Delicious: The group of entrepreneurs has produced delicious doughnuts
With the right support, the group’s dreams of a bakery have been realised
Alemshet Teshale
In the heart of Rugalika in the Muhanga district of Rwanda, entrepreneurial group Twitekubana dreamed of starting their own bakery. Now, with the right support, they’ve turned that dream into a reality, one delicious doughnut at a time.
Although participants knew how to bake goods, they needed comprehensive training in entrepreneurship, business planning, and marketing which they received from ForAfrika’s economic empowerment programme. The capacity building was complemented by a sum of start-up capital which the group supplemented with their own savings.
Armed with knowledge
Armed with new knowledge and resources, Twitekubana launched their bakery, specialising in delicious doughnuts, known locally as mandazi.
Their small, round doughnuts, with their crispy outsides and chewy insides, quickly gained popularity in the local community and have been selling like hot cakes.
The bakery’s success is reflected in its monthly earnings that’s making a real difference to the lives of group members.
“Our little bakery is changing our lives,” says a group member beaming. “We’re so happy and proud of what we’ve achieved.”
Twitekubana’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, support, and hard work. Their bakery isn’t just a business; it’s a beacon of hope and a model of what’s possible when communities are empowered with the right tools and knowledge.
The integrated Food Security and Livelihoods programme in Rwanda is reaping rewards. Just over a year into starting with various projects, almost 500 participants – the majority of whom are women – have been trained in climate-smart agricultural techniques, while others have been taught other livelihoods skills and launched small businesses.
ForAfrika uses Early Childhood Development centres as an entry point for community transformation. The centres become a hub for gathering, sharing knowledge and pooling resources for people who are especially vulnerable.
Alemshet Teshale is Programmes Manager in Rwanda
