Rotaract East Africa Impact (REACT) on March 30-31 supported 38 teenage mothers in Rugerero, Rubavu District with hairdressing and training equipment for vocational skill development and cooperative formation.
Through its 2024 Rwanda Edition, under the theme of "Igniting Hope: Building Resilience for A Better Tomorrow”, the edition empowered teenage mothers in Rubavu with vocational skills in hairdressing and trailing at Rugerero Youth Friendly Center.
The initiative is in line with REACT activities that the club conducts across Eastern African countries to change the livelihoods of thousands of people.
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It is an initiative that beneficiaries like 18-year-old Francine Umuhoza, who got pregnant at 16, applauds.
"We are thankful for the support provided to us, we hope that the equipment will help us fulfill our dreams and improve our skills which we’re getting here, life will change as I pursue my passion,” Umuhoza, who grew up dreaming to become a hairdresser, said.
According to Audrey Iradukunda, a representative of REACT from Burundi, their interest in assisting their peers who were impregnated at a young age aligns with the Rotary mission.
She said: "We are committed to helping our colleagues here in Rubavu who have encountered pregnancy-related issues so that they may change their livelihoods. We’re contributing the equipment to equip them with the skills for economic self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.”
Country Director for REACT Rwanda, Felix Mihigo, also revealed that despite the 38 teenage mothers who were supported with sewing machines and salon equipment, more young people as per figures from their conducted research, vastly need support.
"Youth unemployment and teenage pregnancies are some of the challenges hindering youth from a promising future,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Prosper Mulindwa, Mayor of Rubavu District, commended the "efforts in making a positive impact on the lives of our youth as a way of creating a bright future for generations to come.”
"Let us continue to work hand in hand, empowering youth and building a bright future and Africa in general,” he added, urging the beneficiaries who received the support to "make the best use of the donated equipment.”
REACT’s 2024 Rwanda Edition took place from March 29 to 31 in Rubavu District, Western Province, and brought together youth from five East African countries; Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and DR Congo.
Since its initiation in 2013, REACT has emerged as a positive change, transcending borders to address fundamental challenges in health, education, sanitation, and peace-building.