SOS Children's Villages Rwanda

Green Growth: Businesses join hands to empower young people

In Gisagara District, a new collaboration between the private sector and community partners is opening doors for young people eager to build a better future.

SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda through the Green Growth Project funded by SOS Children’s Villages in Canada and the Government of Canada through Canada’s International Development – Global Affairs Canada , convened a consultative meeting with private sector employers. The main purpose is connecting young people with real opportunities for employment and professional internships.

A recent gender sensitive labour market assessment conducted in the five districts where the Green Growth Project will operate revealed the reality many young people face when entering Rwanda’s labour market.

The findings show that 83% of young people are engaged in informal employment, while 20% remain unemployed, reflecting limited opportunities particularly for young women and young people with disabilities.

Jean Bosco Ngabonzima, Director of the Business Development Unit in Gisagara District, emphasised the scale of the issue.

He said, “The Ministry of Public Service and Labour conducted research in Gisagara District which showed that more than 42,000 people are unemployed, most of them young people.
The private sector has an important role to play in the implementation of this project by providing job placements and internship opportunities for young people.”

Octave Shyaka, the Green Growth Project Manager, highlighted the project’s ambition to empower youth across five districts: Kayonza, Nyagatare, Gisagara, Gasabo, and Bugesera.

“We have already identified 1,032 young people, including young people with disabilities, from three sectors Muganza, Musha, and Save. Our goal is to strengthen their practical skills through TVET schools. This is where collaboration with the private sector becomes essential.” He stated.
He added that by linking vocational training with real workplace experience, the project aims to help young people transition from learning to employment.

Schools providing technical and vocational training are already seeing the impact of hands-on education.

Jackson Sehigiri, Headteacher of Musha Technical Secondary School, believes practical skills are key to community development.

“Vocational skills are one of the most effective ways to eradicate poverty in communities. When young people gain practical skills, they are better prepared to find jobs or start their own projects. We have already seen many success stories where students complete major projects through their training.” Jackson said.

Child safeguarding at the centre of everything

During the meeting, the Interim Head of Child Safeguarding and Child Protection Isimbi Deborah Abieilah reminded participants that the safety and rights of children and young people remain a top priority in all programmes implemented by SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda.

As a childcare organisation, the federation ensures that all partners uphold strong safeguarding standards.

“We always respect the rights of every child and young person. It is essential that all partners create safe environments and avoid any form of abuse.”

Through the Green Growth Project, SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda will continue working closely with district authorities, TVET schools, and private sector partners to create meaningful pathways into employment.

By combining skills development, internships and strong partnerships, the initiative aims to ensure that young people gain the confidence, experience, and opportunities they need to thrive and contribute to a greener more inclusive future.

Three Brothers, one Journey: From hardship to hope

In the green hills of Nyamagabe District, near Rwanda Polytechnic Kitabi, three brothers have learned what it truly means to stand together. Emmanuel Niyomugabo (24), Eric Niyomugabo (20) and their younger brother Placide Izabayo (16) have been growing up in a child-headed household, relying on one another to survive and move forward in life.

Their father passed away. Shortly afterwards, their mother abandoned them. To this day, they do not know where she lives. Their days were once filled with uncertainty. In 2022, when SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda identified their household, the brothers were struggling to stay in school. Food was scarce, clothing was limited, and each day brought new worries. Emmanuel remembers those difficult moments clearly:

“Life was very hard, and we did not know what tomorrow would bring to us.” Emmanuel stated.

Things slowly began to change when the brothers were supported through the Family Strengthening Program. They received training in saving and income generation, along with a pig that later produced six piglets a small but powerful step towards building their own livelihood. SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda also supported them with school fees and essential learning materials, helping them remain in school.

For Emmanuel, education opened new doors. After completing secondary school (S6) with a specialisation in Forestry, he earned a place at Rwanda Polytechnic, where he now studies Forest Resource Management. Each month, he receives a bursary of RWF 40,000 (Approx 27.5 USD), easing the financial burden on the family.

Eric’s path was different but equally promising. With support, he enrolled in vocational training in mechanics and later received a start-up toolkit from SOS Children’s Villages. Encouraged by his older brother, Eric was connected to a job opportunity at Rwanda Polytechnic. Today, he works in the tree nursery used for practical training, earning RWF 60,000 (approx. 41.3 USD) per month.

“My brother helped me get a job where he is studying,” Eric says with a smile. “It is close to our home. I now save money so that one day I can start my own garage in Kigali.”

Today, the brothers speak with confidence and hope. Emmanuel dreams of becoming self-employed, running nurseries for trees such as eucalyptus and avocado. Together, Emmanuel and Eric now provide food, clothing and school support for their youngest brother Placide who is currently in Primary 6. Each week, they also manage to save at least RWF 3,000 (approx 2 USD) planning carefully for the future.

“SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda has given us direction in life through the Family Strengthening Program.” He added.

With steady support and their strong bond as brothers, their home once marked by hardship is now filled with stability, confidence and hope for a better future.