In Uruhetse Village, Gasanze Cell, Nduba Sector, Gasabo District, the TWIYUBAKE Project is creating opportunities for single mothers to develop practical skills and prepare for future livelihood opportunities.

The project is designed as a holistic women’s empowerment initiative. Alongside vocational training, it includes psychosocial support, parenting education, and entrepreneurship development, providing participants with support that goes beyond technical skills.

The first tailoring cohort was initially made up of 14 single mothers and has now grown to 20 participants learning together in one class.

The tailoring trainer teaches participants how to take accurate measurements during a practical training session.

The trainer guides participants through practical lessons, helping them understand how to take accurate measurements and apply basic tailoring techniques.

Tailoring as the First Vocational Focus

TWIYUBAKE includes three vocational training areas: tailoring, hairdressing, and nail treatment and beauty.

For the first cohort, tailoring is the vocational area currently being implemented. Participants are learning foundational skills such as taking accurate measurements, understanding basic tailoring techniques, and operating sewing machines through hands-on practice.

Participants practice taking accurate measurements from one another as part of their practical tailoring training.

Through these practical exercises, participants are developing skills that they can continue to build throughout their tailoring training.

Learning Through Practice

The training combines instruction with hands-on learning. Participants follow demonstrations, take notes, practice measurements, and work together as they develop their tailoring skills.

Participants focus on their lesson and take notes as they build their understanding of tailoring.

The combination of classroom instruction and practical exercises allows participants to learn step by step and strengthen their understanding of tailoring.

The class currently has three regular sewing machines available at the vocational training center, so participants share the machines during practical sessions. Despite this challenge, the women continue to learn and practice together.

Participants practice operating sewing machines using the foot pedals during their hands-on tailoring training.

The participants take turns using the available machines, giving them opportunities to practice what they have learned and gain hands-on experience.

More Than Tailoring

Although tailoring is the current focus of the first cohort, TWIYUBAKE has a broader vision.

The project’s vocational areas include tailoring, hairdressing, and nail treatment and beauty, alongside psychosocial support, parenting education, and entrepreneurship development.

Hairdressing and nail treatment and beauty are planned for a later phase as resources become available. Full Life Initiative has identified qualified trainers for these areas, providing a foundation for future expansion of vocational training.

The project also envisions establishing a salon that could provide a practical training environment and, over time, create opportunities for employment and community services.

A First Step Toward Greater Opportunity

For the 20 women in the first tailoring cohort, the training provides an opportunity to learn a practical skill, gain experience, and prepare for future livelihood opportunities.

Their participation reflects the purpose of TWIYUBAKE: to support single mothers through vocational skills and complementary support that can contribute to stronger livelihoods and greater self-reliance.

Participants proudly come together as members of the first tailoring cohort of the TWIYUBAKE Project.

For the women in this first tailoring cohort, the training represents an opportunity to develop practical skills and prepare for future livelihood opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The first tailoring cohort is one step in the wider TWIYUBAKE vision.

As the project develops and resources become available, Full Life Initiative aims to expand vocational training opportunities while continuing to support participants through entrepreneurship, parenting education, and psychosocial support.

For these 20 women, each lesson and practical exercise is part of a journey toward greater skills, confidence, and a more secure future.

Through TWIYUBAKE, Full Life Initiative is creating a foundation for women to develop practical skills and pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.