A shoe workshop in Rwanda becomes a place of hope
Every morning in Byumba, Rwanda, the doors to Ivan’s workshop open to a steady stream of customers. Some arrive carrying worn-out favourite shoes for repair; others come with sketches and ideas for custom-made designs they hope Ivan can bring to life.
Inside the small workshop, sewing machines hum as leather is carefully measured and stitched by hand. Shelves display completed shoes waiting for collection, while young apprentices learn skills that could shape their own futures.
At 21, Ivan is a skilled shoemaker and a respected young entrepreneur in his community. But only a few years ago, his future looked very different.
In 2018, financial hardship forced Ivan to leave school after grade six. Without access to vocational training or professional opportunities, he repaired shoes for low wages to support himself and his family. Although he worked hard, the income barely covered daily needs, and formal training remained financially out of reach.
"I didn’t have any special skills, so I started working as a cobbler,” Ivan recalled.
Everything changed when he joined SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda’s youth empowerment program. The support he received helped him transition from a labourer to a successful business owner and renewed his confidence in what was possible.
The support Ivan received included:
- Vocational training: Advanced shoemaking and design.
- Business intelligence: Training in entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial planning.
- Seed funding: A small grant to invest in professional tools and raw materials, after identifying an opportunity in the local market for bespoke, made-to-order footwear.
With his natural talent and growing demand, his business is thriving.
Ivan now earns a stable income that allows him to provide for his wife and son, renovate his mother’s home, and purchase land – outcomes that once seemed impossible.
His workshop has also grown beyond individual customers. Retailers now sell his shoe designs in established local marketplaces, helping expand his reach and strengthen his business.
Most importantly, Ivan is creating opportunities for others. He currently employs five people in his workshop, passing on the opportunity he once received himself.
The support he received gave him greater confidence in his future and motivated him to grow his business further.
"I want to buy better machines and show other young people what is possible,” Ivan shared proudly.
Why your support matters
Around the world, young people hold the key to solving some of our most pressing challenges, yet too many are held back by barriers beyond their control. In Sub-Saharan Africa, more than one in four youth are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and young women are nearly twice as likely to be affected. These are not just statistics; they are missed opportunities.
Green Growth: Empowering Youth for a Green Future is a five-year initiative launched in partnership with the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. The initiative supports young people in building sustainable livelihoods and strengthening economic resilience in their communities.
Every dollar you contribute is 3X matched, multiplying your impact and maximizing hope.