Our Projects
Empowering Women, Transforming Communities
At Club Soroptimiste de Butare, we are committed to creating meaningful change through impactful projects that empower women and girls across Rwanda. From vocational training and entrepreneurship workshops to supporting survivors of the 1994 Genocide, our projects focus on providing practical solutions that foster socio-economic growth, equality, and independence. Explore our ongoing and past projects, which reflect our dedication to uplifting women and building a brighter future for all.
Housing for Widows and the Tutsi Genocide Survivors
In Muyogoro Village, we built homes for 20 widows and survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. This initiative, funded by Soroptimists in Luxembourg, provided them with shelter and water, helping them rebuild their lives after the tragedy.
Sewing & Entrepreneurship Training for Teen Mothers
The club provided 45 teen mothers with sewing training, equipping them with a sustainable skill that will help them generate income. Each trainee received a start-up kit, including a sewing machine, to kickstart their businesses.
UBUFATANYE House Training Center
UBUFATANYE House, funded by the Soroptimist Club of Italy, serves as the main training center in Ngoma Sector. The center is a hub for empowering women through skill-building workshops, including basket weaving, sewing, and entrepreneurship.
Scholarship Program for Vulnerable Girls
We partner with the Norwegian Union to provide scholarships for girls from vulnerable backgrounds to access vocational training. Since 2018, seven girls have benefited from this program, helping them secure a better future.
Navigating Challenges to Empower Women and Transform Communities
Despite our successes, we continue to face challenges like the limited space at our UBUFATANYE House and the aging population of survivors of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994 who require continued support. We are also working to expand our training programs to reach more women in rural areas.
Limited Space at UBUFATANYE House
The current training center, UBUFATANYE House, is too small to accommodate all the activities needed to effectively serve the community. In order to expand our reach and enhance our programs, we aim to grow the center and offer a wider range of educational and empowerment activities to better serve women and girls in the region.
Support for Elderly Widows and Genocide Survivors
The 20 widows and survivors of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Muyogoro Village, who were supported by the club through housing initiatives, are now elderly and unable to rehabilitate their homes. The estimated needs for this population are still being assessed, and we are exploring ways to provide continued assistance to ensure they can live in dignity and comfort.