Africa for Excellence Mission (AFEM), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Arts, Hotel Talents Pool, and Career Building Consultants Ltd, is hosting “Living Your Vision” workshops aimed at empowering Rwanda’s youth. These workshops focus on self-employment skills and long-term planning, making it an ideal platform for secondary school graduates looking to shape their futures.
The workshops will be held at Kimisagara Youth Center in Kigali from August 18, 2025, to September 12, 2025. Offering a rare opportunity, these sessions are free and open to young people who meet the criteria of being secondary school graduates and of legal adult age. Participants can expect to develop entrepreneurial expertise and a strategic road map for the future while accessing high-quality mentorship.
Workshop organizers emphasize the importance of guiding young individuals toward achieving clear and realistic aspirations. During the sessions, participants will draft their long-term goals and receive tailored advice on areas to strengthen and the skills they need to succeed. The initiative supports Rwanda’s youth in building independence and contributing to the nation's development.
Africa for Excellence Mission (AFEM): Pioneering Youth Development
Since its founding in 2023 under the leadership of Pastor Christian Gisanura, AFEM has been dedicated to transforming lives through vocational training and mentorship. As a Christian organization, its primary goal is to foster positive change within African communities, particularly among youth, to combat challenges like poverty, crime, and sexually transmitted diseases.
AFEM inspires young people to maximize their potential while steering clear of distractions such as substance abuse. The organization advocates for effective time management, encouraging participants to pursue their passions and actively shape their futures. “AFEM was established to empower underprivileged youth, especially in rural areas, to thrive within their communities rather than abandoning them for city life,” said AFEM representatives.
Empowering Through Vocational Training
To foster economic independence, AFEM has championed various initiatives, including setting up a bakery in Nyamasheke and a restaurant in Tyazo. With support from Sangira - Friends of Rwanda, AFEM has trained over 1,500 young people since its inception, introducing them to fields such as bakery, barista skills, culinary arts, mechanics, and housekeeping.
Recognizing diverse career interests, AFEM also offers workshops tailored to youth who aspire to build careers beyond hospitality. The program focuses on personalized career roadmaps, allowing participants to align their efforts with their unique aspirations.
Impactful Leadership
Before founding AFEM, Pastor Christian Gisanura spearheaded impactful initiatives such as the establishment of “Catch-up School” in 2008, which educated 300 street children in Nyacyonga, many of whom later graduated from university. In 2010, he trained individuals in culinary arts to pivot them away from prostitution, providing them with sustainable career opportunities. He also collaborated with institutions like Ahava Temple Kanzenze to train youth in automotive repair, sewing, and hairstyling, with many graduates thriving in major hotels or launching their own businesses.
Focus on Inclusivity
AFEM has extended its training to individuals with disabilities, helping them master valuable skills like baking bread, cakes, and pizzas. Additionally, workshops targeting caretakers for children and older adults have enabled participants to elevate their professional capabilities, increasing their job prospects and confidence.
Success stories abound, with alumni such as Danny Michelle Ikuzwe, Ajabu Kubwayo, Mignone Musaniwabo, and Uwase Mariam excelling in hospitality careers across Rwanda, setting examples of the program's impact.
Collaborative Efforts for Growth
Career Building Consultants Ltd, a key partner of AFEM, plays a vital role in delivering free training to youth. Specializing in areas like customer service, marketing and sales, and entrepreneurship, the company enhances participants’ business acumen for personal and professional development.
Hotel Talents Pool, another significant collaborator, operates as a vocational training center focusing on tourism and hospitality. It operates in Kigali - Bugesera (Nyamata and Kabeza), Huye, Nyamasheke, Rubavu, and beyond, the institution offers programs in barista skills, culinary arts, bakery & pastry, hotel services, and housekeeping. By providing internationally recognized education, Hotel Talents Pool is shaping Rwanda’s youth for global success.
Disabled individuals trained in baking bread, cakes, pizzas, and more.
Workshops designed to prepare secondary school graduates to reach their aspirations.