Netri Foundation

Social investments to combat extreme poverty

Financing for women for vocational training courses

Rwanda, 2018

Collaborating Entity Chancen International
Amount $150,000
Term 10 years
Beneficiaries 115
Students at Akilah Institute. Source: Chancen International
Students at Akilah Institute. Source: Chancen International

Social Issue

It is estimated that in 2035 in Africa, as a consequence of population growth, the number of people who will join the labor market will increase by about 100 million. Training will be key to their incorporation into productive trades. The problem is that only 6% of young people in sub-Saharan Africa are enrolled in a higher education institution, while the world average stands at 26%.

In Rwanda, 85% of women still work in subsistence agriculture and only earn less than $2 a day.

Our Response

Chancen International is a non-profit affiliate of Chancen eG, a German cooperative that developed a fair and sustainable loan program called “Income Share Agreement” (ISA) to help students from all over Germany finance their higher education. With an ISA, students can repay their loans for an 8-year period after graduation by paying just 9% of their future monthly net salary. Chancen has partnered with the Akilah Institute to lead this model for the first time in Africa.

Akilah offers educational programs in hospitality management, business management and information technology. The institution focuses on teaching relevant skills to prepare its graduates for the job market, and is the only 100% female university in the country.

Expected Social Impact

The investment by the Netri Foundation supported 115 students – who are part of a group of a total of 395 – that was financed in 2018. 88% of Akilah’s students find employment in the six months following their graduation. On average 90% of graduates provide financial assistance to at least one member of their families.