Empowering Young Women in Burundi through Practical Vocational Training

Burundi, a small country in the Great Lakes region of Africa, one of the countries facing enormous social and economic challenges. With a national unemployment rate very high, young people in rural areas are especially affected. More than 60% of the population is under the age of 25, yet many young women have little to no access to secondary education or job training.

As a result, poverty and lack of opportunity often lead them into dangerous paths including recruitment into militias.

This is where our project “TURACYASHOBOYE – We Are Still Able” comes in.

In collaboration with our local partner HVP Makebuko, Cagintua is training 50 young women in the Ngozi region of Burundi in the art of soap-making, a skill that not only generates income but also addresses a basic community need.

What does the project involve?

From theory to practice: Participants begin with foundational training on group work, discipline, and hygiene. They then move into hands-on production of different types of soap for laundry, household use, and personal care one oft he beuties of this project is the using of materials available locally.

Soap with a mission: The women produce affordable, high-quality soap for sale at local markets. Early production trials have already shown promising results.

Professional recognition and economic independence: At the end of the program, participants receive a vocational certificate. They are then organized into local working groups to continue producing and selling soap together.

Why soap?

Soap is more than just a hygiene product – it represents dignity, health, and financial independence. At the same time, many families in rural Burundi struggle to afford it regularly.

This project creates a win-win situation: young women gain life-changing skills and communities gain access to affordable soap.

Who benefits from the project?

Directly: 50 young women and their families

Indirectly: Hundreds of people connected to these households, and rural communities who will benefit from access to locally made, affordable soap

In the long run: The broader society, through improved awareness, social inclusion, and the empowerment of women to become economically active citizens

Snapshots of Change

We are pleased to share some images from the training sessions – including practical soap- making, group learning, and early product displays. These powerful moments reflect the courage, creativity, and determination of the young women as they shape a new future for themselves and their communities.

Stay tuned – we will continue to share updates on the project’s progress!