Twenty-three young mothers from Gahini Sector in Kayonza District who experienced unintended pregnancies are embracing a new chapter in their lives after graduating from a six-month tailoring programme designed to help them achieve financial independence and rebuild their confidence.
The vocational training, organized by the non-governmental organization Inspired Vision Foundation (IVF), targeted girls who had dropped out of school after becoming pregnant. Many had endured rejection from their families, abandonment by the men responsible for their pregnancies, and the stigma that often leaves young mothers isolated and without opportunities.
At a graduation ceremony held on Friday, June 26, 2026, the beneficiaries described the programme as a life-changing opportunity that has restored their hope and equipped them with practical skills to support themselves and their children.
“I sincerely thank Inspired Vision Foundation for believing in us when many had given up on us,” said Joselyse Uwiragiye, one of the graduates. “The tailoring skills we have acquired will enable us to earn a living, raise our children with dignity and contribute to the development of our communities and our country.”
Uwiragiye said the training has inspired her to establish her own tailoring business and join local cooperatives while encouraging other girls facing similar circumstances not to lose hope.
“An unintended pregnancy should not mark the end of a girl’s dreams,” she said. “With determination and the right support, it is possible to rebuild your life.”
Another graduate, Dalia Dukundimana, said the programme had transformed both her outlook and ambitions.
“I now have skills that will help me improve my family’s livelihood,” she said. “This is only the beginning. I plan to continue learning, grow my business and create a better future for my child.”
District officials praised the initiative for helping vulnerable young women regain confidence and become economically productive.
Muda Bututa, an official from the Joint Action Development Forum (JADF) in Kayonza District, said the programme complements the district’s efforts to empower vulnerable youth through skills development.
“We highly appreciate Inspired Vision Foundation’s commitment to supporting these young mothers,” he said. “Economic empowerment gives them an opportunity to rebuild their lives, provide for their children and become active contributors to their communities.”
The foundation says the tailoring programme forms part of a broader strategy to equip vulnerable youth with employable skills. Besides tailoring, the organization provides training in hairdressing, construction, animal health and culinary arts.
According to Callixte Kajuga Aaron, Founder and Chairperson of Inspired Vision Foundation, the organization plans to expand its support beyond vocational training.
“Our vision is not limited to teaching skills,” he said. “We also intend to establish IVF Clinics to improve access to healthcare, help graduates secure markets for their products, build schools and strengthen psychosocial support services for young women recovering from trauma and social stigma.”
The foundation’s Executive Director, Pastor Godfrey Ruzindana, encouraged the graduates to view their certificates as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and self-improvement.
“We enrolled 30 young mothers, and 23 successfully completed the programme,” he said. “We encourage them not to allow their past experiences to define their future. The skills they have acquired should become the foundation upon which they continue building successful and independent lives.”
The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), a sector identified under Vision 2050 and the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2: 2024–2029) as essential for creating a skilled workforce, reducing unemployment and driving sustainable economic growth.
