KIGALI, RWANDA — October 22, 2026: The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Rwanda Chapter officially launched the FAWE–Mastercard Foundation Phase II Program on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Kigali Serena Hotel in Kigali, Rwanda. The event was attended by the Executive Director of FAWE Liberia, Hon. Millias Z. Sheriff, highlighting the shared commitment of FAWE chapters to expanding educational opportunities for marginalized young people across Africa.
The launch marked a significant milestone for the FAWE Rwanda Chapter, which also unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2026–2029. The event highlighted FAWE’s continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities, strengthening skills development, and supporting young people, particularly girls and young women, to transition into dignified work and leadership.
Overview of the FAWE–Mastercard Foundation Phase II Program
The FAWE–Mastercard Foundation Phase II Program is a multi-country initiative being implemented across 10 FAWE African chapters (FAWE Liberia, FAWE Uganda, FAWE Ethiopia, FAWE Ghana, FAWE Zimbabwe, FAWE Senegal, FAWE Zambia, FAWE Malawi, FAWE Rwanda, and FAWE Tanzania) to expand educational and economic opportunities for marginalized young people. Building on the achievements of Phase I, the program seeks to address barriers that limit access to higher education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET), while supporting young people to develop the skills and confidence needed to participate meaningfully in society and the workforce.
Through country-specific implementation approaches, the program supports pathways to education, skills development, mentorship, leadership, and entrepreneurship, with particular attention to young people facing additional barriers, including girls and young women, refugees, and persons with disabilities.
In Liberia, FAWE Liberia is implementing Phase II with the aim of expanding access to higher education and TVET opportunities for marginalized young women and men across 10 counties (Montserrado, Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Maryland, and Sinoe) through bursary support. The initiative is intended to help participants access educational opportunities and build foundations for their future careers and personal development.
The program reflects a shared commitment across participating FAWE chapters to making education more inclusive and ensuring that young people have greater opportunities to learn, develop their potential, and contribute to their communities and national development.
The launch in Rwanda also provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of collaboration among FAWE chapters, the Mastercard Foundation, governments, educational institutions, and other partners in advancing inclusive education and skills development.
As FAWE chapters continue implementing the program within their respective national contexts, the broader initiative remains focused on reducing barriers to opportunity and supporting marginalized young people to pursue their aspirations.
