On the 1st of August 2025, Jesuit Urumuri Centre (JUC) celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of its Youth Empowerment for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program. Held at the JUC premises in Kigali, the event marked the successful completion of a three-month journey for 36 Rwandan and Burundian youth.
This 5th cohort training, which began in April this year, aims to equip young high school and university graduates with essential entrepreneurial skills with the help of the program’s manual which has modules that include self-discovery, innovation development, marketing, financial management, and strategic planning. Through this training, participants are empowered to build sustainable businesses that not only support themselves but also create employment for their peers within their communities.
Graduation day brought together beneficiaries and their families as well as Jesuits, JUC board of directors, JUC staff, JUC collaborators and various supporters of the Centre’s works
Rev Fr Patrice Ndayisenga, SJ, the director of JUC, welcomed everyone to the event and spoke briefly about the youth empowerment project and the overall goal of its implementation; “As we respond to the needs of today’s youth, our greatest satisfaction lies in knowing that this is our way of contributing to the Universal Church’s unwavering commitment to the principles of social justice. It also echoes Pope Francis’ call for a church which goes forth, a church that meets people where they are, engages the real world challenges of poverty, lack of opportunity and sees the face of Christ in the poor and the marginalized.”
The guest of honor at the event, His Eminence Michael Cardinal Czerny, SJ, expressed his admiration for the young entrepreneurs and their innovative business ideas aimed at achieving self-sustainability and creating employment for their peers. He emphasized the value of mutual support and solidarity, highlighting the importance of brotherhood and sisterhood: “The real truth is that God is our loving creator, he is our father. And if we have one father then we are all brothers and sisters, by birth. Not because of privilege, or education or color. And so I would like to encourage you to continue growing into good brothers and sisters to one another, to fellow citizens, to mankind. I am blessed by this.”
During the event, the graduates presented their business ideas, showcasing their creativity and determination. A short film was also screened, highlighting the success stories of beneficiaries from past cohorts. Their businesses—spanning agribusiness, food processing, digital services, artisan clothing and crafts among others—demonstrated not only entrepreneurial drive but also a deep understanding of community needs and market opportunities.
Rev Fr Fabien Gasigwa, SJ, the provincial superior for Jesuit Rwanda-Burundi, also made some remarks encouraging the youth to use the skills they acquired to address their communities’ needs; “Your business plans and social initiatives are answers to the cries of the vulnerable. Be entrepreneurs of compassion, innovators of solidarity and architects of the future where no one is left behind.”
Beatrice Umwana, the cohort’s class representative took the time to express appreciation on behalf of her classmates before presenting Fr Patrice a gift; “This program gave us the space and support to reflect on who we are and what drives us. Many of us had never paused long enough to ask ourselves the tough questions: What is my purpose? What values shape me? We learned to connect with our inner values and gained clarity about our purpose. From that strong foundation, we were challenged to be creative, to think boldly, and to build solutions that respond to real needs around us.”
In a context where youth unemployment remains a significant challenge, JUC program continues to offer real hope. By nurturing innovation and resilience, it empowers young people to become not just self-sufficient, but active contributors to the betterment of their societies.
Moving forward, some businesses will proceed into a six-month incubation phase where they will receive start-up funds and additional mentorship and support to develop their ideas into operational businesses. Meanwhile, preparations are already underway for a new cohort of 40 aspiring entrepreneurs.
As the graduates set off on their new paths, JUC reaffirms its commitment to journeying with the youth, fostering change, and building communities anchored in justice, dignity, and faith-inspired action.
By, Henriette Mushimiyimana
JUC Communications Officer.
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