Today, at Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle (VJN), through the BahoNeza project funded by Imbuto Foundation, the Health Department at VJN launched a vital training program for teen mothers . These girls were selected as peer educators from 14 health centers across Rubavu District.
The three-day training is designed as a cornerstone of teachings aimed at sustainable self-empowerment. The program includes lessons
- General health knowledge, including how to protect their own well-being,
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- Leadership skills to guide peers within their families and communities,
- Financial literacy, including saving, lending, and initiating income-generating projects,
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- Values and upbringing, helping them raise their children with confidence and hope for the future,
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- Practical health exercises covering hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
Some of the participants shared that before attending, they were overwhelmed with shame and challenges — but that quickly changed. They were helped to understand that becoming mothers unexpectedly is not the end of their lives or well-being, but rather a challenge that can be transformed into an opportunity.
“We learned so much… how to help ourselves, how to build self-confidence, and how to train others to grow without giving up.”
— said one of the participants, her joy visibly shining through.
She expressed deep gratitude to Imbuto Foundation and the leadership of VJN for recognizing their worth, giving them a space to come together, and empowering them toward a brighter future.
This initiative is a bold reminder of how supporting often-overlooked individuals — especially young mothers — can become a spark that transforms not only their lives but the future of the nation at large.
