Don Bosco Muhazi Graduates Single Mothers from Green TVET Program
Gikomero, Rwanda – July 2, 2026 – Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School has celebrated the graduation of 12 vulnerable single parents, including 11 women and one man, who successfully completed training in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry under the Gender Matters for Green TVET initiative.
The 6th Cohort of the graduates, drawn from Gicumbi and Gasabo districts, received certificates and farming tools during a colorful ceremony held at Don Bosco Muhazi on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
The training aimed at equipping vulnerable single mothers with practical skills in sustainable agriculture, climate-smart farming, and animal husbandry to strengthen their livelihoods and improve the well-being of their families.
As part of the program, the beneficiaries had previously received small livestock, including chickens, pigs, and goats, to help them establish income-generating activities.
A newly introduced greening module formed an important part of the training. The module focused on climate-smart agricultural practices such as intercropping with trees, soil conservation through terracing, and the use of organic fertilizers to improve soil fertility while protecting the environment.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Aurore Niyitanga, Gender Officer for the Gender Matters for Green TVET project, said the initiative seeks to empower vulnerable women with skills that not only transform their economic status but also promote environmental sustainability.
“These women came into the program facing various social and economic challenges, but today they are leaving with practical skills, confidence, and the means to build a better future for their families. Through green TVET, we are empowering them to become agents of change within their communities while promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” Niyitanga said.
One of the graduates, Uwineza Belise, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting that the training had transformed the way she approaches farming.
“Before, I only farmed for food. Now I know how to protect my soil, plant trees alongside crops, and use organic fertilizers. These skills will help me feed my family and generate income as a single mother,” she said.
Addressing the graduates, Fr. Frederick Murindangabo, Director of Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School, encouraged them to put the acquired skills into practice and become role models in their communities.
“Today marks not the end, but the beginning of a new journey. The knowledge and skills you have acquired should enable you to improve your livelihoods, support your children, and inspire other women facing similar challenges. At Don Bosco Muhazi, we believe that empowering a mother means empowering an entire family and community,” Fr. Murindangabo said.
The Gender Matters for Green TVET project is a four-year initiative (2023–2026) aimed at empowering vulnerable adolescent girls, young women, and single mothers in East Africa through sustainable, market-relevant vocational training. Funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation and designed by Jugend Eine Welt, it operates across five Don Bosco TVET centers in Uganda and Rwanda.
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