OUR PROGRAMS
Economic Empowerment
Iterambere*
This project focuses on promoting the financial independence of women and youth by teaching them financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, promoting the creation of VSLAs, and supporting income-generating activities. Women who are members of VSLAs also have access to self-directed payment plans when they wish to purchase Agateka reusable sanitary pads. We operate in Bujumbura, Gatumba, Cibitoke, Gitega, Karusi, Ngozi, Kirundo, Muyinga, Ruyigi, and Makamba.
*Development
1,874
VSLAs have been created.
6,291
income-generating activities started by members of VSLAs.
Menya umwuga*
This project supports unemployed women and youth in vulnerable communities by providing vocational training and facilitating access to employment. This includes women who are employed in Agateka production centres. The project operates in Karusi, Muyinga, Ruyigi, Gitega, Kirundo, Ngozi, Cibitoke, Gatumba, and Makamba.
*Learn a skill
441
graduates of the program secured paying jobs after graduation.
189
graduates of the program work in Agateka production centres.
Impact stories
A fresh start: Faustine's journey to better menstrual health with Agateka
17 Apr 2024
Seeds of Change: transforming lives through agriculture
17 Apr 2024
Goats and Growth: collective progress in Ruyigi
17 Apr 2024
Burundi faces significant unemployment challenges, particularly among women and youth. According to the ECVM 2013/2014 survery on household living conditions, unemployment disproportionately affects more women (42.7%) than men (39.6%), and 17.9% of youth with higher education are unemployed. On the other hand, women make up 55.2% of the workforce. However, they have the highest illiteracy rates, and the lowest education levels, and often lack control over household income.
Vocational training, income-generating activities (IGAs), and financial literacy are crucial in addressing poverty and fostering resilience among women and youth. Our Economic Empowerment program aim to enhance economic self-sufficiency and create opportunities for income generation. By focusing on vocational training, entrepreneurship education and the creation of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), we strive to empower vulnerable demographics.
Below are projects that aim to achieve some or all of our Economic Empowerment objectives.
Objectives
Provide vocational training to enhance hireability.
Improve access to financial resources through savings and financing groups.
Encourage the creation and growth of small businesses.
Facilitate women's access to sanitary products.
Foster economic self-sufficiency.
