From an unemployed secondary graduate to employing five apprentices, Grace Uwase’s inspiring journey illustrates the transformative impact of Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle’s incubation.
Three years ago, 21-year-old Grace Uwase was unsure of her future. Today, her tailoring brand, Atelier Grace Rubavu, supplies custom apparel to schools, businesses, and tourists along Lake Kivu.
After graduating from Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle’s tailoring program at the top of her class, Grace received a seed micro-grant and six months of intensive business coaching from Vision Jeunesse Nouvelle mentors.
Mentorship, Dedication, and Community Impact
"The hardest part was starting without credit history," Grace reflects. "VJN provided the initial sewing machines and connected me with our first institutional contracts. Now, I am proud to train four young women from my own neighborhood."
Her story exemplifies how targeted vocational training paired with ongoing enterprise mentorship creates sustainable generational change.
