On October 17, 2024, Women for Women Rwanda (WfWR) proudly welcomed representatives from BB Energy Foundation, our newest supporters, to visit the ABADACOGORA cohort in Rubona.
BB Energy Foundation, dedicated to fostering positive change in poverty-affected communities, recently committed funds toward empowering adolescent girls, funding a new training program in Kicukiro district for 65 young women starting this month.
The BB Energy team’s first stop was at our WfWR office in Kimihurura, Kigali. During this warm introduction, they shared their mission and reaffirmed their commitment to sustained financial support. With genuine excitement, the team proceeded to Rubona Sector, Rwamagana District, to immerse themselves in the ongoing ABADACOGORA pilot project, now entering its second year.
A Session of Empowerment and Dialogue
In Rubona, the BB Energy team observed a dynamic session on “Managing Stress, Anger, and Conflict,” led by mental health nurse Vestine Nikuze from the local health facility. This vital session gathered 74 adolescent girls, who call themselves “Abadacogora” (meaning “unstoppable”), along with 52 parents and guardians. The session fostered open, constructive dialogue between generations, with girls sharing thoughts and questions with their parents, who in turn offered guidance and insight. Nurse Vestine’s commitment extended beyond the session; she assured participants that her support was always available, highlighting the importance of accessible mental health resources for youth and their families.
Empowering Futures Through Skill-Building
Following the session, the BB Energy team visited graduates from the first cohort, who have successfully transitioned into vocational paths like tailoring and hairdressing. They engaged with the young women about their past challenges, motivations, and the changes the program has sparked in their lives. Observing these graduates at work underscored how vocational training not only imparts practical skills but also builds confidence, resilience, and ambition—qualities essential for crafting empowered futures.
Looking Ahead
This visit reaffirmed WfWR’s commitment to expanding the ABADACOGORA program. As Pacifique Irakoze, 16 years old, ABADACOGORA program’s participant from Rubona sector.noted, "The ABADACOGORA program has opened my world—from finding confidence and friendships to building dreams. With every lesson, I'm learning to care for myself and plan for the future. My goal is to use my skills to create something valuable, like producing sweaters for nearby schools. For the first time, I feel ready to take on my future with happiness and hope."
The success of our pilot program encourages us to seek further funding to expand this impactful initiative, providing even more adolescent girls with the opportunity to rise above their circumstances and become agents of change in their communities. With the invaluable support of partners like BB Energy Foundation, we look forward to transforming even more lives and contributing to a stronger, more equitable future.