When I joined CorpsAfrica, I carried a simple but powerful belief: true development happens when people are given the space to lead their own change. That belief became my compass throughout my service in Huye District, Gishamvu Sector, Ryakibogo Cell, Kadahokwa Village, where I met a remarkable group of young women whose courage and resilience inspired what is now known as the Single Mother Initiative.
It all started with a community meeting I organized for the youth of Kadahokwa Village. The turnout was impressive except for one thing: only a few single mothers attended. Curious and concerned, I asked my host father, who also serves as the village leader, why so many had stayed away.
He explained that young single mothers often avoid public gatherings because of social stigma. Many are unfairly judged as careless or irresponsible, and over time, these judgments make them feel unwelcome and lose confidence in their place in the community.
I could not ignore that reality. Determined to understand their stories, I visited them one by one, listening, learning, and empathizing. Together, we envisioned a new beginning, a safe space where single mothers could connect, learn, and rebuild their confidence. That is how the Single Mother Initiative was born.
We began with just 23 young single mothers, all between the ages of 18 and 35. Most had given birth while still living with their parents, facing rejection, poverty, and isolation. But they refused to give up. Today, that small circle of hope has grown into a vibrant group of 44 active members known as ICYIZERE, meaning Hope.
Through unity, these women are rewriting their stories, turning pain into purpose and stigma into strength.
We established a community savings group where members contribute weekly. These savings strengthen solidarity and will soon support a collective income-generating project designed to build financial independence.
Members have received training in entrepreneurship, savings, and small business management. Many have already launched small businesses, from tailoring to poultry farming, proving that empowerment begins with opportunity.
We launched this program to promote hygiene, health, and dignity. Each single mother now maintains a kitchen garden for better nutrition, a plate rack for cleanliness, and a clothesline for proper sanitation. A clean home is the foundation of dignity and pride.
Beyond projects and savings, this group has become a safe and loving space, a circle of healing, laughter, and hope. Here, single mothers share their stories, support one another, and rebuild their confidence. They no longer feel invisible. They are seen, respected, and capable.
We dream of a community where no woman is left behind, where young mothers are celebrated as leaders of change, not symbols of shame. Our next goal is to expand mentorship programs, vocational training, and partnerships with local leaders, all grounded in the CorpsAfrica philosophy of empowering communities from within.
Through this journey, I have learned that real change is not about giving people things. It is about helping them believe in themselves.The Single Mother Initiative is more than an initiative. It is a story of hope, dignity, and transformation. Because when a single mother rises, an entire community stands taller.
