The trip provided trainees with lessons in dedication, goal-setting, and teamwork, as they connected with successful entrepreneurs to enhance the skills they had acquired through their training program.

The study trip was strategically designed to connect trainees with thriving entrepreneurs who have established successful businesses. This initiative aimed to further develop the capacity of the trainees and refine the skills they had gained during their intensive 30-day training in "Digital Literacy" and entrepreneurship.

The visit, which took place on August 19th, 2023, began in Rulindo District, where the trainees had the opportunity to learn from the experiences of entrepreneur Sina Gérard. His journey from humble beginnings as a simple retailer to the international recognition his businesses now enjoy was shared with the trainees.

Théophile Hakizimana, the administrative assistant at Enterprise Urwibutso, highlighted Sina’s journey of growth. Starting with a bakery in 1993, Sina’s company steadily expanded to its present success.

Hakizimana emphasized the importance of thinking big and embracing innovation when establishing a business. He provided the example of how the company creatively uses leftovers from their abattoir, cattle farm, and restaurants to feed pigs, which are then sold to generate income.

During their interactions with Sina Gérard, he emphasized the significance of passion as the foundation for a successful business. He encouraged the trainees to develop a vision and persevere until their goals are achieved.

The journey continued to Musanze District, where the trainees visited the ’Abajyana n’Igihe’ cooperative in Muko Sector. This cooperative focuses on value addition for agricultural produce. The President of Abajyana n’Igihe, Wibabara Fidèle, shared their success story, underscoring the role of hard work and a clear vision in their remarkable growth. The cooperative’s achievement of purchasing their own mills through collaborative efforts was highlighted.

Alpha Benigne Igisubizo, one of the trainees, expressed her enthusiasm for the trip’s lessons. She emphasized the value of Sina’s testimony, which reinforced the importance of having a vision and working diligently towards it.

Ruth Bangaryimana, a fresh university graduate, noted how witnessing the success stories challenged her previous belief that businesses could only be started with donor support. This experience expanded her mindset to embrace ambitious aspirations regardless of available resources.

Gloria Munyana praised the training program for its focus on entrepreneurship and digital skills, essential in today’s labor market. She stated that her acquired experience and the insights gained from the field visit have bolstered her confidence in achieving significant accomplishments.

Robert Murenzi, the training Coordinator at FAWE Rwanda Women Career Centre (RWCC) emphasized the visit’s purpose to connect trainees with entrepreneurs, providing them with insights into project management, business initiation, risk mitigation, and overall business acumen. He expressed confidence that the trainees would benefit greatly from this exposure as theyareexpected to establish theirown businesses.

The FAWE Rwanda Chapter’s training program is supported by UN Women, and over 350 individuals have participated to date. Remarkably, 250 of these trainees have successfully launched their own businesses, demonstrating the program’s impact and efficacy.

Trainees were also taken through the history of Abajyana n’Igihe cooperative.

Trainees were given floor to ask questions of curiosity as the visited Sina Gerard Enterprise

Girls and women who participated in the study trip also toured storage facilities of Abajyana n’Igihe.

The 'Green House' for chili was among visited sites.

Gloria Munyana praised the training program for its focus on entrepreneurship and digital skills, essential in today's labor market.

Sina Gérard emphasized the significance of passion as the foundation for a successful business.

Robert Murenzi, the training Coordinator at FAWE Rwanda Women Career Centre (RWCC) emphasized the visit's purpose to connect trainees with entrepreneurs.

The visit, which took place on August 19th, 2023, began in Rulindo District, where the trainees had the opportunity to learn from the experiences of entrepreneur Sina Gérard.

The President of Abajyana n’Igihe, Wibabara Fidèle took them through the cooperative's journey.

They were also taken through the functioning of machinery.