Réseau Culturel Sangwa  implements programs that strengthen the economic resilience of women, teen mothers, and vulnerable families. Through capacity-building sessions and community-based initiatives, Réseau Culturel Sangwa  promotes entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods.

Our interventions have focused on building the capacities of youth, women, and men in:

• Promotion of associative spirit
• Micro-project development and cooperative management
• Entrepreneurship skills
• Financial education
• Establishment and management of Voluntary Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs)

To date, Réseau Culturel Sangwa  has directly supported 148 teen and young mothers and 83 vulnerable young women across Musanze, Rwamagana, and Gatsibo Districts.

Key Achievements

1. Strengthened Social Support Networks

• Creation of safe spaces for exchange and mutual support among 231 beneficiaries (women, teen mothers, and their parents).
• Increased self-confidence and resilience among participants.
• Strong ownership of VSLAs, leading to the constitution of their own financial resources.

2. Improved Household Economic Conditions

• 80% of young mothers improved their economic situation through professional training and a revolving fund provided by Plan International and Melania Foundation.
• Improved networking between young mothers and financial institutions, enabling better access to capital and start-up funds.

3. Growth of Income-Generating Activities

Beneficiaries successfully initiated several activities, including:

• Small trade (food products, clothes, shoes, cosmetics, soft drinks, etc.)
• Livestock rearing (chickens, rabbits, pigs)
• Agribusiness using leased land.

4. Increased Household Contribution

• 90% of young mothers now contribute to basic family expenses, improving the welfare of their children and households.

5. Enhanced Financial Inclusion

• 33% of beneficiaries (76 out of 231) have opened savings accounts and actively engage in credit and savings services.
• Several groups including EJO HEZA/Bright Future (Musanze), Abunzubumwe Group and Ubumwe Club & Ubumwe bw’Umuryango (Gatsibo), Sangwa mu Bukire (Rubavu).Amaliza y”ubuliza Cooperative ( Rulindo) and Twongere Umusaruro Cooperative (Rwamagana) successfully launched savings and credit initiatives in their communities.

6. Livestock Distribution for Household Development

•  Réseau Culturel Sangwa  distributed 5 cows and 115 goats to vulnerable women in the three Districts.
• Beneficiaries report improved agricultural productivity, better nutrition, and increased income from animal breeding.
• Revenue generated helps cover basic needs such as food, clothing, health insurance, and school fees and material for their children.

7. Increased Socio-Economic Integration

• 231 beneficiaries have diversified income sources and are more integrated economically and socially within their communities.

8. Professional Skills Development for Teen Mothers

• 48 teen and young mothers from Rwimbogo Sector received vocational training at Sangwa Center.
• They were equipped with tailoring and knitting machines, hairdressing kits, and handcraft materials.
• A productive worksite was established at Rwikiniro Center to help them start and grow their businesses.