Duhu 1 Stats and beyond

During our first cohort, we had all 21 students complete the internal assessments with above 80%. 60% of those who successfully completed the In-Class training and Career Exploration were placed in internships or part time jobs; 1 young woman obtained a full time job. 25% pursued educational opportunities.

We are currently hosting our second cohort--20 in the morning class and 20 in the afternoon. And we are making plans to offer a Small Business/Income Generating Training for all of our Duhu Graduates in the near future, using the Akazi Kanoze curriculum and include a mock business implementation experience.

Duhu 2

From Jamie Boiles, Project Director

For our second class, we are still learning how to better serve the girls and meet their needs. We are trying a few new topics and hands-on learning experiences.

My personal priority is seeking ways to continue to involve more Rwandan women of various ages to train, mentor and coach these young women. The young women need to hear from women who have gone before them to inspire and encourage them along their path.

There are a few values the leadership and advisory team have agreed upon as our core values that I would like to share:

• Education: We believe in the value of education in increasing opportunities. This goes beyond knowledge, but is complemented with hands-on applicable skills.

• Community: The individual exists in the context of their community.  Therefore, change in attitudes, ideas and practices can impact the lives of community members, businesswomen, and others who interact with the girls in whose lives we invest and vice versa.

• Faith: We are founded on the belief that each individual possesses dignity and deserves respect because we are all created in the image of God.

• Accountability: Our greatest responsibility as an organization is to remain accountable to our beneficiaries in all operations. We commit to being wise stewards of our resources and to keep young women at the center of our financial decisions.

• Youth Empowerment: We believe that young women should be at the center of initiatives. They are key stakeholders in the future of their communities and have the capacity and ingenuity to shape strategic responses to events impacting their environment. 
  

As Duhu continues to grow and evolve, these values may evolve; but we commit to hold the young women as the highest priority, using everything we have to empower them to not only positively impact their lives, but to impact their community and country.