A group of twenty teenage mothers in Rwamagana District has turned a new page in their lives after successfully completing a six-month tailoring course designed to equip them with practical skills for self-reliance.
The training, organized by Merry Year International (MYI) in partnership with local district authorities, provided the young women not only with tailoring and design skills but also lessons in entrepreneurship, budgeting, and savings.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony at Nyagasambu Vocational Training Centre, the district mayor, Mrs. Olive Uwamariya, praised the young mothers for their determination to rebuild their lives despite earlier challenges.
“These young women have shown resilience and courage. Education and vocational skills are the best tools to fight poverty and dependency,” she said, encouraging the graduates to form cooperatives to strengthen their businesses.
One of the graduates, Alice Uwimana, 19, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn a skill that will help her provide for her child.
“When I dropped out of school after giving birth, I lost hope. But this program has given me a second chance. I can now sew school uniforms and clothes for sale,” she shared, proudly showing the dress she made herself.
Another participant, Speciose Mukamana, added that the training also helped them regain confidence.
“Before this course, I was shy and felt isolated. Now I can earn a living and support my baby. I dream of owning my own tailoring shop one day,” she said.
Program coordinator Mr. Daniel Nshimiyimana from MYI noted that the initiative aims to empower vulnerable young women through sustainable skills that generate income.
“We don’t want them to rely on handouts. Tailoring is one of the most in-demand skills in local markets, and we’re helping them turn it into a business,” he explained.
