Our Mission and Vision
At Rwanda Rise, our mission is clear: to equip young Rwandans with marketable skills and entrepreneurial mindsets, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable lives. Our vision is a thriving Rwanda where every young person has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their community's prosperity.
Discover the Opportunity
Rwanda is the rising star of Africa, but young people need a hand up to thrive.
Get Involved
Fund a student and help them receive the skills they need for a sustainable future.
Change Lives Forever
Watch your support transform the lives of students and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary mission of Rwanda Rise?
Rwanda Rise is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing vocational training and support to young people in Rwanda from families experiencing the cycle of poverty. Their goal is to equip these youth with marketable skills, entrepreneurial knowledge, and values-based mentoring to help them secure sustainable incomes and build hopeful futures.
How does Rwanda Rise address the challenges faced by young people in Rwanda?
Rwanda Rise focuses on providing practical, in-demand vocational training in trades like welding, culinary arts, sewing, masonry, and hairstyling. This approach directly addresses the issue of unemployment and low wages for unskilled labor by equipping students with the skills needed for higher-paying jobs. They also incorporate entrepreneurship into their curriculum, empowering students to potentially create their own businesses.
Who does Rwanda Rise primarily serve?
Rwanda Rise serves Rwandan youth whose families are stuck in the cycle of poverty. They specifically highlight the "lost generation" impacted by the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, although their services are available to other young people facing similar economic hardship. The organization also notes that 70% of their students are women.
What specific vocational trades does Rwanda Rise teach?
Rwanda Rise teaches six in-demand trades: Culinary Arts, Construction, Sewing, Welding, Masonry, and Hairstyling. These trades are chosen to ensure graduates are equipped with skills that are relevant and needed in the Rwandan job market.
What are some of the notable outcomes of the Rwanda Rise program?
Rwanda Rise highlights several positive outcomes: they have trained over 5028 graduates since their launch, and 90% of their students get hired in their field after graduation. This demonstrates a high success rate in transitioning students into the workforce. They also emphasize the transformation of lives and families through education and job placement.
How does Rwanda Rise support its students beyond vocational training?
In addition to technical skills, Rwanda Rise provides values-based mentoring. They also offer practical support, such as assistance with transportation for students to attend classes, recognizing that access can be a barrier for those from impoverished backgrounds.
What is the significance of Rwanda's context to the work of Rwanda Rise?
Rwanda is described as Africa's "most remarkable turnaround story" following the 1994 genocide. While the nation has made significant progress, the cycle of poverty persists, threatening the future of its youth. Rwanda Rise operates within this context, aiming to provide opportunities and build hope for a generation still impacted by historical trauma and economic challenges.
How can individuals and organizations support Rwanda Rise?
Individuals can support Rwanda Rise by making donations to fund student training or by becoming supporters. Organizations can partner with Rwanda Rise, and some, like World Vision and Compassion International, send sponsored youth to their vocational training center. Financial donations are tax-deductible, and checks can be mailed or online donations made.
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