FAQ
Inzira Accelerator Foundation – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Inzira Accelerator Foundation?
Inzira Accelerator Foundation is a youth-led initiative that works with and for refugee communities. We help young refugees gain skills in education, entrepreneurship, and nutrition so they can become independent, confident, and self-reliant.
What does the name "Inzira" mean?
"Inzira" is a Kinyarwanda word that means "path". It reflects our goal to give refugees a clear path from vulnerability to independence.
Who do you serve?
We mainly work with refugee youth aged 16–35 in the Mahama Refugee Camp and nearby host communities. We also support:
- Children under 12 who suffer from malnutrition
- Vulnerable families and caregivers who need long-term food security solutions
What are your main programs?
Our work focuses on three main pillars:
- Education – English Language Clubs, higher education guidance, and soft skills training
- Entrepreneurship – Business training, financial literacy, agribusiness, and mentorship
- Nutrition – Programs to fight child malnutrition and teach families how to grow and prepare healthy food
Why focus on English language training first?
Language is a big barrier for many refugees. Without English skills, it's hard to access higher education, find jobs, or integrate into society. Our English clubs help youth communicate confidently and prepare for further studies or work.
What is the Entrepreneurship Program about?
This program teaches practical business skills such as:
- How to create a business plan
- How to manage money
- How to market products or services
- How to run small farms or poultry projects
We also connect participants with mentors and provide small seed grants to start businesses.
What is the Higher Education Guidance program?
We help refugee youth apply for scholarships and university admission. This includes:
- Finding suitable scholarships
- Coaching on applications and essays
- Preparing for interviews
- Building soft skills for academic success
How do you choose who joins your programs?
Selection is based on:
- Age (usually 16–30 for most programs)
- Motivation and commitment to attend sessions
- Gender balance (we aim for at least 50% female participation)
- Inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups
For entrepreneurship, participants often come from graduates of our English program.
Where are your programs held?
Most programs are in Mahama Refugee Camp and surrounding areas. We plan to expand to other refugee-hosting communities and urban Kigali in the coming years.
How are your programs funded?
We rely on:
- Grants and donations from individuals, NGOs, and foundations
- Crowdfunding campaigns
- Partnerships with local businesses
- Social enterprises like our Nourishing Hope initiative, which reinvests profits into our programs
Can non-refugees join your programs?
Yes. While refugees are our main focus, host community youth can also join, especially in English clubs and entrepreneurship training.
How can I support the Inzira Accelerator Foundation?
You can:
- Donate to fund programs
- Volunteer as a mentor, trainer, or facilitator
- Partner with us to create more opportunities for refugee youth
What difference have you made so far?
- 300+ youth trained in English
- 500+ children to benefit from our upcoming nutrition program
- 5 trained refugee educators leading classes
- Pilot entrepreneurship projects already underway
What is your long-term goal?
By 2035, we aim to scale our impact globally and ensure that at least 85% of refugee youth we work with become self-reliant through education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods.
