By Seif Shaggy Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali,Rwanda,
Twenty-three young mothers from Gahini Sector in Kayonza District have been encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship and build sustainable livelihoods after graduating from a six-month tailoring programme organized by Inspired Vision Foundation (IVF).
The graduates received their certificates on Friday, June 26, 2026, marking the completion of vocational training aimed at equipping young women who experienced unintended pregnancies with practical skills to become financially independent.
Many of the beneficiaries had dropped out of school after becoming pregnant and faced rejection from their families, abandonment by the men responsible for their pregnancies, and the social stigma that often leaves young mothers struggling to rebuild their lives.
Through the programme, Inspired Vision Foundation sought to restore their confidence while providing them with employable skills that can help them start businesses, generate income and support their children.
For Joselyse Uwiragiye, one of the graduates, the training has opened a new chapter in her life.
“We are grateful to Inspired Vision Foundation for giving us hope again,” she said. “Over the past six months, we have learned tailoring skills that will enable us to earn a living, support our children and improve the wellbeing of our families.”
She said she now plans to join a cooperative, establish her own tailoring business and eventually mentor other young mothers facing similar challenges.
“My message to girls who have experienced unintended pregnancies is not to think their lives are over. There is always an opportunity to rise again if you are willing to learn and work hard,” she said.
Another graduate, Dalia Dukundimana, described the programme as a turning point that has renewed her confidence and strengthened her determination to become self-reliant.
“I now have practical skills that will help me improve my life and provide for my child,” she said. “I intend to continue learning, expand my knowledge and use these skills to create a better future for my family.”
Local leaders praised the initiative for complementing government efforts to empower vulnerable youth through technical and vocational education.
Muda Bututa, Director of the Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) in Kayonza District, said initiatives that equip young mothers with employable skills play an important role in helping them reintegrate into society.
“We appreciate Inspired Vision Foundation for supporting these young women,” he said. “The knowledge they have acquired will help them improve their livelihoods, care for their children and contribute to the development of their communities.”
Inspired Vision Foundation says its empowerment programme extends beyond tailoring. The organization also provides vocational training in hairdressing, construction, animal health and culinary arts as part of its mission to increase employment opportunities for vulnerable youth.
According to Callixte Kajuga Aaron, Founder and Chairperson of Inspired Vision Foundation, the organization intends to strengthen its support by helping graduates access markets for their products while expanding community services.
“Our goal is to empower these young women beyond vocational training,” he said. “We plan to establish IVF Clinics to improve healthcare services, build schools, connect graduates to markets and expand psychosocial support because many have experienced trauma and social exclusion.”
The foundation’s Executive Director, Pastor Godfrey Ruzindana, urged the graduates to see their certificates as the beginning rather than the end of their journey.
“We enrolled 30 young mothers, and 23 successfully completed the programme,” he said. “We encourage them not to be defined by their past. Instead, they should build on the skills they have acquired, continue learning and create successful futures for themselves and their children.”
The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s commitment to expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which is recognized under Vision 2050 and the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2: 2024–2029) as a key driver of employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth.
