Kigali, Rwanda – The Jesuit Urumuri Centre (JUC) recently celebrated the graduation of its 4th cohort from the Youth Empowerment Program, marking the culmination of a three-month intensive training that equipped 31 young entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship, and confidence to drive social impact and economic self-sustainability.

The ceremony, held at the JUC headquarters, was graced by Fr. Tite Mutemangando, SJ, as the guest of honor, alongside Fr. Patrice Ndayisenga, SJ (JUC Director), program mentors, and industry partners. The event highlighted the graduates' transformative journeys—from ideation to viable business ventures—showcasing the program’s success in fostering Rwanda’s next generation of changemakers.

The program, designed to foster self-sufficiency and community impact, provided participants with comprehensive entrepreneurial training through its specialized manual. Curriculum highlights included self-discovery workshops, innovation development and prototyping sessions, and strategic planning for business sustainability. Participants benefited from direct mentorship by industry experts who helped refine their business concepts.

Beyond classroom instruction, the program facilitated practical experience through field visits in participants' areas of interest - from agriculture and fashion to tech and creative arts offering networking opportunities with potential investors and partners. Regular presentation exercises allowed trainees to test and improve and refine their business pitches based on expert feedback.

Fr. Patrice Ndayisenga, SJ, commended the graduates, with evident pride saying: “You have done us all proud. We’re looking forward to the impact of this training on your communities, as on our part, we have trained you, we have equipped you with the skills and tools needed for you to run successful businesses. Nothing will give us more joy than to hear from you or get the feedback that you have achieved this and that not only are you self-sustainable but that you have also created jobs for your peers”.

Graduate testimonials highlighted the program's transformative effect. One graduate, Danida Giselle Izereyezu, shared her growth, saying : “When I got accepted into this training, I knew I wanted to launch a crotchet business and teach my peers too, however I did not know the process of making sufficient income, paying taxes and securing target markets. Now I know how to do all this. The next steps for me are registering my business and moving it from my home to a well located shop.”

Another participant, James Kabandana, expressed gratitude: “I would like to thank Jesuit Urumuri Centre for having thought about us, the youth, and about how they can assist us to be entrepreneurs but with Christian values. And for free, because for other trainings, we pay. What I can say is that their intention of change in the society will come from us, all the investing they did for this project will not be for nothing. We are about to put all the knowledge and skills into action”.

A highlight of the ceremony was hearing from alumni of previous cohorts, including a young animator who quickly turned his training into a thriving business. Current graduates also took the stage, presenting their ventures—ranging from eco-friendly agribusinesses to digital startups—demonstrating their readiness to enter the market.

Fr. Tite Mutemangando, the guest of honour SJ, praised their progress: “I am pleased to see you all, clearly the training did not only give you business skills but eloquence in presenting as the youth that have made presentations were truly impressive. I am confident you will be able to stand in front of potential partners and confidently pitch your business ideas, we look forward to hearing wonderful news from you in the near future”.

The ceremony culminated in the awarding of certificates, symbolizing not just an end but the beginning of their entrepreneurial journeys. Keynote speakers and mentors emphasized: Resilience in overcoming challenges; Creativity in adapting to market needs; and Social responsibility in uplifting their communities.

The African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN), which supports youth empowerment initiatives, applauded the graduates, noting the program’s alignment with its AHAPPY program values—promoting ethical leadership, self-reliance, and community development.

With 31 new entrepreneurs entering Rwanda’s business ecosystem, JUC looks ahead to its 5th cohort, continuing its mission to equip youth with the tools to build sustainable futures.

For the graduates, the real work begins now—turning ideas into impact, one venture at a time.