Themes of Rwandan Youth

A recent estimate states that two-thirds of Kigali, capital city of Rwanda, is composed of youth (ages 14-35). 

Here are some consistent themes (recently published) that people believe about Rwanda's youth:

1. Youth won't take advice
2. Youth are unproductive with their time
3. Youth won't collaborate
4. Youth need education

Over the last few months, we have learned that young people do need education, but they also want to be heard. They have ideas and concerns for their future. The young women of Duhu have proved that in the right conditions, the top 3 for them are not true. They do work together, they will use their time well and they will take advice.

We have encouraged our Duhu girls to dream big and create SMART (Specific, Measureable, Adjustable, Realistic, Time-Oriented) objectives to achieve those dreams. But they need resources, so we should just give them money, right? Nope.

The model of Duhu is built on empowering young women to create a sustainable livelihood. We will soon be offering a Creating Entrepreneurs class for our graduates to educate them on running a business within a small group. We hope to create an environment for them to not only learn, but see if they have what it takes to collaborate together on a business idea and actually launch their idea.

We are motivated to prove those themes against youth wrong.