The ceremony marked the graduation of OSO's 4th cohort of fashion design students and the 2nd cohort specialising in soap and detergent production.
Most of the beneficiaries are girls and young women from vulnerable backgrounds, including school dropouts, teenage mothers, orphans, and those living with disabilities.
Founded in 2019, OSO offers year-long training that equips participants with hands-on entrepreneurial skills in fashion, agribusiness, and manufacturing. The organisation also provides post-graduation support, including business startup capital and mentorship.
'We take them in for a full year, train them, and help them build income-generating projects when they return to their communities,' said Delphine Uwamahoro, OSO's founder and executive director. 'They become self-reliant, creative, and financially empowered.'
This year's graduates bring the total number of OSO alumni to over 400, with 80 percent of previous participants having launched their own ventures.
Each of the new graduates received a Frw 200,000 startup grant, while the top three business plans were awarded an additional Frw 500,000.
The initiative has attracted growing support from development partners, and the latest milestone drew government officials and donors alike. Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde praised the graduates for taking steps toward transforming their lives and communities.
'These projects are not to be shelvedâ€"they must now become reality,' the governor said. 'We expect you to be change agents who will help eradicate poverty and promote inclusive development.'
Gakenke District Mayor Mukandayisenga Vestine reminded the graduates of government funding opportunities, urging them to apply for youth-targeted financing schemes.
'The country has resources. What matters now is your commitment to create jobs and solve problems,' she said.
Alongside the graduation, OSO officially opened a new dormitory with capacity for 87 students. Built in collaboration with the U.S.-based GO Campaign, the facility positions OSO to begin hosting learners from across East Africa and operate as a regional boarding school.
'Our vision is not limited to Rwanda,' said Uwamahoro. 'We want to welcome girls from Uganda, Burundi, Tanzaniaâ€"because poverty and gender-based violence don't stop at the border. Neither should opportunity.'
Key supporters present at the event included representatives from GO Campaign, Segal Family Foundation, Lemonaid ChariTea Foundation, Kvinna Till Kvinna, and World Connect.
OSO's model targets girls and women aged 13 to 25, especially those from rural areas or facing extreme hardship. As it expands, the organisation hopes to become one of Africa's leading incubators of female-led entrepreneurship and grassroots job creation.
IGIHE
