At least 400 youth have graduated from the Resonate COVID-19 Recovery Initiatives where they were equipped with the leadership skills needed to support themselves and their communities as Rwanda continues to recover from the pandemic.

Resonate in collaboration with Rwanda National Youth Council introduced the COVID-19 Recovery Initiatives to bring together and train the youth, especially young women who were the hardest hit by the pandemic in 2020.

Youth from Gasabo, Kicukiro, and Nyarugenge District underwent three programmes over the course of the past months of this year and graduated on December 6.

The programmes are; Gira Ubushobozi which supports women and youth in gaining leadership and professional skills for employment and job creation, Speak for Change, which enables women and girls to make informed and healthy choices related to their sexual reproductive health and rights by building their agency and advocacy skills.

They also include, RISE and STEM, which supports the participation and advancement of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Claire Uwineza, the Country Director of Resonate, said that the trainees proved competence by proactively solving challenges in their communities despite the difficulties brought by the pandemic and completed their training programs.

"We look forward to following and supporting them as they continue to be resilient and use what they have learned to create changes in their communities, be leaders, and contribute to Rwanda’s development.”

Robert Mwesigwa, Executive Secretary of the Rwanda National Youth Council, said "We partnered with Resonate to equip the youth with the right mindset and be confident to tackle global issues, mainly unemployment.”

Ron Adam, Ambassador of the State of Israel in Rwanda  poses with some of 400 youth that have graduated from the Resonate COVID-19 Recovery Initiatives. / Courtesy

He added: "We hope the youth will leave here with innovative ideas to not only imagine ways to improve themselves but also their communities.”

‘Funding for top business projects’

A group of participants was selected to pitch businesses they developed as part of their training that seek to make a positive impact on their communities and the winners were given funds to help in the growth of their businesses.

The winning proposal, Dove Saloon based in Kanyinya, was awarded with financial support to fund their business by the Embassy of Israel in Rwanda.

Dr. Ron Adam, Ambassador of the State of Israel in Rwanda said that building leadership and self-confidence in the youth is very important, and "we thank Resonate for doing that."

"Starting next year, the Embassy of the State of Israel will invest in mentorship hubs to continue empowering the youth with confidence and public speaking,” he said.

One youth who has already developed an innovative idea for her community is Claudine Niyonsenga, who participated in the Rise and STEM programme and saw her business idea brought to life.

"I was very shy but I knew I was smart. From Resonate’s workshops, I gained the confidence that helped me to speak and share my ideas with others in my community and especially young girls in science,” said Niyonsenga.

"I was also able to launch my e-commerce business Duhahe Online. Now it is operating and I have given a job to five employees thanks to the confidence I gained from Resonate.”

Ron Adam, Ambassador of the State of Israel in Rwanda delivers remarks during the graduation of  400 youth that have graduated from the Resonate COVID-19 Recovery Initiatives. (Courtesy)

Norette Turimuci, Executive Director of Resonate, said that partnerships and leveraging each other’s skills and resources contribute to the betterment of communities.

She reiterated that the youth are empowered to become leaders, problem-solvers, and confident agents of change who will contribute to their development as well as their communities as the nation recovers from the impact of Covid-19.

"Looking ahead, Resonate plans to strengthen and grow partnerships to expand its impact and mission to unlock the leadership potential of women and youth in Rwanda and the rest of East Africa,” she added.

Ayla Schlosser, Resonate co-founder and Chair of the Board of Directors, said that there is more to be done in order to help ensure a brighter future for Rwandans.

"A study completed in 2021 shows that Resonate training significantly increase women's ability to speak up, achieve their goals, and generate income. Now, we need to bring this impactful work to more people,” she said.

"Resonate looks forward to continuing to invest in Rwanda’s youth through building the leadership skills, confidence, and resilience necessary to create changes in their own lives and communities.”

While the pandemic is not yet over, the Covid-19 Recovery Initiatives have given hundreds of youths the tools they need to successfully navigate the challenges they face today and are better prepared to face those of tomorrow.

The commencement was also attended by the Embassy of the State of Israel, the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Imbuto Foundation, UN Women Rwanda, Women for Women Rwanda, Rwanda Polytechnic, Rwanda TVET Board, Hope For LIfe, Action Aid Rwanda, YWCA, CLADHO Rwanda, among others.

Some of the 400 youth that have graduated from the Resonate COVID-19 Recovery Initiatives interact during the training (Courtesy

One of the trainers presents a helpful presentation to the trainees