Mukandayishimiye Christine, Growth Guide (Kataza Program)

Driven by a passion for community service and entrepreneurship, Mukandayishimiye Christine joined the Kataza Program to support young people in overcoming barriers to business growth, particularly young women and persons with disabilities, who often face additional challenges in accessing financial services and opportunities.

Through her work, Christine has trained and supported 286 young people, the vast majority of whom are women. Her approach focuses on practical financial literacy, business discipline, and confidence-building, enabling participants to understand better how to manage their businesses and engage with financial institutions.

Christine’s impact is especially visible in how she helps shift mindsets and behaviours. By encouraging young people to open bank accounts, establish consistent business locations, and build trust with clients, she has contributed to more structured and sustainable enterprises within her community. She places particular emphasis on supporting young women to become financially independent, challenging norms that limit their participation in financial decision-making. She also ensures that persons with disabilities are included, guiding them to access opportunities and participate fully in economic activities.

One example of her impact is a young woman trader who, after receiving guidance on customer retention and consistency, transformed her business by reducing losses and increasing daily profits. Stories like this reflect how Christine’s support translates into real income growth and improved livelihoods.

Despite challenges such as a lack of collateral, limited financial literacy, and unstable business operations, Christine equips young people with reliable information and practical tools, helping them become more bankable and growth-ready. Several of those she has supported have successfully accessed loans and are now expanding their businesses and creating employment opportunities.

Through this role, Christine has strengthened her leadership, empathy, and advisory skills, while also expanding her own entrepreneurial mindset.

Her aspiration: to see more young people, especially women and persons with disabilities, generate income, create jobs, and actively engage with financial institutions, contributing to inclusive economic growth in their communities.

Her message to young people:“We live in a country full of opportunities; use them wisely. Build yourselves, take initiative, and make the most of programs like Kataza to create a better future.”