Organized by Dreaming for Change, on August 29, 2024, the ceremony of celebrating the completion of a soap-making training program for women in the community, in the Butanuka zone of Mpanda Commune, Bubanza province marked a significant step forward in empowering local women through skills development and entrepreneurship. Part of the “She Rises for Change” project, it is supported by the Young African Leaders Initiative Regional Leadership Center East Africa (YALI RLC EA), USAID, and Kenyatta University through the Transformational Fund.

The event was attended by a delegation from YALI RLC EA, including Dr. George Kosimbei, Chief of Party; Mark Simiyu, Communication Specialist; and Sebastian Ouma, Transformational Fund Grants Manager. These leaders underscored the importance of empowering women through practical skills and community development projects.

A Celebration of Achievement

Janvier Manirakiza, the founder and CEO of Dreaming for Change, expressed his joy in hosting the event, which he described as “a success and a pathway to development for women in the village savings and loan associations (VSLA) who benefited from the transformational fund.” The women, who completed the soap-making training, were awarded certificates recognizing their new skills and potential for economic independence.

“The training in soap-making is not just about acquiring a new skill,” Manirakiza explained. “It’s about providing these women with a tool for economic empowerment, allowing them to improve their livelihoods and contribute to their community’s development.”

The Governor of Bubanza, Cléophas Nizigiyimana, was also present to commend the project’s impact on the community. He noted that Dreaming for Change has played a pivotal role in both development and women’s empowerment in the region. “We appreciate the work of Dreaming for Change in our community. Their efforts in development and empowering women are commendable. We urge YALI RLC EA, USAID, and other donors to continue supporting these vital projects, which are transformative for our people“, Nizigiyimana stated.

Empowerment Through Education and Community Support

Dr. George Kosimbei, Chief of Party for YALI RLC EA, praised the work of Dreaming for Change and the effectiveness of the soap-making training. “We are impressed by the dedication of Janvier Manirakiza and his organization, Dreaming for Change. Training women in practical skills like soap-making is a valuable initiative that not only empowers them economically but also uplifts their families and communities”, Kosimbei said.

Kosimbei further encouraged the trained women to utilize their newfound skills to foster personal and familial development. “This knowledge is a stepping stone. Use it to develop yourselves, uplift your families, and contribute to the broader development of your community“, he emphasized.

The beneficiaries of the training expressed their gratitude to Dreaming for Change for the opportunity to learn soap-making. Many shared that the experience had been life-changing, offering them a chance to improve their economic status and gain respect within their communities.

“We are thankful to Dreaming for Change for this training. It has not only provided us with a means to earn a living but also changed how we are perceived in our community », one of the trained women shared.

Following the certificate ceremony, Janvier Manirakiza guided the delegation on a tour of Dreaming for Change’s headquarters in Butanuka, highlighting the organization’s various initiatives, including the American Shelf—a resource center for local community members and students. Alumni from both YALI RLC EA in Nairobi and YALI CRL in Dakar attended the event and participated in a round table discussion with the YALI RLC EA delegation at the American Shelf. “The American Shelf has been instrumental in helping the community and students access valuable information and resources. Thanks to the support of the US Embassy in Bujumbura and my American friends, we hope to expand this into a fully-fledged American Corner“, Manirakiza noted.

The event was not only a formal recognition of achievements but also a vibrant celebration of culture and community. The festivities were enlivened by performances from the young drummers of Butanuka and traditional dances and songs from the Ihunja Club, adding a festive atmosphere to the proceedings.

As the event concluded, there was a shared sense of optimism and commitment to furthering the mission of Dreaming for Change. With continued support from partners like YALI RLC EA and USAID, the hope is to expand these initiatives, ensuring that more women in Bubanza and beyond can benefit from similar opportunities for empowerment and growth.