Hope and Homes for Children celebrates Christmas with children and teen mothers in Kicukiro

By Elias Hakizimana.

On December 16, 2025, Hope and Homes for Children (HHC) Rwanda organized a Christmas celebration for children born to teen mothers in Kicukiro District, Kigarama Sector. The event brought together 132 teen mothers and their children, providing them with food, drinks, and essential support aimed at strengthening family resilience and economic independence.

During the celebration, 33 teen mothers who had completed various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs received toolkits to help them establish small businesses. The ceremony was held at the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center in Kigarama. Each participating family also received a 5-kilogram sack of fortified porridge flour to support child nutrition at home.

Among the beneficiaries, 11 graduates in sewing and tailoring received sewing machines, 21 graduates in hairdressing and beauty were provided with professional kits, and one graduate trained in mechanics received a toolbox. These initiatives are intended to promote self-employment and long-term resilience among teen mothers.

As the beneficiaries returned home with smiles, The Inspirer spoke with several participants to gather their feedback.

“I was supported by Hope and Homes for Children to study hairdressing and beauty,” said Wivine Umushesa, a teen mother of a two-year-old son. “These toolkits will help me open a salon after I receive my certificate in January 2026. We completed a six-month training program.” Umushesa dropped out of school in Senior Four due to early motherhood.

Speaking at the event, Antoine Mutsinzi, Executive Administrator of Kicukiro District, emphasized the importance of caring for children during the festive season.

“Caring for children is vital, especially in instilling Rwandan values and promoting quality education,” he said. “I urge parents to learn from the past to build a brighter future and call on both parents and local authorities to fulfill their roles in guiding children. I also encourage the trained youth to use the skills and materials provided wisely and work diligently for their personal development and for the progress of our country. I sincerely thank Hope and Homes for Children for their close collaboration in improving the welfare of our citizens.”

A Parent’s story

Aloys Nsengiyumva, a parent from Kigarama Sector, shared his experience of transformation through the program. A widower, Nsengiyumva said his two daughters, Uwimana Deborah and Magnifique, gave birth at home shortly after their mother passed away.

“Before this project, there was a serious gap between children and parents in our community,” he said. “Raising my daughters alone was very challenging, and conflicts arose as they transitioned into adulthood at a young age. Thanks to the training provided by Hope and Homes for Children, I no longer mistreat my daughters. Their programs have brought stability and security to our family.”

He expressed gratitude to HHC, the government, and the trainers who guided families through the program, adding, “Having children should never deprive anyone of their rights. Everyone deserves dignity and respect.”

Nsengiyumva also made a heartfelt appeal for support, saying he is currently unable to afford school fees for three young children and is seeking assistance to enroll them in school.

According to Immaculée Karangwa Vividi, Country Director of Hope and Homes for Children Rwanda, sharing Christmas with teen mothers and their children helps strengthen family bonds and social harmony.

“For many of these families, Christmas is not usually celebrated at home,” she explained. “This initiative creates a sense of belonging and joy while reinforcing positive relationships within families.”

Since the initiative began in Kicukiro District, Hope and Homes for Children has reached 352 beneficiaries through its interventions.

HHC Rwanda Country Director Immaculée Karangwa Vividi joins families to celebrate Christmas, reinforcing family bonds and a sense of belonging.