Digital Opportunity Trust (DOT) initiated the "Daring to Shift" program, a four-year project launched in 2019 across Africa and the Middle East in collaboration with the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC). With a focus on placing young women at the center of inclusive growth. The project in Rwanda unfolded through three essential pillars: Community Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship, and Digital Business programs.. Over the past four years, the initiative in Rwanda has showcased a significant impact contributing to bridging the Gender Digital Divide, with over 70% female participation, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable economy.
Young graduates, equipped with Business and digital skills, became Digital Champions and Business Coaches, supporting MSMEs and social entrepreneurs. The program became crucial during and post-COVID-19, providing hope and catalyzing positive change. Notable success stories include Uwineza Clementine in the Rulindo District, exemplifying the practical application of entrepreneurship and digital skills.
The "Youth Leadership Program" under Daring to Shift facilitated real-world opportunities for 136 recent graduates (85 females, 51 males) who served and graduated as community leaders. These youth acquired competencies in facilitation, digital literacy, and gender equality, leveraging gained skills for career advancement. Veronique Kamaraba, Faustin Ngirabakunzi, and Umurerwa Hyacinthe are exemplars of this impact, affecting change in their respective communities.
The Digital Business Program reached over 7,535 (5391f, 2144m) community beneficiaries, empowering youth and women in small businesses with relevant digital business skills. Social Entrepreneurs like Phiona Kirabo, Alain Remy Mutuzo, and INEZA Vainqueur developed innovative solutions addressing malnutrition, sustainable agriculture, and healthcare access.
Government support and partnerships with the Ministry of Youth, Imbuto Foundation, UNICEF Rwanda, GIZ, World Bank, and other local partners, played a pivotal role in expanding the program's scale and impact. Thank you all for your support over the past 4 years, our success is your success.
Recognizing the challenge of access to finance, the program collaborated with the Ministry of Youth, Imbuto Foundation, UNICEF, and GIZ to provide seed funds to competitive youth and women entrepreneurs. The project extended its impact to vulnerable communities, including refugees, advocating for increased opportunities and support.
To sustain its impact, Daring to Shift built a Community of Practices (CoP) involving supportive partners, fostering gender-sensitive strategies for young women's leadership and economic inclusion. The program has not only equipped the youth with skills but also instilled resilience, confidence, and leadership, opening doors to economic opportunities in the pursuit of inclusive growth.
Success Stories
Veronique KAMARABA
Veronique Kamaraba, a woman with a passion for digital empowerment, entered the "Daring to Shift" program at DOT Rwanda like a spark igniting a tinderbox. She assumed the role of a champion, a beacon of digital knowledge prepared to illuminate the path for others. However, what unfolded wasn't merely a journey of her imparting; it was a symphony of transformation.
Veronique's impact on her community echoed like a vibrant melody, resonating in the hearts and minds of the 72 young women and men she empowered in Kamonyi. She wasn't just a trainer; she was a bridge, a conduit of knowledge that illuminated the path to digital and business literacy.
Thank you, DOT Rwanda. Thank you for igniting the spark within, for fanning the flames of my potential. You didn't just empower me; you unleashed a force of nature. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
UWURUKUNDO Maranatha
Maranatha, a young farming queen, underwent a digital transformation thanks to DOT Rwanda! Now, her phone isn't just for chatting; it's a tool for learning new farming hacks, selling her crops online, and even communicating with seed providers. It saves her tons of time and money, and her business is booming! DOT Rwanda transformed Maranatha from a farmer into an excellent farmer.
"I'm a farmer, yes, but now I'm a global citizen, thanks to you, DOT Rwanda. Thank you for showing me that the world is not a field but a boundless sky. Thank you for turning my gadgets into gateways, my business into a bridge, and me, a simple farmer, into a global citizen."
KIRABO Phiona
Kirabo Phiona is the founder of Poultry Farming for Development (POFADE), a social enterprise that employs poultry farming to address malnutrition and empower women in Rwanda.
Kirabo did not just dream of a future free from hunger; she dared to build it. DOT Rwanda wasn't just a helping hand; it was a wingspan, lifting her ambitions to new heights. With their guidance, skills, and invaluable funds, her business soared, not only achieving its goals but also becoming a beacon of hope for young women in her community.
"DOT Rwanda believed in my dream, and now I'm a social entrepreneur, clucking my way to a better world! My little business is a game-changer in the community, and I can finally see malnutrition packing its bags. Thanks, DOT Rwanda, for turning my feathers into wings."