🇷🇼 Kura Nawe: New Programme Empowering Rwanda’s TVET Students with Life Skills, Health Knowledge, and Hope for the Future

A new chapter in empowering Rwanda’s youth has begun with the official launch of the Kura Nawe Programme, an ambitious four years’ initiative designed to equip young people in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools with the skills, knowledge, and access to Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) services they need to thrive.

The programme, launched on 5 November ,2025 at Gacuriro Technical Secondary School (TSS) in Gasabo District, is a partnership between the Ministry of Education, UNFPA Rwanda, and the Embassy of Luxembourg. It aims to reach more than 20,000 students aged between 16 and 30 years in schools across Gasabo, Ngoma, and Kirehe districts.

Bringing Health Services Closer to Students

Under Kura Nawe, five selected TVET schools have been equipped with mini health centers that provide sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support, and basic medical care to students and nearby community members.

Each school will also have youth friendly corners where students can access information, counseling, and health services in a safe and confidential space. Importantly, the programme also includes daycare centers to support young mothers who have returned to school ensuring they continue their education while caring for their children.

According to Dr. Olugbemiga Adelakin, UNFPA Representative in Rwanda, the initiative responds to an urgent need.

“Our data shows that TVET students often miss out on information about sexual and reproductive health compared to those in general education schools, for young people to live healthy lives, they need more than classroom lessons. They must be empowered to make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures and that’s exactly what Kura Nawe is built on.” said Dr. Adelakin.

Empowering Youth, Building the Nation

With young people making up 27% of Rwanda’s total population, the Kura Nawe Programme is a timely investment in the country’s human capital. It aligns with Rwanda’s vision of transforming its economy through a skilled, healthy, and confident youth population.

Dr. Rose Baguma, Director of Education Policy at the Ministry of Education, emphasized how the programme complements national priorities.

“Kura Nawe fits perfectly within our vision of equipping young people with the right skills and knowledge, many students, especially girls and youth with disabilities, have been left behind because they lacked access to accurate information about sexual and reproductive health. Some dropped out due to early pregnancies or social stigma. This project will help address those challenges and keep more students in school.” said Dr. Baguma.

Dr. Baguma added that creating open, supportive environments where young people can discuss issues like puberty, relationships, and mental health is essential to breaking long held taboos.

“We cannot ignore the fact that lack of communication between children and parents about reproductive health is one of the causes of teenage pregnancies and school dropouts, Kura Nawe brings a practical solution.” she added

Partners United for Youth Empowerment

The launch event brought together representatives from government, international partners, and the education community.

In her remarks, Ms. Charlotte Helminger, Chargée d’Affaires at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Kigali, encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunity.

“This programme is here for you, take this opportunity, run with it, and use it well. Your future is in your hands, and we believe in your potential.” she told the youth gathered at Gacuriro TSS

Imbuto Foundation, one of the organizations supporting the initiative, also reaffirmed its long standing commitment to youth empowerment and access to sexual and reproductive health information. For years, the foundation has promoted Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in schools and communities across Rwanda.

“Integrating CSE within TVET schools is another step toward reaching more youth where they are and enabling them to make empowered decisions for their future,” the foundation said in a statement.

A Step Toward a Healthier and More Informed Generation

The Kura Nawe Programme comes at a crucial time. Studies by UNFPA and the Ministry of Health show that gaps in sexual and reproductive health education remain a major barrier to youth development. Many young people in TVET schools lack access to reliable information or youth friendly health services making them more vulnerable to unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and mental health challenges.

By bringing services closer to schools and integrating health education into vocational training, Kura Nawe is expected to empower more than 20,000 students to make informed, healthy choices, stay in school, and build productive futures.

Looking Ahead

The four-year project is expected to serve as a model for scaling up comprehensive health and life skills education across Rwanda’s education system. It reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that no young person is left behind, especially those in practical learning environments who often face unique challenges.

As the ceremony concluded, the excitement among students at Gacuriro TSS was visible. For many, Kura Nawe is more than just a project it is a promise of hope, opportunity, and empowerment.

As one student said after the launch, “We now have a place where we can learn about our health without fear or shame. This means a lot to us.”

Indeed, Kura Nawe which means “Grow with Us” is a fitting name for a programme that aims to nurture Rwanda’s young generation into healthy, confident, and capable leaders of tomorrow.