KWIGIRA Center empowers Teen Mothers: 31 receive sheep, vulnerable family gets a new home
On December 25, 2024, KWIGIRA Women and Children Vocational Center took another bold step in its mission to support teen mothers and their children
The center, which focuses on fostering self-reliance and sustainable development, hosted an impactful Christmas celebration that brought together 92 people, including 46 teen mothers and their 46 children.
During the event, 31 teen mothers were each gifted a sheep worth a total of over RWF 2,000,000 to help them transition to financial independence. Additionally, a vulnerable family was handed the keys to a fully furnished three-bedroom home, valued at RWF 4,100,000.
Emmanuel Harerimana, the Director of KWIGIRA, explained the importance of the sheep donation, emphasizing that the livestock serves as a starting point for economic empowerment.
He highlighted that sheep are well-suited to the cold climate of Kinigi and reproduce quickly, making them an ideal resource for the beneficiaries. This initiative aims to provide the teen mothers with a foundation for sustainable livelihoods and better futures for their children.
The teen mothers, who are part of KWIGIRA’s vocational training programs in skills such as sewing, receive tools like sewing machines upon graduation. Harerimana emphasized that adding livestock to their resources would further enhance their ability to support themselves and their families.
By managing the sheep, they can ensure a steady income source, fostering financial stability and reducing the likelihood of returning to harmful behaviors.
Queen Nyiransabimana, one of the beneficiaries, expressed her gratitude, stating that the sheep would significantly improve their livelihoods and allow them to better care for their families.
As part of the day’s initiatives, KWIGIRA also handed over a three-bedroom house to a struggling family of six in Nyabutaka Village, Ninda Cell, Nyange Sector, Musanze District. Previously living in a dilapidated shelter, the family now enjoys a fully furnished home equipped with beds, 50 kilograms of rice, and maize flour.
The house, valued at over RWF 4,178,367, was built for the family of Nyiraguhirwa, mother to Salaphine Dusabimana, a teen mother previously supported by KWIGIRA.
Harerimana explained that the decision to build the house came after a visit revealed the family’s dire living conditions. Their former home was uninhabitable, prompting KWIGIRA to intervene and provide them with a safe and dignified place to live.
Nyiraguhirwa expressed her relief and joy, explaining that the new house marked a turning point in her family’s life. For years, they lived in misery, often seeking shelter in neighbors’ homes during the rain. Today, she said, they have a home of their own, giving them a sense of stability and hope for the future.
Dusabimana echoed her mother’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the new house, which has allowed her and her family to sleep peacefully without the challenges they previously faced.
Harerimana urged young girls to avoid early pregnancies, emphasizing that while KWIGIRA provides support, prevention is the best path forward. He noted that teen motherhood disrupts development and can hinder opportunities for a brighter future.
This Christmas initiative, costing RWF 6,324,621, reflects KWIGIRA’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives. In 2024 alone, the center has distributed 46 sheep to teen mothers, recognizing 15 as outstanding performers.To date, KWIGIRA has supported over 210 beneficiaries, equipping them for a brighter, self-reliant future.
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