By Karungi Doreen
Merry Year International (MYI) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to sustainable development worldwide. We strive to create opportunities for those in need of self-reliance, believing that our collective efforts can empower people to make a new start beyond poverty. Merry Year International seeks fundamental solutions for the sustainable independence of community members.
Teenage mothers of Gahengeri Sector, Rwamagana District, have witnessed new hope after successfully completing a six-month tailoring training. Friday, 19th September 2025, more than 20 girls who gave birth at an early age graduated, with smiles on their faces regarding life-transforming skills they gained.
The program supported by Merry Year International empowered the adolescent mothers with tailoring, economic management, and peer support. Five outstanding participants received merit awards in recognition of their excellence.
Ochul Kwon, Merry Year International Country Director, praised the resilience of the adolescent mothers, terms their journey “a lesson of hope.”
“We know you faced a lot of difficulties and severe hardship, but you overcame them. You learned tailoring, money management, and support from peers. Having been trained, apply all these to create a better life for yourself and your children. Your success will inspire others across Rwanda,” he says
Kwon further added that the organization would continue to support the girls by assisting their parents in performing general home upkeep, for instance, fixing windows and providing cement, in order for them to reside in proper conditions.
Richard Kagabo,Rwamagana Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, lauded Merry Year International for empowering teen mothers.
“Schemes such as these allow people to build self-sufficient lives in which they will not be a drain on other people. They tell you in English, ”You try to take care of yourself.” It is a rare thing, and I urge you to take advantage of it,” Kagabo emphasized, while urging the girls to remain grounded and avoid being influenced by bad company.
Ndoreyaho Erneste, Family Success Rwanda presentative in partnership with Merry year International, noted how the training transformed the lives of the girls:
“There were initially problems, such as fighting with parents and school dropout. But all those are behind them now. The parents are noticing good behavior in their daughters and are proud of how they have developed.”
He also added that Merry Year International provided 20 sewing machines for the graduates to help them start income-generating projects.
Uwayezu Leodomire, a Parent said: “We are happy that our children received sewing machines and how to produce school bags. We can now see they are on the right track in life.”
Mutesi Ernestine, a graduate, beamed with pride: “I came with no idea about the sewing machine, but now I am certain. We were 20 girls when we started and we are all graduating. It is a great victory.”
Mutuyimana Clarisse aged 24 said: “We learned to sew bags, pillows, and tablecloths, but also how to transform our mentality, manage money, and save. These skills will help us in daily life.”
Uwituze Ange, aged 22, shared with us her experience: “I used to live alone, my parents were mistreating me. Today I have changed. I acquired tailoring skills, the importance of saving, and even got a bank account. We are happy that an investor has promised to buy the products that we make.”
The project illustrates how partnerships between international agencies, local governments, families, and communities can transform the lives of teen mothers. Arming them with skills, confidence, and opportunities, such projects empower young women to move on from despair into independence and lay the groundwork for a brighter future.
Statistics from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) show that from July 2022 to December 2023, about 13,000 children became pregnant across Rwanda within a period of six months.
A report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) indicated that in 2023, a total of 19,406 adolescent girls aged between 10 and 19 gave birth.
