Every teenage mother deserves the opportunity to rebuild her future.
The Teen Mum Incubation Hub is Dukataze’s holistic economic empowerment initiative designed to help teenage mothers transition from vulnerability to independence. We believe that poverty is one of the leading drivers of teenage pregnancy and repeat teenage pregnancy. When young mothers lack education, income, childcare, and access to accurate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information, they remain trapped in cycles of poverty that affect not only their lives but also the wellbeing of their children.
Our mission is to empower teenage mothers through a holistic incubation model that combines vocational skills training, entrepreneurship education, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) education, mentorship, psychosocial support, and safe childcare, enabling young mothers to build sustainable livelihoods while making informed decisions about their futures.
Unlike many traditional vocational programmes, our model recognizes that learning cannot happen when a young mother is worried about who is caring for her child. Many teenage mothers are unable to attend or complete training because they have no safe place to leave their babies.
To remove this barrier, Dukataze provides trained babysitters who care for participants’ children throughout every training session. While mothers focus on learning practical skills, entrepreneurship, digital innovation, or participating in SRHR education, their babies receive safe and nurturing care in a child-friendly environment. This unique approach allows young mothers to fully engage in every opportunity without compromising their responsibilities as parents.
Training and mentorship activities take place at two dedicated learning spaces:
Together, these centres provide an ecosystem where teenage mothers can learn, heal, build businesses, and create brighter futures for themselves and their children.
Today, Dukataze has reached more than 14,000 beneficiaries through its programmes, including over 200 teenage mothers who have successfully completed training through the Teen Mum Incubation Hub. Every graduate represents a family moving closer to economic independence and a community becoming more resilient.
In Rwanda, approximately 8 percent of girls aged 15 to 19 are teenage mothers, with the highest burden falling on girls from low-income families who often have limited education, few employment opportunities, and restricted access to comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights information.
For many young mothers, childbirth marks the beginning of another cycle of poverty rather than the end of one challenge. Financial hardship, interrupted education, social stigma, unemployment, and the absence of childcare frequently prevent them from completing vocational training or securing decent work. Without opportunities to earn a sustainable income, many remain financially dependent on others, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and repeat pregnancies.
The Teen Mum Incubation Hub was established to respond to what happens after pregnancy.
Rather than providing skills training alone, our model addresses the interconnected barriers that keep teenage mothers trapped in poverty. Every programme integrates livelihood development with entrepreneurship education, comprehensive SRHR education, mentorship, psychosocial support, and community building because lasting change happens when economic empowerment and informed decision-making go hand in hand.
Our goal is not only to improve incomes but also to restore dignity, strengthen confidence, improve parenting, promote healthy relationships, and equip young mothers with the knowledge they need to make informed choices throughout their lives.
By investing in teenage mothers, we are investing in healthier children, stronger families, and communities where poverty is no longer a barrier to opportunity.
Building Digital Entrepreneurs
The ESA Project prepares teenage mothers for today’s digital economy through digital literacy, entrepreneurship, business development, social media marketing, business pitching, and financial management. Implemented in partnership with the Rwanda ICT Chamber, Ejo Youth Eco, Luxembourg Aid & Development, and the International Labour Organization (ILO), the programme empowers participants to create sustainable businesses and employment opportunities while receiving comprehensive SRHR education.
Healing, Learning and Growing Together
The Teen Mum Community provides a safe and supportive network where teenage mothers participate in monthly mentorship sessions, parenting education, psychosocial support, leadership development, life skills, financial literacy, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights education. Through peer learning and community support, participants continue growing long after completing technical training.
Vocational Skills for Economic Independence
The Urugero Programme equips teenage mothers with practical vocational skills in sewing, tailoring, and home décor production while providing entrepreneurship and business management training. Created in partnership with AHF Rwanda, the programme helps young mothers transform creativity into sustainable income while integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights education.
