On Saturday, January 24, 2026, Women Plan Rwanda (WPR), in partnership with Green Hills Academy, launched an initiative to support young women and students in Muhanga District. The event aimed to promote well-being and empowerment by providing hygiene kits and educational supplies as part of WPR’s Single Mothers Empowerment Program (SMEP). The collaboration focused on addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable young women and girls in rural Rwanda.
The donation included notebooks, pens, crayons, toilet paper, and sanitary pads for students, along with hygiene kits containing diapers, soap, cosmetic cream, cleaning brushes, and lap pads for young women. These contributions were especially targeted at young women affected by unplanned pregnancies, societal rejection, and limited access to education and resources.
Brenda Moussa, a Green Hills Academy student, emphasized the importance of empowering women in a society where they often lack choices. “Women are often seen as birth-givers, and their potential is overlooked. We wanted to stand up and help those in need, because we believe women should have the same opportunities as men,” Moussa explained. She urged the beneficiaries to remain strong and continue pushing for a better future, despite the challenges they face.
Rukundo Jean Pierre, Compliance and Quality Control Manager at WPR, spoke about the organization’s mission to empower women and children in rural areas. “Our goal is to improve the well-being of rural women and children, who are often limited by cultural norms,” he said. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by young women, such as early pregnancies and societal stigma, and stressed that WPR’s programs provide both material and emotional support to help them overcome these challenges.
Rukundo Jean Pierre, Compliance and Quality Control Manager at WPR
“Pregnancy and childbirth are blessings, not mistakes,” Rukundo continued. “We want these young women to understand that their children are important and that they have the potential to create a better future.”
WPR implements two major empowerment programs: Drop Out Prevention Program (DOPP) to reducing school dropout among girls, and Single Mothers Empowerment Program (SMEP) to assisting young mothers facing difficult life conditions.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the support they received. Iradukunda Kevin, a student supported by WPR, shared her story: “Before joining this project, I had no hope of continuing my education. My parents couldn’t afford it, but I didn’t give up. This project helped me stay in school, and now I believe I can achieve my educational goals.”
Ishimwe Solange, another beneficiary, added, “I’m very grateful for this project. The support with school supplies, hygiene kits, and school fees has made a huge difference in my life. May God bless you all.”
Fransine Uwayisaba, a young mother from Kinini Cell, described how the project had transformed her life. “WPR gave me a pig, and now I’m working hard to improve myself. I no longer rely on others for help, but I’m focused on developing my own future,” she said.
Women Plan Rwanda’s initiatives have already supported 106 students from 18 schools, including day and boarding schools. They also provide school feeding programs for day school students and cover school fees for boarding students. In addition, WPR supports over 2,000 women and girls across nine districts, helping them access education, health care, and economic opportunities.
Through this partnership with Green Hills Academy, WPR continues to make a significant impact in rural communities. By providing vital resources and fostering a spirit of solidarity, they are creating opportunities for young women to break free from societal constraints and build a brighter future for themselves and their families. This collaboration serves as a powerful example of how community support can empower marginalized groups and promote positive social change.
