Stitching New Beginnings: How Vocational Training Is Changing Lives in Musanze

In the hills surrounding Volcanoes National Park, the hum of sewing machines has become a soundtrack of hope. Every day, young mothers gather at the Kwigira Center to learn not only sewing and tailoring, but also entrepreneurship and self-confidence.

For many of these women, the program represents their first chance to build financial independence. “When I first arrived, I was shy and afraid,” says one graduate. “Now, I sew clothes for my neighbors and pay for my son’s school fees.”

The program’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. Graduates leave with their own sewing machines, access to community sewing centers, and a supportive network of peers who share advice and opportunities. It’s more than training — it’s a foundation for self-reliance, dignity, and pride.

As Kwigira continues to expand its vocational offerings — from culinary arts to agriculture — the goal remains the same: empowering women to define their own futures, stitch by stitch.