“The training boosted my confidence and changed the way I think about business.” 

Elisee, a rural Rwandan entrepreneur and tailor from Gasima, is a proud graduate of our Business Leader Development Program. Having completed both Levels 1 and 2, she is equipped with essential skills in business management and financial literacy. She’s also an active member of a savings group and part of the Nyamirama asset-based community development group. 

Before the training, Elisee had been working in tailoring for two years, but she struggled to grow her business. As a rural Rwandan entrepreneur she explained that many people in her community used to start a business and close it shortly after, unsure of what went wrong. Today, that’s no longer a concern to her and the community, as many have attended our training program, gaining the skills to sustain their businesses. 

Since completing the program, Elisee now earns enough to feed her family, pay school fees, and cover health insurance for all six of her children. In addition to her tailoring work, she braids hair to earn extra income while working toward her dream of opening a women’s salon. 

Elisee’s story reflects the success of the Nyamirama ABCD group, located within Gasima. It’s women-led team of 21 members who graduated from our program in March. In just a few months, they started a successful rabbit farming project, giving women an active role in their community’s development and building a sustainable business.