We are excited to announce that the SheCreates Fellowship is now accepting applications. The SheCreates Fellowship is a dynamic entrepreneurship program designed to support young women entrepreneurs in Rwanda. We aim to empower aspiring businesswomen with training, mentorship, skills and  the support they need to grow their ideas into impactful ventures.

Who Can Apply?

• Women aged 18-30
• Based in Kigali and surrounding district such as Bugesera and Kamonyi
• With a business idea or an early-stage startup
• Passionate about entrepreneurship and community impact

Program Benefits

• Interactive business training
• Personalized mentorship
• Peer networking
• Pitch opportunities

How to Apply

Submit your application by clicking the link below.

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The Power of Mentorship: Celebrating Our 4th Cohort of Mentees

At Friends Career Center (FCC), mentorship is more than advice, it is a shared journey where wisdom flows both ways and growth becomes a collective experience. This year’s mentorship program, in partnership with the Forward Africa Education Trust (FAET), once again proved how powerful it can be when people choose to invest in one another’s potential.

A Season of Growth

Over the past three months, eight young people committed to weekly 4-hour sessions centered around professional development, career guidance, and personal growth. Beyond workshops, they were paired with mentors who not only brought professional expertise but also stories of resilience and triumph. Together, they explored leadership, career pathways, and purpose-driven living.

One unforgettable session asked mentees to write about their future selves, five years from now. What began as hesitant words slowly unfolded into bold declarations. With gentle guidance from mentors, vague dreams transformed into concrete steps. It was in these quiet moments of courage and breakthrough that the heartbeat of this program came alive.

For mentors, the experience was just as transformative: “Walking alongside my mentee reminded me of my own journey. It was a blessing to share lessons I had once needed myself, and to see the spark of confidence grow in them,” FCC mentor shared.

For mentees, the impact was life-changing. They learned to manage time, speak confidently, build digital skills, and craft stronger CVs. Most importantly, they left with something deeper, the belief that they could apply these skills and truly shape their futures.

Why Mentorship Matters at FCC

This program is not just a series of sessions. It is part of FCC’s unwavering commitment to building a community where young people are equipped and supported to flourish. Mentorship bridges experience with aspiration. It reminds us that no one grows alone, and that when one young person rises, entire families and communities are uplifted.

As we celebrate this year’s mentors and mentees, we also look ahead with anticipation. Each story is a seed planted, each dream a step toward transformation. At FCC, we’ve witnessed again and again that mentorship is should not be a luxury, it is a necessity for every young person who dares to grow.

Would you like to partner with us in mentoring the next generation of leaders? Contact us at [email protected]

FCC Launches EmpowerHer to Uplift Young Women and Single Mothers

When women are empowered, entire communities thrive. But for many young women, especially single mothers, access to career guidance, opportunity, and encouragement is often out of reach. That’s why at Friends Career Center (FCC), we launched Project EmpowerHer: to ignite hope, build confidence, and create a safe, supportive space for young women to reclaim their dreams and shape their futures.

Empowerment in Action

The first EmpowerHer session brought together eleven young single mothers and girls who have received full scholarships to pursue vocational training at Mwanashuti Vocational Training Center. Over the next year, FCC will support them not only in successfully completing their programs, but also in launching their careers, whether through employment or entrepreneurship.

Francine Muhawenimana, a passionate community leader, facilitated a powerful session on self-confidence, resilience, and knowing one’s rights. Through open conversations, the participants reflected on their challenges and began to envision new possibilities.

“You’re not just surviving,” Francine reminded them. “You’re building something powerful, for yourselves and your children.”

Inspiration That Hits Home
Jacky, a former FCC participant and graduate of Mwanashuti Vocational Training Center and now Founder of BEZA Protocol & Services, shared her inspiring journey. With the support of FCC and dedicated mentorship, she was able to launch her own business and build a better future for herself. Her advice to the group was clear and empowering:

• Study what you love
• Support one another
• Never give up

Jacky’s story reminded everyone in the room that transformation is not just a dream, it’s already in motion.

How You Can Join Us

Project EmpowerHer is just getting started, and we need your support to keep it going. Whether it’s through mentorship, partnerships, or donations, you can help us uplift more young women on their path to success.

Reach out to us at [email protected] to get involved.
Together, we can turn hope into action and dreams into reality.

Friends Career Center Trains the Next Generation of Climate Change Activists

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is an urgent crisis impacting communities worldwide. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation demand immediate action. Recognizing this urgency, Friends Career Center (FCC) organized a climate change workshop on March 8, 2025, at the College of George Fox Kagarama (CGFK) led by Jean D’Amour Tuyizere, FCC’s Community Engagement Lead. The goal was to educate and empower high school students with the knowledge and skills needed to combat environmental challenges. The event featured opening remarks from a Quaker leader and a keynote presentation by an environmental science specialist.

Empowering Youth for a Sustainable Future
The workshop provided an interactive learning space where participants explored the fundamentals of climate change, its causes, effects, and potential solutions. The discussions underscored the devastating impact of human activities, such as deforestation and excessive carbon emissions, and emphasized the urgent need for sustainable practices. The workshop also covered strategies for individual and community-level action, encouraging participants to incorporate environmentally friendly habits into their daily lives. Finally, at the end of the workshop, students had an opportunity to plant fruit trees in their community to mark their commitment to sustainability.

One of the most inspiring outcomes of the event was the decision by students to establish an environmental club at their school. This club aims to promote environmental stewardship and advocacy among young people. As a first step, participants launched a tree-planting initiative, focusing on fruit-bearing trees to enhance both environmental and food security efforts.

The discussion with the environmental specialist was impactful, as students engaged in thought-provoking conversations about global warming, carbon footprints, and the role of governments and corporations in environmental conservation. The session dispelled misconceptions and provided practical, actionable solutions that individuals and communities can implement. A participant said: “Young people are the future, and if we don’t engage in climate action now, the challenges ahead will be much worse. I feel responsible for protecting the environment for future generations.”

Training the Next Generation of Climate Activists
Recognizing the growing need for climate advocacy, FCC is expanding its programs to train the next generation of climate activists. Through workshops, mentorship programs, and hands-on environmental initiatives, FCC is committed to equipping youth with the tools they need to drive meaningful change.

Jacky Uwamariya’s Journey: From Unemployment to Creating Jobs

Jacky Uwamariya’s story is about transformation, perseverance, and the power of opportunity. A young woman from the Evangelical Friends Church of Rwanda in Kagarama, Jacky faced a challenging start after completing secondary school. Like many young people, she struggled to find a job and felt uncertain about her future.

In 2023, Jacky attended a mentorship workshop organized by the Friends Career Center (FCC). The workshop offered her the guidance and encouragement she needed to set clear goals.

Supported by the Simmons Grant for 2022, FCC enrolled her in a six-month Culinary Arts program at the Friends Peace House Mwananshuti Vocational Training Center. Jacky excelled in her studies, gaining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Following graduation, she secured a two-month internship at Heaven Hotel in Kigali, where she refined her abilities professionally and gained insights into the hospitality industry.

After completing her internship, Jacky founded BEZA55, a catering and protocol services business. Starting small, Jacky and her team began providing food for events of all sizes, including weddings, meetings, and smaller gatherings. BEZA55 quickly grew, from serving 20 guests to managing events for up to 800 people.

Her efforts have already made an impact. To date, BEZA55 has catered:

• 5 weddings
• 3 meetings
• Numerous small events with less than 80 attendees

Jacky’s journey has not been without its challenges. “I lack a permanent workspace, and purchasing professional catering equipment is costly. These limitations drive me to work even harder as I continue to build my business and reputation,” she says.

Yet, these obstacles have only fueled her ambition—Jacky dreams of turning BEZA55 into a nationally recognized brand.

“My vision is to see BEZA55 recognized nationwide for our delicious food and exceptional service, catering for prestigious conferences and events under the expanded name, BEZA Protocol & Services.”

Jacky’s inspiring journey was highlighted on November 15, 2024, when she was invited to speak as the student representative at her graduation ceremony.

“One of my proudest moments was speaking as the student representative at my graduation ceremony on November 15, 2024, where I shared my story and inspired others to follow their ambitions. The unwavering support from FCC, including covering my school fees through the Simmons Grant for 2022, has been instrumental in helping me pursue this dream. I am excited about the future and determined to make BEZA55 big in Rwanda.” she concludes.