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By Clementine Nyirangaruye
In Rwamagana, a district in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, Gahengeri Sector, Merry Year International Rwanda has opened a Socio- Economic independence support project for teenage single mothers, aims at equipping teenage mothers with skills to thrive in the future providing them with support they need to create a brighter future for themselves and their children.
Through the efforts of Merry Y International Rwanda, these young women are being equipped with the tools to not only break the cycle of poverty but also to build self-confidence and resilience.
During the opening ceremony, Ochul KWON, Merry Year International Rwanda‘s country director delivered a powerful speech about the start of a journey toward change.
“Today is more than just an opening; it is the start of a journey toward change. Teenage mothers in this community have faced many challenges, and through this initiative, we aim to provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to build a stable and hopeful future.”
Ochul KWON emphasized equipping the break of hardship and creating a sustainable path toward self-reliance.
“This project is not just about offering temporary aid. It is about equipping these young mothers with essential skills, supporting their emotional and psychological well-being, and fostering a community that embraces and uplifts them. Our goal is to break the cycle of hardship and a sustainable path toward self-reliance.”
Teenage motherhood is a challenge that many young girls face in Rwanda, often due to a lack of education, limited access to healthcare, and societal pressures. For these young mothers, the road ahead can seem overwhelming. However, Merry Year International Rwanda is offering hope and guidance by providing training programs that focus on various skills such as tailoring and mindset change skills. These skills are not only practical but also marketable, giving the teenage mothers the ability to generate income and support their families.
Olive Akimana , a Representative of the selected 20 teen mothers expressed her gratitude saying ,
“ On behalf of teen mothers I really thank you very much for changing our life, we have been living in bad life without hope for tomorrow, but now we have hope and we are going to do different projects and we assure you that our future will be better .”
For many of the young mothers involved in the Socio- Economic independence support project for teenage single mother’s project, the experience is life-changing. “I never thought I would have a future beyond motherhood, but now, I feel hopeful. I will be able to take care of my child and build something for myself. I have dreams again.” says Clarisse Mutimawurugo, 24, mother of Four years old child, a beneficiary in Merry Year International Rwanda’s training sessions.
The Executive Secretary of Gahengeri sector, John Bosco Byaruhanga asked teen mothers to make this opportunity fruitful not only for themselves but also their children.
“We want you to make this opportunity your better future. Having his opportunity means to make it fruitful not only yourselves but also your children. Chance comes once.” he said.
As the program continues to grow, Merry Year International Rwanda hopes to reach 200 teenage mothers, providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
Merry Year International Rwanda assists the Gahengeri sector in Rwamagana among the seven eastern districts. In particular, Merry Year International Rwanda is working to solve the problems of low agricultural income and productivity by supporting agricultural activities of vulnerable groups including matriarchs, single mothers, and more.
