DBYEA NGO Launches Youth Support Program to Empower Low-Income Youth in Rwanda

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the NGO DON BOSCO YOUTH EDUCATION FOR ALL officially launched its activities in Rwanda, aiming to collaborate with the Rwandan government and other stakeholders to support the development of youth, particularly those from low-income families. The launch event was held in Gasagara Cell, Gikomero Sector, Gasabo District.

In the beginning, the organization provided an assistance to 260 low-income students attending Muhazi Vocational and Technical School in Gikomero thanks to the New Rochelle-Salesian Missions. These students received hygiene kits, food supplies to sustain them during their studies, and housing support for those residing outside the school, especially students from remote areas who find it difficult to manage on their own.

Muhazi Vocational and Technical School is known to serve many youths from across the country who cannot afford higher tuition fees, which are generally lower compared to other institutions in Rwanda.

However, despite the low fee structure—ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 Rwf—many students still struggle financially, highlighting their challenging living conditions.

Father Ufitamahoro Servilien, Director of DON BOSCO YOUTH EDUCATION FOR ALL, emphasized the importance of these initiatives.

He stated, “These activities are the beginning of many more planned in the organization’s strategy that covers the whole country.”

He also urged the youth to make the most of the support they have received, saying, “We encourage the youth to take the assistance they receive as a sign of support and to put in the effort to acquire knowledge that will improve them personally, their families, and the country in general.”

Sister Nyanzira Leocadie, who works closely with the students, expressed her relief over the aid received.

She remarked, “The support we received is so helpful because until now we were wondering how the children would survive, especially since the school’s previous funding has been reduced due to economic problems around the world. Now, the food for the students was running out, and we were wondering how we would feed them. But now, we are spending the whole semester in good health so that the children can study well.”

DON BOSCO YOUTH EDUCATION FOR ALL is a non-governmental organization accredited by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB). Its mission is to support youth in various sectors across the country, focusing especially on those with limited resources.

Notably, Rwanda’s national poverty rate decreased from 39.8% in 2017 to 27.4% in 2024—an impressive decline of 12.4 percentage points, lifting approximately 1.5 million people out of poverty over seven years.

Vumiriya Uwihoreye, one of the students benefitting from the program, shared his gratitude. “We are very happy. Many of us live in difficult circumstances, but seeing donors like this shows that there are many kind-hearted people interested in helping those with limited resources succeed,” she said.

The Seventh Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey (EICV7), conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) from October 2023 to October 2024, offers crucial insights into the living standards and economic conditions of Rwandan households.

The findings reveal significant advancements in poverty reduction and improvements in socio-economic indicators, underscoring the effectiveness of the government’s development strategies.

However, they also highlight critical areas that require attention, particularly concerning vulnerable populations in rural communities and access to quality education for at-risk youth.