwifery at Africa Health Sciences University. Larissa Jasmine is excited to use her degree to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates by emphasizing the importance of prenatal and postpartum care. She said she also dreams of “advocating for women’s rights, especially autonomy and the right to information during prenatal, labor, and postpartum care.” 

When she’s not in the classroom, Larissa Jasmine likes to read, watch movies, and listen to music.