Nick Hewer is a man who’s seen many wannabe Apprentices come and go but on a recent trip to our projects in Rwanda he met some young entrepreneurs whose lives and stories have left a lasting impression on him.
During his trip Nick saw for himself how a loan of just £20 has turned one young person’s life around. Nick met Francois, a 15 year old boy who came to us with a big idea that he needed our help to get off the ground. By lending him £20, Francois was able to buy peanuts in bulk, cook them and sell them on as snacks at the market. Within 9 weeks of trading Francois made enough money to pay back his loan in full and now has plans to expand his business. With the regular profit he makes Francois is able to buy food and clothes to support his basic needs.
A big part of our work in Rwanda is supporting child headed households as HIV/AIDS has left many families parentless. Nick also met a group of 30 children we are supporting who are all raising their younger siblings. The group (pictured right), who call themselves Indashyikirwa – meaning ‘always first’ – have become a very popular music and dancing group and regularly provide entertainment at weddings. With a £200 loan from us they were able to buy uniforms and musical instruments to get started and they now earn £100 per performance.
Aside from the money Indashyikirwa makes, it is also a vital support network for the children who are part of it. All of the children in the group are on Hope and Homes for Children’s programme and are getting the support they need to help keep their vulnerable families together. Older members of the group mentor the younger, newer members to help them come to terms with their situation and their newfound responsibilities. The peer support these children get and knowing that they are not alone is invaluable to them.
For these young entrepreneurs the stakes are as high as it gets but with your support we can ensure more children get the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
