About Harambee Rwanda
Harambee Rwanda works to bridge the gap between young people seeking opportunity and employers seeking skilled talent. We help young people access the skills, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in the world of work, while helping employers find talent that is ready to meet their needs.
What We Do
Our work is guided by the belief that young people have talent, potential, and ambition, but too many face barriers that limit their access to opportunity. We keep young people at the centre of our work, designing solutions that respond to their realities and aspirations, while working with employers, skilling partners, government, and the wider ecosystem to create pathways into work. We believe progress is possible when systems work better together, opportunities are more inclusive, and young people are supported to earn, grow, and contribute to a stronger economy.
Sourcing Young Talent
We identify and engage young people who are looking for opportunities to learn, grow, and access employment. Through partnerships and community outreach, we connect with young people from diverse backgrounds and communities across Rwanda and invite them to join the Harambee network.
Our sourcing efforts are strengthened through collaboration with youth-serving organisations, community-based organisations, educational institutions, government programmes, refugee-serving organisations, and other ecosystem partners. These partnerships help us reach young people who may otherwise have limited access to information, skilling opportunities, or pathways into work.
Language Assessment
At Harambee Rwanda, we use language assessments to understand a young person's proficiency in English, French, or both, using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The assessment helps us determine readiness for training and employment opportunities and identify the most suitable pathway based on employer demand. Conducted through a structured but conversational phone call, the assessment includes a speaking component, which evaluates fluency, confidence, and clarity, and, where applicable, a comprehension component, which measures understanding and interpretation of language.
Based on the results, candidates may be connected to training opportunities, or referred to a language learning partner for additional support where needed. This helps us understand each candidate’s current language proficiency and determine the most appropriate next step towards training and employment opportunities.
Work Readiness Programme
Our Work Readiness Programme helps young people prepare for the realities of the workplace. The programme is designed around the skills, behaviours, and workplace expectations employers are looking for in entry-level talent.
Young people build practical workplace skills, strengthen their professional communication, and develop the confidence needed to succeed in a professional environment. Through activities that simulate real workplace scenarios and experiences, they gain a better understanding of workplace expectations, professional standards, and how to navigate the workplace successfully.
Harambee works with skilling providers to expand access to market-relevant training opportunities, including language acceleration and digital skills training. Learn more about our skilling here.
Transition to Employment
Young people who successfully complete our skilling programmes may transition into employment opportunities through Harambee's network of employer partners. These opportunities are guided by available demand in the labour market and the skills, capabilities, and readiness of each young person.
By working closely with employers to understand hiring needs, we help connect work-ready talent to available opportunities and support pathways into meaningful work and long-term career growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Everything you need to know about Harambee’s impact and processes.
What does Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator do?
Harambee bridges the gap between young people seeking opportunities and employers seeking skilled talent.
Who can join Harambee Rwanda?
You may be eligible to join the Harambee network if you:
- Are between 18 and 35 years old
- Speak English fluently, or both English and French fluently
- Are based in Rwanda (either a Rwandan citizen or a registered refugee)
- Are available to participate in training and work readiness activities
- Are interested in entry-level work opportunities
We strongly encourage women and persons with disabilities to apply.
Does Harambee charge for its services?
No. Joining the Harambee network and accessing available opportunities is free.
How do I join the Harambee network?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can register through the Join our network page by completing the registration form and providing the required information.
What happens after I register?
Once registered, you may receive updates about language assessments, work readiness programmes, skills development opportunities, and available work opportunities.
What is the Work Readiness Programme (WRP)?
The Work Readiness Programme helps young people build the skills, behaviours, and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace.
Do I need work experience to join?
No. Our opportunities are designed for young people who are entering the labour market for the first time.
What types of opportunities does Harambee connect young people to?
Harambee connects young people to work opportunities with employers across a range of sectors and industries.
Are training programmes guaranteed to lead to a job?
Participation in training or work readiness activities does not guarantee employment. However, these programmes are designed to improve your readiness for available opportunities.
How is the language assessment done?
The assessment is done through a structured but conversational call. It may include speaking questions to understand how clearly and confidently you communicate, and, where applicable, comprehension questions to understand how well you interpret spoken or structured language.
What do the language assessment scores mean?
Language assessment scores show your current level based on the CEFR framework. Scores may appear as levels such as B1 or B2, or as combined scores such as B1/B2 or B2/C1. Combined scores show that you are progressing between levels. Accent is not scored or penalised; the focus is on clear communication and understanding.
What happens after the language assessment?
Your result helps Harambee identify the most suitable next step based on your current language proficiency and available opportunities. Depending on the result, you may be considered for work readiness support, training opportunities, employment-linked pathways, or referred to a language learning partner for additional support where needed.
How will I know if I am selected for an opportunity?
If you are shortlisted or selected for an opportunity, Harambee will contact you using the details provided during registration.
Can employers partner with Harambee Rwanda?
Yes. Employers can partner with Harambee to access work ready candidates, support recruitment efforts, and connect with a network of young job seekers.
How can I contact Harambee Rwanda?
You can contact Harambee Rwanda through the contact details provided on the website's Contact Us page.
I am a person with a disability. Can I apply?
Yes. Harambee Rwanda is committed to creating inclusive pathways to work and encourages persons with disabilities to register and apply for opportunities.
Can refugees join Harambee Rwanda programmes?
Yes. Eligible refugees are encouraged to join the Harambee network and access available opportunities and support.
What if I cannot find a current opportunity that matches my interests?
You should still join the network. New opportunities become available regularly, and being registered allows you to be considered when suitable opportunities arise.
Still Have Questions?
Whether you're looking for opportunities, interested in partnering with Harambee, or want to learn more about our work, our team is here to help.
Get in touch and we'll connect you with the right information and support.