Protais Muhirwa: Top 5 Changemakers in Philanthropy & Social Impact for 2025
A Journey Defined by Purpose
Protais Muhirwa's personal story is deeply intertwined with his mission. Having personally experienced the difficulties of migration, he recognized the critical gaps in support systems available to refugees and migrants. Rather than accepting the status quo, Armia developed a unique, person-centered approach that seeks to resolve root causes rather than just treating symptoms.
In 2025, Protais founded ARMIA PTY LTD with a clear vision: to provide sustainable community support services that empower individuals to regain their independence, dignity, and a sense of belonging in their new homeland. Under his leadership, ARMIA developed a unique, person-centered approach to seek to resolve root causes rather than just treating symptoms.
The Philosophy of Leadership
Two guiding philosophies shape Protais’s leadership:
“Never see a need without doing something about it.” This quote from Saint Mary MacKillop underlines his philosophy that action should be taken wherever there is need.
“Don’t give a man fish; teach him to fish.” This Chinese proverb serves as a guiding light in his mission – fostering self-sufficiency rather than creating dependency.
For Protais, leadership is about service, vision, and resilience. Sustainable community work, he believes, must be driven by the desire to create long-term impact, with or without financial gain. His journey with ARMIA exemplifies the philosophy that real transformation happens when we help individuals build a sustainable future for themselves and their communities.
Overcoming Challenges with Vision and Resilience
Building and sustaining an organization like ARMIA is not without obstacles. One of the biggest challenges Protais has faced is the struggle of operating a charitable organization with limited resources and external support.
Despite financial constraints, his resilience and strategic thinking have enabled ARMIA to achieve significant milestones. His ability to foresee challenges and create sustainable solutions has allowed the organization to flourish where others might have faltered.
For Muhirwa, the key to overcoming obstacles lies in surrounding oneself with individuals who share the same passion and vision. A dedicated team can turn seemingly impossible goals into reality, even with limited funding.
Major Milestones and Achievements
ARMIA was established in 2015 with the primary goal of helping New Australians integrate holistically and sustainably. Between 2015 and 2018, the organization focused on addressing the root causes of integration struggles – language barriers, lack of employment opportunities, and social isolation. ARMIA recognized that true integration requires more than just access to resources; it necessitates a deep cultural and personal transformation.
In 2018, the organization expanded its mission to support not just refugees but all disadvantaged groups, including indigenous Australians and individuals with disabilities. Through programs such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the In-Home Care Program for seniors, ARMIA has played a crucial role in improving the quality of life for many. Muhirwa is particularly proud of the work ARMIA has done for people with disabilities, ensuring they live fulfilling lives with dignity, and for seniors, whom he believes deserve to be treated with the utmost respect for their lifelong contributions to society.
ARMIA’s impact extends beyond individual support. The organization has implemented multicultural interaction initiatives aimed at reducing xenophobia and racism, creating inclusive communities where all individuals, regardless of background, can thrive together.3
