As a result of being successful in securing the grant, the partnership between Unloc and Acts of Gratitude will support, incubate and encourage up to 90 young people (aged 16-35) from Kigali to explore social enterprise over the course of a 12-month period starting in July 2019. Each selected participant will be able to access an innovative 12-week learning course that will develop the skills and knowledge they need for starting-up their own venture, hear from inspiring guest speakers plus have access to follow-on mentoring and support.
Unloc, a non-profit social enterprise, currently coordinates similar programmes in UK schools and colleges and is excited to be sharing its resources and expertise and offering support to Acts of Gratitude to launch the programme. The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust exists to champion, fund and support young leaders working hard to change the world, and we are so excited to have their support in getting this new programme off the ground.
Additionally, the partnership seeks to connect young people (aged 16-35) in the UK and Rwanda as they develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for leading in their communities and establishing their own social enterprises. The connection also aims to establish a positive world view amongst young people in both countries where potentials for shared enterprise can be explored and can flourish for the economic and social benefit of both cultures.
Unloc Managing Director, Hayden Taylor, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this grant from the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust to build a partnership that can support young people in Kigali to learn about and start up their own social enterprises. Equally – we are excited about the learning and shared best practice that will emerge from the connections in both countries. This project has the potential to inspire, empower and support young people in a truly powerful way”.
Co-founder of Acts of Gratitude, Jean D’Amour Mutoni, commented: “Social Enterprise models are the new way to go for sustainable development in Africa. This programme brings a rare opportunity for young Rwandans to solve youth unemployment and contribute to their country’s development through combining economic activity and social impact. Acts Of Gratitude is excited to partner with Unloc on this important programme”.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust’s Grants and Programmes Executive, Ayoade Wallace, added: “The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust is delighted to support young people coming together from different parts of the Commonwealth for this unique programme that aims to
support the promising growth of social entrepreneurship in Rwanda. Young people are in the driving seat and we are excited to see this programme expand and progress over the year ahead”.
For more information on the partnership and press opportunities please contact Unloc via email: [email protected] or call: 023 9234 4424.
