JUC’s administrative staff posing for a group photo with the 6th cohort graduates

On 15 January 2026, Jesuit Urumuri Centre (JUC) proudly celebrated the graduation of the sixth cohort of its Youth Empowerment for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. The three-month training, which began in October 2025, saw 23 out of 34 participants successfully complete the program, demonstrating commitment, resilience, and innovation.

The program is designed to equip young people with critical social innovation and entrepreneurship skills, addressing the challenge of limited job opportunities in Rwanda. The curriculum covers a range of essential topics, including:

  • Self-discovery
  • Self-realization, Innovation Development, and Prototyping
  • Marketing and Promotion
  • Operations, Financing, and Financial Management
  • Strategic Planning and Sustainability

Speaking on behalf of his peers, Clement Manishimwe, reflected on the importance of the training:

“The knowledge and skills we gained are invaluable, and our only contribution was our time. As young people, we have a responsibility to contribute to societal development and play a role in transforming our country, as no one else can do this on our behalf. We sincerely appreciate JUC for this impactful initiative. If more organizations followed JUC’s example, Rwanda would have a generation of informed youth who understand entrepreneurship and business.”

JUC as a Jesuit centre for research and social action, is guided by the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus, 2019-2029. In particular, JUC’s youth empowerment initiatives draw inspiration from the third preference, which calls Jesuits to journey with young people by accompanying them in the creation of a hope-filled future. It is within this apostolic framework that Fr Patrice Ndayisenga, SJ, Director of JUC, explained the origins and purpose of the Youth Empowerment for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program.

Fr Patrice Ndayisenga, SJ, Director of JUC addressing the graduates

“This project was initiated to equip young people with social entrepreneurship skills in response to the scarcity of job opportunities in Rwanda. Given the country’s large youth population, while some young people are employed, many others complete their studies without securing employment.”

Marie Solange Mukantwari, a former beneficiary from the 3rd cohort who runs a crochet shop, shared her personal journey, encouraging recent graduates to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by JUC.

Marie Solange Mukantwari, a 3rd cohort beneficiary showcasing her creative clothes to the graduates

“I joined JUC training already knowing how to sew, but I didn’t know how to turn that skill into a source of income. At university, through fashion design courses, they taught us how to make garments, but at JUC, we learned how to monetize them. This is the kind of training every young person should have, as it genuinely empowers us. Do not take it for granted.”

 

The applicants were selected through a pre-pitching session, identifying youth with viable small businesses. Their ventures spanning diverse sectors, including agriculture, animal farming, clothing and accessories, IT and online services, retail, media, and environmental related businesses.

Following graduation, this cohort will join the fifth cohort in an incubation phase, during which JUC will provide guidance, starting capital and mentorship as participants implement and grow their businesses.

Through programs like this, JUC continues to empower Rwanda’s youth to become innovative leaders, job creators, and agents of social change, contributing to sustainable economic development and a stronger, more vibrant society.

“To accompany young people demands of us authenticity of life, spiritual depth, and openness to sharing the life-mission that gives meaning to who we are and what we do,” Fr Arturo Sosa, SJ. Superior General.

 

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