Empowering Youth through Collaboration: SILC and AJECL

In Kigali's Nyarugenge District, Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation partners with AJECL to combat youth unemployment. By empowering Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC), this collaboration equips young people with the skills and resources to achieve financial independence and embrace entrepreneurship, driving lasting change in the community.



Understanding SILC Communities and AJECL Association

In Nyarugenge District, a vibrant hub within Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali, unemployment among youth is a challenge requiring urgent attention. Amid this landscape, the Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) initiative and the Association des Jeunes De Saint Charles Lwanga (AJECL) stand out as beacons of hope. These efforts aim to empower young people by fostering economic independence and entrepreneurship. SILC provides a platform for members to pool resources, save systematically, access credit, and explore income-generating ventures, offering a lifeline to many youths aspiring to financial stability and business ownership.

Tackling Youth Unemployment in Nyarugenge

Unemployment among youth in Nyarugenge is a pressing concern, stalling economic development and exacerbating societal discontent. AJECL, founded in 2004 by Abbe Théogène Iyaremye and youths from Nyamirambo Parish, seeks to address this issue through a community-centered approach. By enhancing the entrepreneurial and organizational capacities of SILC groups, AJECL equips young people with tools to transition from job seekers to job creators, thereby driving local economic growth.

Building Entrepreneurial Pathways


AJECL collaborates with the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation to strengthen the capacities of 12 SILC communities in Nyarugenge. These efforts address barriers like lack of collateral, financial illiteracy, and limited business planning skills that hinder young entrepreneurs from accessing traditional loans. Through SILC, members benefit from an alternative system of savings and internal credit, tailored to their needs and capacities. This initiative not only facilitates access to financial resources but also nurtures a culture of cooperation and self-reliance.


The support extends beyond financial mechanisms to include training in business management, project planning, and other essential entrepreneurial skills. By 2025, with sustained funding from Lemonaid & ChariTea, the project envisions a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nyarugenge, characterized by innovation, resilience, and economic transformation.


Transforming Communities and Futures


The ripple effects of these initiatives go beyond individual beneficiaries. Empowering youth through SILC and AJECL creates employment opportunities, spurs community-driven innovation, and fosters economic stability. As the young members of these communities thrive, they contribute to a cycle of empowerment, with their successes inspiring further development and collaboration.

Back to News