In a powerful display of transformation and hope, AERA Ministries has awarded graduation certificates to a group of young women and girls who once lived on the streets or became mothers at a young age, following their completion of a nine-month training program in tailoring.
The graduation ceremony, held on May 9, 2025, at the Baptist Church in Kacyiru, brought together representatives from government, church leaders, development partners, and families to celebrate a milestone of renewal and empowerment.
Empowering the Forgotten Through Faith and Skills
AERA Ministries, short for Association Évangélique pour la Restauration des Amies (Evangelical Association for the Restoration of Friends), is a Christian organization founded and led by Pastor Marie Chantal Uwanyirigira. The ministry is known for reaching out to vulnerable women and girls, particularly those who have experienced homelessness, teenage pregnancy, or substance abuse.
Pastor Uwanyirigira emphasized that the goal of the program goes beyond skills training “Before they learned to sew, they were taught the Word of God. We want them to know they are loved and valued. Then we teach them how to build a sustainable future.”
Inspired by John 5:17, which says, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working,” Pastor Marie Chantal believes true service is found not in words, but in action. Her guiding principle is simple: “Don’t just say it—do it.”
“I Was Lost, But Now I’m Sewing for My Future” - One of the graduates, Munezero, shared a moving testimony during the ceremony:
“I used to live on the street as a wanderer. Then I met Mama Pastor Chantal, who taught me the Word of God and helped me get saved. Later, she enrolled me in tailoring training, and today I have my own sewing machine. I promise to use it to change my life.”
Her heartfelt story moved many in attendance. She, along with 9 others in this cohort, joined 20 previous graduates who are already on their way to self-reliance.
A Teacher’s Joy
Madam Anne, the tailoring instructor, praised the commitment of her students: “They learned with enthusiasm. What they gained here is not just knowledge, it’s a tool that will sustain them.”
The initiative also aims to give participants real, marketable skills that can help them access economic opportunities.
Partnership and Community Support
Pastor Eugene, from the Anglican Church in Kacyiru and director of OEPESD, a nonprofit that supports people in difficult living conditions, announced a new partnership with AERA Ministries:
“We’ve seen the impact of their work, which is why we decided to become a partner. The two sewing machines given to the graduates today were donated by our organization.”
Such partnerships amplify the ministry’s reach and help provide essential equipment for graduates.
AERA Ministries Eyes Outreach to Rehabilitation Centers
Pastor Marie Chantal revealed an upcoming plan to bring spiritual counseling and vocational training to youth rehabilitation centers:
“We’re planning to seek permission to conduct outreach in these institutions. We’ve seen how much healing this kind of ministry can bring.”
She also shared a vision of donating 4,000 pairs of Boda Boda shoes to underprivileged children and called on well-wishers to contribute.
“Helping others is not about having wealth—it’s about having a heart. We believe the resources are out there in people’s hands. We just need willing hearts.”
What AERA Ministries has demonstrated is that a broken past doesn’t define the future. Through love, faith, and practical training, young women who once felt lost are now equipped with purpose, dignity, and opportunity.
In the words of one graduate:
AERA Ministries said “We are ready to work, to change our lives. We thank our leaders from the bottom of our hearts for pulling us out of the streets.”
Pastor Marie Chantal Uwanyirigira, the Founder and CEO of AERA Ministries
