Leadership Development

In January, the Northern and Eastern Regional WLTIs (Women’s Leadership Training Initiative) in Rwanda participated in the module on Leadership Development and Mentoring. These Regional WLTI trainings are being led by 14 WLTI Rwandan graduates who are now TOTs (Trainers of Trainers). These TOTs did an incredible job facilitating this conference!

Two US team members were able to be alongside the Northern Regional WLTI during this session to coach and cheer the TOTs on. It has been so encouraging to see them lead and apply the facilitator techniques they learned during the 2 TOT trainings.

A BIG bonus was listening as participants shared testimonies of the impact and transformation. These testimonies prove that when you empower a woman, you transform the community. Each testimony spoke of the transformation that is happening inside of them and flowing out into the lives of those they lead.

This training has helped me a lot. I am confident now that women have been called to be leaders on this earth. I used to push people to change immediately. Now I know change is progressive, so I must be patient. If someone was against me or showed up late, I only thought of myself and would not listen to people or try to understand their point of view. I am now listening to others and paying attention to the expression on their faces and getting to know them.

– Vestine, WLTI Participant

I am very excited because I was very behind in learning. I live in a very rural area and was intimidated by groups of people. I was angry and shouted at people. I saw how Jesus humbled himself, and I will humble myself following Jesus' example. My husband and the community members have seen the change in my life. My husband said, “why is the training for women only? They need to be for men too.” He has affirmed that I have changed a lot and wants me to continue being trained. – WLTI Participant