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Sensitization and Training on financial literacy for Youth, women and adults in informal sector
The Sensitization and Training on Financial Literacy for Youth, Women, and Adults in the Informal Sector project, implemented by Friends Effort to Support Youth (FESY) and funded by BK Foundation, in partnership with Green GICUMBI Project, aimed to strengthen financial literacy, savings habits, and entrepreneurship skills. Targeting 504 participants from the informal sector in Gicumbi District, the project focused on promoting financial inclusion, a savings culture, and sustainable income-generating activities. This represents a small fraction of the 300,000+ beneficiaries of the broader Green GICUMBI Project, highlighting the potential for scaling up if additional resources are secured.
Since its launch in August 2024, the project successfully progressed through four phases, culminating in impact evaluation and sustainability planning. Key achievements include the formation and training of 17 savings groups, opening over 467 new bank accounts, initiating income-generating projects such as poultry farming, tea nurseries, pig farming, and food processing, and significantly improving individual savings from 500 RWF to 6,200 RWF per month. Peer learning and mentorship boosted group performance and knowledge-sharing.
The Project Overview
Strategic Opportunity and Rationale
Youth in Gicumbi District face persistent challenges including high unemployment, limited access to market-relevant skills, poverty, and economic vulnerability. Many young people, particularly young women, are exposed to social risks such as gender-based violence, early pregnancy, and dependency on low-income informal work. Most employment opportunities in the area are informal, low-productivity, and offer limited pathways for youth to transition into sustainable income-generating activities.
The FESY project responds to these challenges by introducing a holistic and market-oriented youth, women, and adult empowerment model that combines practical vocational training in poultry and horticulture farming with entrepreneurship coaching, financial literacy, and community-based support. Poultry farming was selected based on strong local demand, low entry barriers, and potential for rapid income generation in rural communities.
This project builds on FESY’s proven experience in community development and aligns with national priorities on inclusive economic growth, youth employment, and rural development. It is critically needed to reduce vulnerability, strengthen household income, and promote productive engagement of youth and women in Gicumbi District.
Target Group
The project targets 632 participants, including 367 women, 265 men, and 179 youth aged between 18 and 30 years. Priority was given to young women, teenage mothers, and participants from low-income households or with limited access to education and employment. The selection process was inclusive and guided by vulnerability criteria, ensuring that all participants could benefit from the training and livelihood interventions.
What's Included in our Programs?
SETFLI programs provide participants with practical skills and resources to improve financial management, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.
Financial Literacy Training
Participants gain essential skills in budgeting, saving, expense tracking, and financial planning for households and personal needs. They also learn to access and utilize formal financial services, including banks, SACCOs, and mobile banking, promoting financial inclusion and independence.
Entrepreneurship & Business Development
Participants gain essential skills in budgeting, saving, expense tracking, and financial planning for households and personal needs. They also learn to access and utilize formal financial services, including banks, SACCOs, and mobile banking, promoting financial inclusion and independence.
Access to Resources & Networking
The program provides training on income-generating activities, business planning, record-keeping, and entrepreneurship skills. Mentorship supports participants in starting, managing, and sustaining their ventures, ensuring long-term economic growth.
Formation of Saving Groups
Community-based savings and lending groups are established to encourage collective resource management, peer learning, and collaboration. Members benefit from regular meetings, financial record-keeping guidance, and shared problem-solving.
Overall Outcomes
The project Sensitization and Training on Financial Literacy for Youth, Women, and Adults in the Informal Sector achieved significant outputs that directly benefited the target communities in Gicumbi District:
Formation and Training of Savings Groups
17 community-based savings groups established and trained in financial literacy, budgeting, and entrepreneurship.
Enhanced Financial Inclusion
Over 467 new bank accounts opened with Bank of Kigali and SACCOs, improving access to formal financial services.
Income-Generating Activities Initiated
Savings groups started poultry farming, tea nurseries, pig farming, and food processing, creating sustainable income streams.
Improved Saving Habits
Individual savings increased from 500 RWF to 6,200 RWF per month for some participants.
Capacity Building and Mentorship
Participants received continuous coaching, field mentorship, and technical guidance, strengthening financial management and business skills.
Peer Learning and Knowledge Sharing
High-performing groups mentored others, fostering collaboration, motivation, and knowledge exchange.
Community Empowerment
Local facilitators trained to ensure sustainability and ongoing financial literacy support within communities.
These outputs collectively contributed to enhanced financial literacy, economic empowerment, and resilience, improving participants’ ability to manage finances, grow businesses, and secure sustainable livelihoods.