Since 2009, EDC and the Government of Rwanda have worked together on multiple initiatives to improve education and economic development opportunities throughout the country. It’s a collaboration that is helping to modernize Rwanda’s education system and expand its economic growth, and which has affected millions of teachers, students, youth, and families.
EDC’s projects in Rwanda have included:
- Akazi Kanoze (AK) and Akazi Kanoze 2 (AK2): Youth participating in these two workforce development projects have gained the knowledge and skills they need to contribute to Rwanda’s growing economy. The projects have provided youth with access to resources such as job and internship opportunities and entrepreneurship training. Akazi Kanoze 2 ended in 2017, but its mission lives on through Akazi Kanoze Access, a spin-off Rwandan nonprofit organization.
- Huguka Dukore: Many young Rwandans ages 16–30 have had limited basic education and earn less than $1.75 per day. Huguka Dukore is working with young Rwandans to provide job skills training, work-based learning, internship opportunities, and links to jobs and self-employment. This five-year initiative builds on the success of the AK and AK2 projects and aims to reach 40,000 youth.
- Literacy, Language, and Learning (L3) Initiative: This project, which ended in 2017, expanded literacy for more than 1.8 million young children in every primary school in Rwanda. L3 improved student achievement in reading and mathematics, engaged communities in supporting literacy, and increased access to appropriate teaching and learning materials.
“Our goal has always been to establish programs that are sustainable and that make a difference,” says EDC’s Nancy Devine. “We’ve been able to open up huge opportunities for youth, many of whom never really had a vision for their lives.”
Funding for EDC’s projects in Rwanda comes from the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Mastercard Foundation, and the Department for International Development.
Learn more about EDC’s work in Rwanda:
Advancing Youth and Workforce Development
- Contributing to a More Resilient Youth System
This case study highlights how EDC’s partnerships—with young people, schools, youth-serving organizations, the private sector, and the government of Rwanda—have led to transformative change in Rwandan youth workforce development. - Working Up to Success
A work-readiness program is changing the way youth prepare for the future. Meet some of them. - EDC to Provide Job Training to 40,000 Rwandan Youth
EDC’s Akazi Kanoze project is building skills and futures in Rwanda. - A New Hub for Youth Success
EDC’s work to help youth in Rwanda develop employment skills will continue under a new organization—Akazi Kanoze Access.
Building Literacy
- A National Investment in Literacy
Rebuilding Rwanda’s education system focuses on strengthening reading and writing. - Young Storytellers
A national writing competition promotes reading and writing. - Books on the Move
Mobile libraries bring reading materials to communities in Rwanda.