Nyamasheke: GURD-Rwanda Launches Vocational Hub, Empowers Teen Mothers to Drive Job Creation

Elias Hakizimana Oct 5, 2024 0 Comments

By The Inspirer

On October 3, 2024, Glorious United for Rural Development (GURD) Rwanda, a local organization dedicated to improving knowledge and access to Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, celebrated a landmark achievement in Nyamasheke District.

In partnership with Amplify Girls, GURD-Rwanda marked the graduation of 10 teen mothers from a six-month vocational training program designed to promote self-employment and financial independence.

The event, officiated by Nyamasheke District’s Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Athanasie Mukankusi, also served as the official launch of the ICYIZERE Design Hub. This initiative aims to provide a sustainable platform for young women to apply their newly acquired skills in tailoring and hairdressing while offering opportunities for further vocational training.

Nyamasheke District’s Vice Mayor for Social Affairs, Athanasie Mukankusi, officially launches the ICYIZERE Design Hub, empowering young women with sustainable vocational skills in tailoring and hairdressing.

Among the graduates, DUFITIMANA Chantal shared her inspiring journey. After dropping out of school in Senior Four due to an unintended pregnancy, she faced numerous challenges, including poverty and another unplanned pregnancy at 22.

“I was hopeless and frustrated,” she recounted. “But after joining GURD-Rwanda, I was able to pursue my dream of studying tailoring.”

DUFITIMANA Chantal shares her inspiring journey during the graduation ceremony. After facing challenges including dropping out of school and unplanned pregnancies, she found hope through GURD-Rwanda and achieved her dream of studying tailoring.

During the training, seven out of the 10 graduates received comprehensive support at the Youth Friendly Center, including coverage of training fees, materials, and childcare. Five graduates specialized in tailoring, two in hairdressing, while three pursued general education.

GURD-Rwanda provided each graduate with a startup toolkit tailored to their trade, including sewing machines for tailors, salon equipment for hairdressers, and financial support for general education graduates to initiate small livestock businesses.

Mr. Fidele Tuyishime, the founder of GURD-Rwanda, emphasized the importance of empowering vulnerable groups, particularly teen mothers affected by gender-based violence (GBV). He stated, “Our goal is to provide these young women with not only skills but also the confidence and resources to transform their lives and contribute to their communities.”

***Mr. Fidele Tuyishime, founder of GURD-Rwanda, stressed the need to empower teen mothers affected by GBV with skills and confidence to transform their lives and contribute to their communities.***

The newly launched ICYIZERE Design Hub features both tailoring and hairdressing centers and is expected to serve as a long-term resource for teen mothers, offering vocational training, financial empowerment through savings and lending groups, and leadership education. The hub will also provide crucial training on SRHR, helping young women make informed decisions and reduce the risk of future unintended pregnancies.

Vice Mayor Mukankusi praised GURD-Rwanda and its partners for their efforts in supporting teen mothers and contributing to the government’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) by boosting job creation. She encouraged the graduates to build on their skills, avoid past mistakes, and fully utilize the tools and resources provided to secure a brighter future.

Vice Mayor Mukankusi commends GURD-Rwanda for supporting teen mothers and contributing to job creation under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), urging graduates to build on their skills for a brighter future.

The event concluded with heartfelt gratitude towards Amplify Girls, The Arthur B. Schultz Foundation (ABSF), and Our Sisters’ Opportunity (OSO) for their invaluable support in making the program a success.

Ongoing challenges and future goals

GURD-Rwanda aims to combat the challenges posed by early teenage pregnancies, which significantly limit the socioeconomic opportunities of young mothers and their families. According to Tuyishime, “Teenagers face serious health challenges and economic burdens when they become mothers too early, losing educational opportunities and trapping themselves in poverty.”

To address these issues, GURD-Rwanda has launched the ICYIZERE Project, which facilitates the return of teen mothers to school or vocational training. The project’s objectives include providing counseling, supporting school fees, implementing mentorship programs, and equipping graduates with the necessary tools for job creation.

Currently, GURD-Rwanda operates with a limited budget, having only one paid staff member and 13 volunteers. The organization has an annual budget of $15,240 and faces challenges in securing operational costs and sufficient office equipment.

In light of these constraints, GURD-Rwanda remains committed to empowering teen mothers through vocational training and entrepreneurial opportunities, with future plans to establish its own Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution by 2026.

A look at other GURD-Rwanda programs

Girls Lead Clubs: Established in 11 schools, these clubs focus on health education related to sexual and reproductive rights, menstrual health awareness, and developing girls’ agency.

Girls’ Scholarship Scheme: This initiative sponsors vulnerable girls by covering school fees, particularly those who are teen mothers, orphans, or have disabilities.

GURD-Rwanda continues to advocate for the rights and empowerment of young women, reinforcing its dedication to creating sustainable employment and fostering a brighter future for Nyamasheke’s youth.