In the heart of Rwanda, change is taking root as people from all walks of life are empowered to break down barriers and seize opportunities. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Belgium have joined forces to create inclusive opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, demonstrating the potential of combining expertise, resources, and passion for a common cause.

Raphael Mathy, desk officer for UNDP in the Belgian Government, underscored the importance of this partnership, stating, "Core funding is key for UN agencies, and Belgium is committed to continuing the core funding policy. Belgium believes in multilateralism and the UN system, which is exemplified through the funding compact that exists between UNDP and our nation."

This is an exemplar of how we can bring our complimentary capacities to bear on solving the problems that countries are facing and strengthening the ability of households to stand up to uncertainty.

In a display of collaboration and impact, the UNDP and Belgium recently conducted a monitoring field visit to projects aimed at promoting business and social economic inclusion for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. The dedication of both organizations to empowering these communities was evident in the success stories that emerged from the visit.

At Nyirangarama Enterprise Urwibutso, 3 young people with disabilities were given internship opportunities, with the founder and CEO, Sina Gerard, affirming his commitment to social responsibility and the inclusion of PwDs in all aspects of his business. His words served as a powerful reminder that every company can play a role in improving the livelihoods of those often overlooked. The total number of persons with disabilities placed in similar opportunities in the project is 19. 

The field visit also shed light on an inspiring all-women cooperative in Buramba Cell, Gahunga Sector, in Burera District, that has completely transformed the lives of its members. Through endeavours such as mushroom farming, greenhouse tomato cultivation, piggery, tailoring, and construction, these resilient women have found hope and independence. The cooperative even established a training school for young girls, particularly those who dropped out of school, offering them a chance to learn valuable skills.

Another life-changing initiative encountered during the visit was a cooperative for teenage mothers, providing support, education, and skills training to 50 young women who had faced rejection from their families and communities. One member, Claudine Uwimana, shared her emotional journey from despair to hope, emphasizing the profound impact the support had on her life. Now, these young mothers aspire to be role models for others in similar situations.

The field visit concluded with a results dissemination workshop, where participants discussed their successes and the incredible impact on their communities. Speakers encouraged beneficiaries to seize available opportunities, such as low-interest loans at district and sector levels and business advisory services offered by the Private Sector Federation, to further grow their ventures.

Dr. Robin Thiers, First Secretary Cooperation at the Belgium Embassy in Rwanda, clearly moved by the visit, shared his thoughts: "We are seeing the results at the outcome level, supporting cooperatives and witnessing the first tomatoes on the trees, ready for harvest. We need to think more strategically on moving from achieving outcomes towards societal impacts. We need to strengthen the collaboration in a wider sense for more transformative change."

Dr. Thiers praised the prioritization of diversity and equity in Rwanda's economic policies and affirmed Belgium's commitment to continue supporting the program. The field visit stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every individual to thrive when given the opportunity. 

As the sun sets on this remarkable field visit, it is clear that the collaboration between UNDP and Belgium has the potential to be transformative. The unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of those often left behind serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating a future where no one is left behind. The stories of resilience and determination shared by the beneficiaries are a testament to the power of human spirit and the impact that can be achieved when we unite for change.

The UNDP-Belgium partnership stands as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished when we work together with shared goals and a commitment to inclusion. As we move forward, let this story serve as a reminder that when we harness our collective strengths and invest in the potential of every individual, we can truly create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Let us continue to be champions of collaboration, breaking down barriers and empowering communities, so that the seeds of change can grow into a forest of opportunity for all.