Rwanda is a young nation: nearly 70% of its population is under the age of 35. This vibrant youth population represents the country’s greatest potential—but also its most pressing challenges. For many young people, navigating education, career aspirations, and personal health can be complicated by poverty, misinformation, and unintended pregnancy. Programs that combine skills development with guidance and health support are critical to unlocking their full potential.
Kura Nawe, an initiative by UNFPA in collaboration with the Rwanda TVET Board and funded by the Government of Luxembourg, addresses these challenges by integrating career skills with sexual and reproductive health and wellbeing support, giving youth the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams.
Fashion design gives me the power to create my own future. I don’t need to wait for a job—I can build one and create opportunities for others,
says Restuta, a 19-year-old Fashion Design student at Jarama Technical Secondary School.
Some girls face temptations that can lead to pregnancy and stop their dreams. With the right SRHR information, we stay safe and keep moving forward,
she adds.
Restuta dreams of opening her own tailoring shop after school, employing others, and continuing to grow in the fashion industry. Similarly, Jean De Dieu, a 20-year-old from Ngoma District, emphasizes the importance of understanding his health and responsibilities, both for his own future and for supporting his peers.
When I need advice about my health or future, I know I can go to the health centre. The guidance we receive protects us from mistakes that can affect our lives,
says Jean.
To become a responsible parent one day, I must stay healthy today. Knowledge gives me the power to choose better, and that benefits everyone around me,
he adds.
For youth like Restuta and Jean, having access to mentorship, health services, and practical support makes a real difference. Students no longer have to leave school for care, stigma around asking questions has decreased, and young people are making informed choices that protect both their futures and their communities.
In 2025 alone, the initiative successfully integrated five TVET Care Centres into schools, providing access to sexual and reproductive health services, mental health support, and maternal and child health for thousands of students. Over the year, more than 34,000 students and community members received tailored SRHR education and counseling. On-site clinics facilitated access to HIV counseling, STI screening, and reproductive health information and service, while weekly guidance sessions helped prevent school dropouts due to unintended pregnancy or health issues. These combined efforts have strengthened youth resilience, promoted gender equality, and helped students stay on track academically and professionally.
