In cooperatives, we exercise leadership values.  As youth strengthen their leadership, naturally they come together to work in cooperatives.  In Rwanda cooperatives enhance social integration and uplift the standard of living of their members.

The cooperatives brought youth together to develop a common business idea with shared ownership and liability.  Youth start the journey of their idea with their own savings group.  Then they must plan for their business.  To help youth develop “creative plans” Rungano Ndota organizes “Business Bootcamps.”  When their plans are strong, Rungano Ndota backs them with some financial support of startup capital for their coops to launch.  The journey boosts youth income and also awakens their minds to use their full capacity.

Salama explained the journey well: “Being in the cooperatives is being a big experience of my personal empowerment. In the cooperatives, we are becoming strong women.”

As David said, “Collaboration and cooperation in a team with good leadership makes us allies who achieve success.”  Good teamwork turns the struggling life of youth to a better future!