On Thursday, October 2, 2025, Jesuit Urumuri Centre (JUC) gathered at its premises the beneficiaries of the 5th Cohort in the Youth Empowerment Program for a meeting on the next step in their entrepreneurial journeys — the Incubation Phase. The meeting brought together the youth and alumni of the program.
Speaking at the event, JUC Programs Manager Alexis Nzayituriki, S.J., thanked the youth for attending and urged them to pay close attention to the alumni’s testimonies for inspiration to pursue their dreams.
“You see these four former trainees of the program — they too once sat in those same chairs, newly graduated and uncertain of what lay ahead. They are here to show you that there is nothing to fear. If you take one step at a time, you’ll surely achieve your dreams,” he said.
The first to share his story was Solomon Kporon, a 3rd Cohort graduate who now designs and manufactures electric bikes for solo riding and deliveries. He shared that he began the training with only an idea and no clear direction.
“To be honest, this training was my launchpad to what I’ve achieved so far. The biggest lesson I took home is that teamwork is essential. You cannot achieve anything on your own. After realizing this, I approached three of my current colleagues, each bringing a unique skill, and together we built our first e-bike.”
Solomon shared that his team has sold up to ten e-bikes and is now also taking a bold step forward by developing Electric Cargo Bikes, the first of their kind to hit the roads in East Africa.
He concluded by encouraging the youth:
“Don’t be discouraged. Failure is not the end. Learn from it and improve. Share your failures too — it shows humility, which will resonate with customers and attract support and collaboration.”
Danida Izereyezu, from the 4th cohort started crocheting as a mere hobby. After receiving JUC’s training however, she gained the confidence to grow as a business. She used the start up funds provided by JUC to purchase raw materials. After making enough products she exhibited them at expositions and her clientele grew.
Another alumna, Rosette Pfukamusenge, from the 4th cohort credited the training for transforming her fruits and vegetables business. She learned marketing and networking skills that helped her triple her clientele. Before joining JUC’s program, she sold produce from a small table, but now she delivers to stores and supermarkets. She dreams of owning her own fruits and vegetables supermarket in the near future.
Cedric Mugisha, a 3rd Cohort participant, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to attend the training.
“When I joined the program, I wanted to create comic books. I worked on that for a while, but it wasn’t profitable. Then I saw a gap in the market and remembered a topic we learned during my time at JUC— ‘unfair advantage.’ I realized I could use mine to start something new. I proposed creating animations for a popular beloved Rwandan celebrity, and we worked together on the project. It’s been successful and is still ongoing. I’m grateful that the program opened my mind to possibilities I wouldn’t have imagined.”
The testimonies were followed by discussions, networking, and contact exchanges among alumni and the current beneficiaries.
To close the meeting, Alexis announced that the beneficiaries would receive their startup funds that day to help them launch their businesses. He then assured them that JUC would continue to visit and follow up with them to ensure the success and sustainability of their ventures.
The incubation phase lasts six months, during which graduates of the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program continue to receive mentorship and coaching as they run their businesses.
Following this incubation meeting, JUC this week welcomes the 6th Cohort beneficiaries as they begin their training.
By Henriette Mushimiyimana
Photos; Yunusu Dukorerimana
JUC Communications Team
