Twiceceka project is a project implemented by Umuhuza in cooperation with Women for Women International-Rwanda and sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Launched in early 2019, the project was implemented in 4 sectors of Ngororero District, including Kabaya, Kageyo, Hindiro and Matyazo, benefiting 172 teen mothers
Josiane Ashimweyezu, 20, is one of the beneficiaries of the program, which has revived hope by helping teen mothers in Ngororero District who had dropped out of school as a result of unwanted pregnancies.
When she was impregnated at the age of 17, Ashimweyezu was in senior five doing Mathematics, Computer and Economics (MCE).
Impregnated at such young age, she decided to drop out of school.
For some time, the teen mother continued to despair in dealing with the responsibility of motherhood as a teenager.
2019 was a lucky year for her, when she met Umuhuza during a training organized for adolescent mothers who were in active parenthood.
“Before I met Umuhuza, I stayed at home in despair. They trained me on how to start a small project and make money. Later, they took me to a TVET School, where I acquired tailor and decoration skills,” Ashimweyezu said.
I am very grateful to Umuhuza for restoring my hope for better future. “I am glad that after training, we were given tailoring machines. I plan to start my own business, join cooperatives and saving groups to raise my child and build a better future,” she added.
Her sentiments were echoed by Jeannette Tuyisingize, saying that Umuhuza had turned her pain into a happy life.
“In the struggle of my teenage mother, Umuhuza helped me resume my studies at a TVET school. I am glad that I am equipped with dressmaking skills and received tailoring equipment. This will help me avoid the temptations associated with poverty,” she noted.
The beneficiaries have received tailoring skills for a period of three months. They believe that the equipment provided will help them effectively raise their children and support them in meeting their basic needs.
A total of 32 teen mothers received couture equipment ahead of International Women’s Day, which was celebrated on 8th March this year. These machines were donated by Umuhuza in partnership with Women for Women International Rwanda.
Patrick Uwihoreye Ngororero vice mayor in charge of Economic Development called on teen mothers to learn from the past and warn their young companions not to be tempted in the same way.
“Our country has achieved a lot because of the inclusiveness of women in the development. Despite the progress made in the empowerment of women, we still face the cases of men who violate their rights, in particular the rights of adolescents. We should work closely to combat against any gender-based violence,” he said.
Uwihoreye advised teen mothers to make equipment useful and avoid any domage.
The Vice Mayor praised the excellent work done by Umuhuza in Ngororero district and urged them to extend their work to many people.
Christine Kampire, coordinator of the women’s council in Ngororero, advised teen mothers to never be bound by the past, but to work hard for their own tomorrow.
Jean Marc Rwambibi, MEAL coordinator at Umuhuza, recognized all partners in the implementation of the project, saying that nothing could have been achieved without the intervention of other partners.
Twiceceka program was implemented in three phases, benefiting 172 teen mothers. Beneficiaries received financial support to develop their projects, provided financial literacy; financial support for economic empowerment, while others joined TVET School and received tailor machines.
Moreover, a total of 77 community volunteers were trained in gender-based violence and positive parenting to help teen mothers and community in general. Also, community campaigns and awareness-raising meetings on the prevention of gender-based violence were conducted.
