When you sponsor a student their lives are forever changed.

Our Mission

At Rwanda Rise, our mission is clear: to equip young Rwandans with marketable skills and entrepreneurial mindsets, enabling them to break the cycle of poverty and build sustainable lives. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Rwanda Rise address the challenges for young adults in Rwanda?

Rwanda Rise focuses on providing practical, in-demand vocational training in programs like welding, culinary arts, sewing, auto-mechanics, hairdressing and more. This approach directly addresses the issue of unemployment and low wages for unskilled labor by equipping students with the skills needed for higher-paying jobs. Entrepreneurship training in the curriculum is an additional way Rwanda Rise prepares young adults for the future.

Who does Rwanda Rise primarily serve?

Rwanda Rise serves young adults who live in families stuck in the cycle of poverty and usually have low levels of education due to financial difficulties. 70% of our students are women. The people in Rwanda who suffered most from the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis are young adults referred to as the “ lost generation “.

What specific programs does Rwanda Rise offer?

Rwanda Rise teaches six in-demand trades. Culinary Arts, Sewing, Hairdressing, Masonry/Construction, Auto-mechanics, and Welding. These programs are chosen to ensure graduates are equipped with skills that are relevant and needed in the Rwandan job market.  All receive basic computer skills, mentoring, and basic entrepreneurship training.

What are some of the notable outcomes of the Rwanda Rise program?

Rwanda Rise has trained over 5,000 graduates in the past 15 years and 85% are hired in their field shortly after graduation. Some take their new skill back to their rural villages or seek more education, inspired by their success at hope Vocational Training Center.

How does Rwanda Rise support students beyond vocational training?

Rwanda Rise believes in offering holistic development to all students, which includes practical skills training, as well as extra-curricular learning opportunities in breakout groups throughout the week, singing and dancing opportunities, value based mentoring and spiritual involvement in daily morning devotions which is voluntary.

Is Rwanda Rise a faith-based organization?

Yes, Rwanda Rise is a registered faith-based, Christian non-profit, founded by a Rwandan survivor, Emmanuel Sitaki, who lost 35 relatives in the genocide against the Tutsis in 1994.  Emmanuel was inspired in 1996 to rescue a group of nine orphans running homeless on the streets by placing them with widows who had lost families.

He often quotes the scripture from James 1:27. Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God means caring for orphans and widows and refusing to be corrupted by the world.

What is the significance of Rwanda’s context to the work of Rwanda Rise?

Rwanda is described as Africa’s “ most remarkable turnaround story” following the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis.  While the nation has made significant progress, the cycle of poverty persists, threatening the future of its youth.  Rwanda Rise operates within this context aiming to provide opportunities and build hope for a generation still impacted by historical trauma and economic challenges.

How can individuals and organizations support the young adults who need a hand up?

Individuals can support the work by making donations to fund tuition for one or more students or consider a capital gift to help expand our second campus. The dream and vision for the future includes adding two more locations in the country, to reach the most marginalized groups. We offer trips to all who would like to visit beautiful, peace filled Rwanda, and personally see our work in action.