Empowering Dreams: The Impact of a School-Based Saving Group at Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School

Imagine being a young person with dreams and aspirations, but limited means to achieve them. This is the reality for many students at Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School. However, despite their challenges, these students have found hope and opportunity through the school-based Saving Group.

Young people at Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School believe that joining the school-based Saving Group gives them hope and provides them with opportunities to acquire school materials or buy small animals that can improve their livelihoods.

Each of these young people save Rwf 200 per week to support their own development and purchase school supplies that their parents may not be able to afford due to limited means.

Nsabimana Evariste, an orphan, credits the savings group for allowing him to purchase a rabbit and buy notebooks for himself. Instead of burdening his caregivers, he has found a way to support himself through the group’s savings. His story is just one of many that highlight the impact of the savings group on the students’ lives.

Nsabimana explained, “Our savings group plays a crucial role in promoting self-improvement among us. As students, we often face financial constraints. Personally, when my foster parents provide me with school fees, I still rely on the group’s savings to purchase necessary materials. We begin by contributing 200 coins each, making sacrifices such as skipping a biscuit. While other students may frivolously spend their money on snacks, we choose to save for future needs.”

He further explained that at the end of the year, they might purchase animals that will assist them in acquiring school supplies and essential materials for the next year. Additionally, during holidays, they seek employment opportunities to earn money and provide support to their parents who have limited financial resources.

Nsabimana expressed, “When I envision my future, I see myself evolving into a resilient man with unwavering values, thanks to the support and knowledge I gain from the savings group I am a part of, as well as my education. I am confident that I will be able to provide my children with education and instill in them a strong work ethic, all without succumbing to fear.”

Uwamahoro Yvonna, a student in the construction Trade, emphasizes the importance of being part of a saving group in order to meet their needs. She encourages other young people to join a group and start saving for themselves.

“Our group, which we have been a part of for two years, has brought us great success,” Uwamahoro stated. “We now have goats that provide for us when our parents are unable to buy clothes for us. This has given us confidence in our future.”

Jean Claude Ndahayo, the project coordinator for the ACTEC program at Don Bosco Muhazi TVET school, explains that the group was established by students themselves, many of whom come from impoverished families. The group now consists of 33 individuals. Ndahayo highlights that participating in a savings group boosts confidence as they work towards a common goal of self-improvement.

He stated, “Imagine a child who sacrifices 200 coins and later discovers that he now has a chicken. That chicken lays eggs, which can then be sold to buy a rabbit. Over time, the rabbit can be exchanged for a goat. This cycle of growth and development is evident through the work of that small saving group. It is clear that their initiatives are leading individuals towards progress.”

He also stressed the significance of the school management’s role in directing students towards success. He recognized the commendable efforts of the school, but highlighted the potential impact of benevolent individuals who are willing to offer support and assistance. By supporting students, their skills can be further developed, leading to greater success in their future.

The Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School has more than 250 students, most of them from poor families.

The school is also home to the Gender Matters for Green TVET project, which aims to encourage girls to pursue technical courses. Also through the project, students and vulnerable adults are trained in a variety of skills, such as farming, animal husbandry, and entrepreneurship, among other activities.

Join us in supporting these young people as they strive for a better future. Your donation can make a difference in the lives of these students and help them achieve their dreams. Together, we can create a brighter tomorrow for the youth of Don Bosco Muhazi TVET School.