Powered by youth

Children & youth

Feb 28

Written By Lina Hestad

Who: CARE

What: Powered by youth

Where: East-Rwanda

Project period: 2025-2027

About the project

The "Powered by Youth" project by CARE Norway, supported by the Grieg Foundation, aims to improve gender equality and opportunities for women and girls in Eastern Rwanda.

These girls face significant challenges such as gender-based violence, limited access to education, and restricted economic opportunities. 38 percent of Rwanda’s population lives below the poverty line, and violence against women is widespread.

Through this project, the Grieg Foundation is helping 160,000 girls and women take control of their future. The project will establish and further develop village savings and loan associations (VSLAs), which can be described as small, informal community banks owned and operated by their members. The project will support youth who have dropped out of school with entrepreneurship training and provide vocational training for young people in refugee camps.

Training will also be provided in sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, preparedness, and crisis management for members of the VSLAs.

In these groups, women gain the opportunity to save money safely and take out loans. The funds are often used to pay for their children's education, buy livestock, or start a small business. CARE provides the groups with a lockbox, accounting books, and training, but the women do the work themselves.

The project takes a holistic approach, involving men and boys, government authorities, and various stakeholders to engage the entire community in poverty reduction, gender equality, and the protection and empowerment of women and girls.

To ensure strong local ownership and sustainability, CARE collaborates closely with CARE Rwanda, local aid organizations, and local authorities.

The project is expected to enhance financial inclusion, improve income opportunities, and provide access to new skills, directly impacting participants' lives. Through this initiative, CARE Norway will create lasting change and contribute to a more equal and economically stable future for women and girls in Rwanda.

About the organization

CARE Norway, established in 1986, is the Norwegian branch of CARE International, one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations, operating in over 100 countries. The organization works to combat poverty and provide emergency aid, always with a special focus on the rights, opportunities, and safety of girls and women.

CARE fights for girls and women to have the right to make decisions about their own bodies and lives. They should have the opportunity to go to school, earn their own money, and influence their communities. They must be safe from violence and abuse—both at home and while fleeing conflict.

CARE works closely with local partner organizations to build capacity in communities and prioritizes collaboration with smaller, women-led local organizations.