Schools for Africa project gaining ground, giving lifeline to Rwandan youth

By WFWP USA*

At New Hope Technical Institute in Rwanda, a quiet revolution is underway. Since 1999, NHTI has offered more than just education—it's been a lifeline for over 1,150 students, especially young women, who face extreme poverty and limited opportunities. And this year, thanks to the support of many worldwide, we took a major leap forward.

A culinary art class at NHTI

A visual art class

Testimonials of students have been awe-inspiring.

“The job I gained after graduating supports me and my family. It helped me during a time when I had no one to rely on.” — Anne Marie, NHTI Hairdressing Graduate, now a successful salon stylist and mother of three

“We started our tailoring business with one sewing machine. Now we have three. I want to help others the way NHTI helped me.” — Antoinette Nibomugisha, Dressmaking Graduate, now an entrepreneur hosting NHTI interns

In July 2024, the government officially approved the opening of our Professional Training Center, a dream that has been years in the making. With the help of the World Bank’s Skill Development Fund, 19 young people completed a year-long sewing course designed to help them build businesses and thrive in the job market.

But we’re not stopping there.

WFWP President Moriko Hori (rightmost) with leaders of the Schools of Africa project.

NHTI in Rwanda

To fully equip our new training center, we urgently need $5,936 USD to purchase specialized equipment for three in-demand fields:

Culinary Arts (espresso machine, fryer, cooker, and more)

Hairdressing (professional salon tools and washing stations)

Tailoring (industrial sewing, buttoning, and knitting machines)

Each piece of equipment represents a pathway to independence—a way for students to earn a living, support their families, and rebuild their futures.

To support the Schools for Africa Project, visit us at

Women's Federation for World Peace USA
481 8th Avenue, Suite 608
New York, NY 10001
(212) 302-8837
http://www.wfwp.us

(This advocacy article is by the Women’s Federation for World Peace USA and printed with its permission.)