Inclusion and empowerment of single mothers in Rwanda: that is what we are working on within the Inyenyeri project. Although the rights of girls and women are recognized in Rwanda, socio-cultural norms and traditions are so widespread that the reality is often one of physical abuse, exploitation, no speech and being treated as second-class citizens. Especially when it comes to single mothers.

In this project we aim to empower a group of 30 single mothers, who often bear full responsibility for raising their children without support from their families

The main aim of this initiative is to support these 30 single mothers in their personal development through training, guidance and promoting economic independence.

Self-reliance

The women are given the opportunity to learn various skills, such as family planning, raising pigs and chickens, and cultivating a kitchen garden and other crops.
In addition, various training courses are offered in the areas of agricultural skills, microfinance (participating in a savings and loan group; VSLA – Village Savings and Loan Association) and entrepreneurship skills.

Community

The women will be strongly connected throughout the project. They will support each other in creating vegetable gardens and will share their joys and worries with each other. Eugene has become a surrogate father to them, someone you turn to for advice and to share your joys and sorrows. Eugene is accompanied by a project assistant, Catherine, who acts as a kind of ‘aunt’ with whom the young women can have confidential conversations.

Sustainable

Because of sustainability and environmental conservation, a number of Grevillea trees are planted at each house. These trees contribute to the fertility of the soil by fixing nitrogen in the soil. In addition to promoting a nutrient-rich soil, they create a more favourable microclimate with more moisture, thanks to the shade they provide.
In addition, the wood can eventually be sold or used for bean poles, the construction of houses or sheds.