The JUC Youth Empowerment Program recently celebrated the graduation of its 4th cohort, marking the end of a transformative journey for a group of ambitious young entrepreneurs. Over the past three months, these participants embarked on an intense and rewarding experience, equipping themselves with the skills, mentorship, and confidence needed to drive social impact, become self-sustainable, and create opportunities for their peers.
The journey began with a deep dive into entrepreneurial training with the aid of the program’s manual. They explored topics such as self discovery, innovation development and proto-typing, and strategic planning & sustainability, each session designed to strengthen their ability to build and sustain their own ventures. Alongside these lessons, they had the invaluable opportunity to connect with industry experts which provided mentorship and guidance that helped refine their ideas and visions for the future.
Beyond the classroom, the cohort actively engaged in networking opportunities conducting field visits in their area of interest which allowed them to form meaningful relationships with potential investors, partners, and fellow innovators. Throughout the program, participants were encouraged to put their learning to the test through presentations, where they presented their business ideas and information they gained from field visits. These moments of challenge and feedback helped shape their ventures into viable, impactful enterprises.
Fr Patrice Ndayisenga, SJ, JUC director, expressed his joy at witnessing thirty one beneficiaries complete their training successfully; “You have done us all proud. We’re looking forward to the impact of this training on your communities, as on our part, we have trained you, we have equipped you with the skills and tools needed for you to run successful businesses. Nothing will give us more joy than to hear from you or get the feedback that you have achieved this and that not only are you self-sustainable but that you have also created jobs for your peers”.
As the event unfolded, some graduates were given the stage to showcase their business ventures, sharing their aspirations and the impact they hoped to achieve. A member of a previous cohort also shared his quick success in his chosen field of animation. Their stories were a testament to the growth and transformation they had undergone throughout the program.
After months of dedication and hard work, the long-awaited graduation day had arrived. One by one, graduates stepped forward to receive their certificates, each one representing not just completion but the beginning of a new chapter in their entrepreneurial journey. The ceremony was filled with heartfelt speeches from keynote speakers and program mentors, who reminded the graduates of the importance of resilience, creativity, and the responsibility they now carried to uplift their communities through their work.
The guest of honor, Fr Tite Mutemangando, SJ also shared his delight at having witnessed the graduation of these youth; “I am pleased to see you all, clearly the training did not only give you business skills but eloquence in presenting as the youth that have made presentations were truly impressive. I am confident you will be able to stand in front of potential partners and confidently pitch your business ideas, we look forward to hearing wonderful news from you in the near future”.
As the graduates step into the next phase of their journeys, they carry with them not just certificates, but a wealth of experience, connections, and the confidence to turn their ideas into reality. Their success stories will serve as inspiration for those who follow in their footsteps, proving that with the right support and determination, young entrepreneurs have the power to drive meaningful change. The JUC Youth Empowerment Program remains committed to fostering the next generation of changemakers, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next cohort ready to embark on this incredible journey.
“When I got accepted into this training, I knew I wanted to launch a crotchet business and teach my peers too, however I did not know the process of making sufficient income, paying taxes and securing target markets. Now I know how to do all this. The next steps for me are registering my business and moving it from my home to a well located shop.”~ Danida Giselle Izereyezu
“I would like to thank Jesuit Urumuri Centre for having thought about us, the youth, and about how they can assist us to be entrepreneurs but with Christian values. And for free, because for other trainings, we pay. What I can say is that their intention of change in the society will come from us, all the investing they did for this project will not be for nothing. We are about to put all the knowledge and skills into action”. ~ James Kabandana
Henriette Mushimiyimana
JUC Commnucations Officer
