FEATURED: New chapter for Gicumbi residents as over 600 complete life-changing financial literacy programme

Josephine Bantegeye, a mother and member of the Imbere Heza group in Gacurabwenge sector, Gicumbi District, never imagined that learning to manage money would transform her life so hugely. “Before the training, we didn’t know how to plan or save properly,” she said. “We used to think budgeting was for people with higher education, not for people like us. We would misuse money without realising it. However, we now understand the distinction between needs and wants. We know how to make a budget and stick to it.” Bantegeye shared her testimony on June 25 during a graduation ceremony for 632 residents of Gicumbi District who completed a financial literacy and savings programme. The initiative, aimed at strengthening climate resilience and unlocking economic empowerment, was a joint effort by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), BK Foundation, and Friends Effort to Support Youth (FESY), implemented under the Green Gicumbi Project. The six-year Green Gicumbi Project, a flagship initiative of the Rwanda Green Fund, has reached over 300,000 people; however, this cohort represents a milestone: the first large-scale rollout of tailored financial training in the district. From Rwf 500 to Rwf 8,000: a journey of growth Bantegeye’s story mirrors the transformation experienced by her fellow group members. She recalled how her group started small, saving just Rwf 500 per month. “That was all we could afford at the time, and it wasn’t even enough to open a bank account,” she explained. “But after the training, we learned how to save and invest, even from the little we had. Today, we save Rwf 8,000 each month. We now work with financial institutions. We have savings and the capacity to lend money to our members.” She proudly noted that all group members have already paid their health insurance for the 2025/2026 fiscal year, a clear indicator of the financial discipline they have acquired. Looking ahead, Bantegeye says they hope to transition from informal savings groups to formal cooperatives, and she called on partners to provide continued support. Real-life impact Sandrine Tuyizere, a member of Indatwa Saving Group in Cyumba Sector, said the programme taught her to believe in her potential. “Before the training, I didn’t know how to save or plan for the future,” she said. “Now, I not only save, but I run my own business. I hope more people get the opportunity to benefit like I did.” For Jean Marie Vianney Ngendabanga from Twitezimbere Savings Group in Muhamba, the training completely shifted his mindset. “Now, I don’t just save, I invest,” he said. “This programme was a turning point in my life.” Building financial resilience to climate change Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Teddy Mugabo, CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund, emphasised the importance of financial literacy in building climate resilience, especially in rural communities vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks. “To accelerate development and increase resilience to climate change, we must empower people to make sound financial and investment decisions,” Mugabo said. “I urge all partners, including the private sector and NGOs, to join us in extending these skills to more communities.” Ingrid Karangwayire, CEO of the BK Foundation, echoed the sentiment, describing financial literacy as a cornerstone of sustainable development. “At BK Foundation, we believe that access to financial knowledge is a powerful driver of resilience and self-reliance. This program has proven that when citizens are equipped with the right skills and support, they take initiative. They save, they invest, and they actively contribute to local development. We are proud to have partnered in this effort to strengthen the economic capacity of Gicumbi residents, and we remain committed to scaling this impact across the country.” James Kellon Rwabwera, Executive Director of FESY, highlighted the programme’s broader goal of empowering women and youth, a mission central to the organisation. “FESY exists to build a brighter, more resilient future for Rwanda’s youth and women,” he said. “While we’ve only reached a small portion of those who would benefit from this training, we’ve seen the impact firsthand. When young people and women are empowered, the entire community benefits.” The programme has measurable results and lasting change, with the impact of the programme being visible across several key indicators, where 632 participants were trained in financial planning, budgeting, entrepreneurship, and savings, with 58 per cent of women and 175 youth among the graduates. Meanwhile, 17 vibrant saving groups formed, as 467 new bank accounts opened, many by people previously outside the formal financial system, also 189 new business ventures launched, including pig farming and food processing. It is worth noting that monthly savings increased from as little as Rwf 500 to over Rwf 6,000. In addition to these achievements, a peer mentorship programme trained 25,000 community members in climate resilience strategies, empowering them to play active roles in local environmental solutions. Looking ahead As the Green Gicumbi Project enters its phase-out stage, stakeholders are calling for increased investment in financial literacy as a key pillar in fighting poverty and enhancing climate resilience. “This graduation is not just symbolic,” said Mugabo. “It’s a call to action. We must continue scaling up these efforts to reach more people who can benefit from such life-changing programmes.” For Bantegeye and hundreds of others, the training has been more than just a course, it has been a gateway to self-reliance, dignity, and hope. “We feel empowered now,” she said. “We are no longer just struggling to survive. We are building our future.”

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FEATURED: New chapter for Gicumbi residents as over 600 complete life-changing financial literacy programme