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

• Admin
• October 8, 2024

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.