Women Empowerment Program

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For many women in Burundi, access to literacy remains a distant dream due to early responsibilities, poverty or systemic barriers. But thanks to the commitment of YBSP Women Empowerment Program, this dream is gradually becoming a reality.

After more than five months of consistent learning, the program’s beneficiaries have reached a major milestone: they can now read and write with confidence.

Every Saturday, the women gathered at Stella Matutina for literacy and entrepreneurship sessions. With the support of a dedicated trainer and under the coordination of their mentor, they learned how to write their names, build sentences, read short texts and practice useful everyday reading.

A Journey of Perseverance and Progress

It wasn’t easy. Many had never held a pen before. But through patience, encouragement and determination, they began to discover the power of words. Today, they can express their thoughts in writing, read announcements, follow instructions and sign documents with dignity.

Empowerment Through Education

This achievement goes beyond just reading and writing it is about restoring confidence, autonomy and independence. Literacy empowers these women to participate more fully in community life, defend their rights, support their children’s education and explore new sources of income.

Jeanne MINANI, a resident of Rweza, shared:

“Before, people in the community mocked me because I couldn’t read or write. I had to ask neighbours to read my letters, which exposed my private life. YBSP gave me back my confidence and dignity. It allowed me to go back to school and learn. At first, I didn’t even know how to write my name. Today, if someone gives me a letter, I can read and reply to it in writing. I sincerely thank the trainer who invested so much in me.”

Pascasie MPAWENIMA added:

“When I joined, I didn’t even know how to write vowels. Now, I can read and write them with ease. That makes me so happy. No one in Rweza will ever criticize YBSP we came in knowing nothing, and today we have valuable knowledge. My children used to laugh at me for being illiterate. Now, I’m the one helping them with their homework.”