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By Christophe Uwizeyimana
In a major step toward strengthening climate resilience and economic empowerment in rural Rwanda, 600 residents of Gicumbi District have graduated from a comprehensive financial literacy and savings programme. The training, implemented under the Green Gicumbi Project, equipped participants with practical skills in budgeting, saving, and entrepreneurship, empowering them to take charge of their financial futures and adapt to climate challenges.
The graduation ceremony, held this week, brought together community members, partners, and government representatives to celebrate a transformative initiative delivered through a partnership between the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA), BK Foundation, and Friends Effort to Support Youth (FESY).
“We must work together to strengthen people’s capacity to make informed financial and investment decisions not only to accelerate development, but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of climate resilience projects,” said Teddy Mugabo, CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund. “I call on all partners including the financial sector, civil society, and philanthropic organizations to join this effort and support our communities in accessing both finance and financial literacy.”
Empowering Change Through Financial Knowledge
The initiative trained 632 individuals, 58% of them women and 175 youth in key financial skills. Participants formed 17 savings groups, opened 467 new bank accounts, and launched small businesses ranging from pig farming to food processing. Many participants had previously been excluded from the formal financial system.
“Before the training, I didn’t know how to save or plan for my financial future. Now, I not only save but also run my own business,” said Sandrine Tuyizere, a member of Indatwa Saving Group from Cyumba Sector. “I hope this project continues to support more people like me.”
“This project completely changed my approach to money. Now, I not only save but also invest,” added Jean Marie Vianney Ngendabanga, a member of the Twitezimbere Savings Group in Muhamba.
The program also supported participants to increase their savings from as little as 500 RWF/month to over 6,000 RWF/month, unlocking capital for local enterprise and family resilience.
Partners Rally to Scale Up Impact
Leaders from the partnering organisations praised the project’s impact and highlighted the need to expand such initiatives across the country.
“At BK Foundation, we believe that access to financial knowledge is a powerful driver of resilience and self-reliance,” said Ingrid Karangwayire, Executive Secretary of the BK Foundation. “This programme has proven that when citizens are equipped with the right skills and support, they save, they invest, and they contribute to local development. We are proud to have partnered in this effort and remain committed to scaling this impact nationwide.”
James Kellon Rwabwera, Executive Director of FESY, emphasized: “We are so happy with the results of this programme. But we know we’ve only reached a small fraction of those who would benefit. When youth and women are empowered, all of society benefits.”
A Graduation That Signals a Call to Action
This graduation marks more than just the end of a training cycle, it is a rallying cry for partners, donors, and institutions to prioritise financial literacy as a core pillar of climate resilience.
Although the Green Gicumbi Project has already reached over 300,000 beneficiaries through climate-smart agriculture, forest restoration, and sustainable livelihoods, only a minority have had access to tailored financial training. This underscores the urgency of integrating financial literacy into wider development efforts.
About the Green Gicumbi Project
Launched in 2019, Green Gicumbi is a six-year, flagship climate resilience initiative led by the Rwanda Green Fund and funded by the Green Climate Fund. The project targets vulnerable rural communities in Northern Rwanda, particularly Gicumbi District, and addresses climate challenges through a holistic approach, including:
- Watershed protection
- Climate-resilient agriculture
- Sustainable forest and energy management
- Development of model green settlements
The project is designed to improve both environmental sustainability and local livelihoods by restoring ecosystems, promoting inclusive economic growth, and building adaptive capacity.
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