The Last week of February marked a crucial phase for the beneficiaries of the Youth Empowerment Project that is being run by Jesuit Urumuri Centre (JUC) in Rwanda, as they prepared for their final business proposal presentations ahead of their graduation. The process was an intensive learning experience, allowing participants to refine their entrepreneurial skills and gain confidence in presenting their ideas.

The week began with beneficiaries focusing on fine-tuning their PowerPoint presentations with the guidance of their facilitator. They took time to rehearse in front of their peers, receiving constructive feedback to improve clarity, structure, and overall impact. This collaborative approach enabled them to refine their content while boosting their confidence in public speaking.

Building upon the first day’s progress, the second day focused on polishing their presentation delivery skills. Under the facilitator’s guidance, participants practiced their speeches, working on tone, articulation, and engagement. Peer feedback continued to play a vital role as they made final adjustments to ensure clarity, professionalism, and confidence.

With just a few days left before their final presentations this week, the beneficiaries sharpened their skills and refined their proposals to ensure they are well-prepared. Their dedication and commitment reflected their passion for entrepreneurship and their readiness to apply the knowledge gained throughout the program.

Prince Uwacu, one of the beneficiaries of the program expressed gratitude for having been selected to attend the training; “Participating in this program has been a transformative experience. It has helped me understand the essential steps in pursuing my dream, from properly writing a business plan to implementing it effectively. Most importantly, it has changed my approach to executing my plans by emphasizing the importance of mindset. I have realized that there is so much to learn and do before starting a business—many of which require no financial investment. Additionally, the Christian-based business approach has deepened my faith, bringing me closer to God and reinforcing my belief that, through Christ, great things can be accomplished.”

As they approach this significant milestone, Jesuit Urumuri Centre as one of the leading institutions that is promoting social entrepreneurship, remains committed to supporting and equipping young entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to succeed beyond the program. Through mentorship, training, and access to resources, AJAN believes that all the institutions under the AJAN Network will continue helping aspiring social entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that have a meaningful impact on their communities. Additionally, the Jesuit emphasis on ethical leadership ensures that these enterprises operate with integrity and a commitment to the common good.

By, Henriette Mushimiyimana,

JUC Communications Officer.