Teen mothers and people living with mental health challenges often face stigma, social exclusion, and economic hardship, making it difficult for them to envision a brighter future. However, beneficiaries of the Kungahara Muhinzi Project in Rwanda's Gicumbi, Nyanza, and Ruhango districts say the initiative has helped them regain confidence and rebuild their lives.
Implemented by AVSI Rwanda with funding from the European Union, the project has supported vulnerable groups through agricultural training, livestock distribution, savings initiatives, and income-generating activities aimed at strengthening livelihoods and food security.
For Mukandayisenga Vestine, who became a mother at a young age, the project marked a turning point in her life after a period of uncertainty and isolation.
“Before, I was very isolated. I felt that I had no future because I became a mother at a young age. I had nothing to do and was worried about how I would raise my child. After joining AVSI Rwanda's programs, I received training, learned how to save money, and engaged in farming activities. Today, I am able to earn an income to support my child, and I have regained hope for the future."
She says the support she received not only improved her financial situation but also helped her regain dignity and acceptance within her family. Today, she has returned to school and is preparing to sit for her national examinations, a milestone she once thought impossible.
"My family has regained confidence in me and now treats me with dignity, just like the other children in the family. In addition, I returned to school and I am currently in my final year of secondary education. I am preparing to sit for my national examinations in the coming days."
Another stakeholder, Macumi Jacques, who lives with mental health challenges, says participating in community-based economic activities enabled him to reconnect with society and regain a sense of purpose.
"For a long time, I did not participate in community activities. I felt incapable and believed that I was a burden to my family. But after receiving support from AVSI, I began taking part in farming activities and savings groups. Today, I work alongside others, earn an income from my harvests, and feel valued as a person."
Stakeholders say the project's impact extends beyond income generation. Many report improved self-esteem, stronger social relationships, and renewed hope for the future. They have also called for similar interventions to reach others facing comparable challenges.
"There are many other people facing challenges similar to ours. We would like them to receive support as well so that they can overcome their difficulties and regain hope for their future."
According to Miriam Maruscio, AVSI's Program Manager for East Africa, the project's objective was not simply to provide aid but to empower communities to become self-reliant and build sustainable livelihoods.
"Rwandans are hardworking and highly motivated to improve their lives. Development cannot be achieved through one sector alone. It requires an integrated approach that brings together economic empowerment, agriculture, food security, and nutrition in order to improve the well-being of individuals and families."
She noted that while the project initially focused on strengthening agricultural production and improving household incomes, its effects have been felt across multiple sectors of community life.
"Although the Kungahara Muhinzi Project was designed to increase agricultural production and improve household incomes, its impact has extended far beyond that. The project has contributed to higher agricultural yields, better nutrition, stronger social cohesion, and improved access to essential services such as education, clean water, and sanitation. This demonstrates that sustainable development requires a holistic and integrated approach."
Over the past two years, the Kungahara Muhinzi Project has reached more than 1,700 households across Gicumbi, Ruhango, and Nyanza districts. Beneficiaries received training in organic fertilizer production, post-harvest management, and savings and lending practices.
As a result, crop production increased significantly, rising from 75 tons to more than 500 tons. In addition, over 1,000 households received livestock to improve both nutrition and household incomes.
The project also distributed more than 15,000 fruit trees, established 13 storage facilities for agricultural produce, and supported community savings groups that accumulated over Rwf25 million in savings while accessing more than Rwf20 million in loans.
Project partners say these achievements have improved the lives of thousands of families, including teen mothers and people living with mental health challenges. They believe the knowledge, skills, and community structures established through the project will continue to support sustainable development long after the initiative comes to an end.
The first person from right side, Miriam Maruscio, AVSI's Program Manager in East Africa
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