Anitha Ahishakiye believes that living with a disability does not hinder her from envisioning a bright future. She is one of the 46 young people benefiting from the Promotion of Rights and Inclusion of Children and Youth with Disabilities (C&YWDs) Project funded by the European Union (EU).

Nsabiyaremye and Anitha are both pursuing a vocational training at HVP Gatagara in Nyanza District, Southern Province of Rwanda. Anitha grew up in a struggling family in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, Kayonza District. Her parents survived by doing casual work, her mother was involved in agricultural activities and her fathe in construction labour.

21-year-old Anitha is a single mother living with her young son in Kabare Sector, Kirehe Cell, Kayonza District. She became a project participant in the project through local community leaders.
One day, while home with her son, her father advised her to go to the cell office to get information on a project that supports young people who dropped out of school.

“In early April 2024, my father came home in the evening and told me that he had good news for me. He told me that the community leader from our cell was looking for young people from vulnerable families who had dropped out of school.

The next morning, I went to the cell office, where they asked me if I would be interested in joining a vocational training program initiated by SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda. I immediately accepted the opportunity,” Anitha said.

The next day, we met with representatives from SOS Children’s Villages who selected me to join their vocational training program in August 2024. That is how I became part of the project. Anitha is studying tailoring at HVP Gatara and aims to initiate a tailoring workshop in her village to improve the life of her son and her family.

“It’s been one month here, and I’ve gained a lot of skills. As of now, I can tailor dresses, and I hope to complete this training with the maximum experience needed to prepare for my future, “Anitha stated.

Nsabiyaremye, who comes from the Cyuve Sector in Musanze District, is supported by the Promotion of Rights and Inclusion of Children with Disabilities Project funded by the European Union (EU).

He is pursuing a tailoring course at HVP Gatara and joined the project through community leaders.
Nsabiyaremye dropped out of school due to financial issues. After dropping out of school, he stayed home for almost three years.

Nsabiyaremye shares, “I dropped out of school due to financial difficulties, as my parents were unable to provide everything necessary for me to complete my studies. I am very grateful to the EU project for offering this opportunity to pursue vocational training. I chose to study tailoring because it has always been my dream to become a tailor.”

SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda, in partnership with the Association Générale des Handicaps du Rwanda (AGHR) and SOS Children’s Villages Italy is implementing a four-year “Promotion of rights and inclusion of children and youth with disabilities through strengthening social and economic living conditions project funded by European Union (EU).

The project aims to promote the rights and inclusion of children and young people with disabilities in the districts of Kayonza, Nyagatare, Musanze, and Rubavu. The project aims to support 500 children and young people with disabilities, focusing on enhancing their independence, improving their living conditions and strengthening their families.