Empowering Teen Mothers to Rebuild Their Lives

At Komera Initiative, we walk alongside young mothers in Rwanda, providing education, support, and opportunities for a brighter future.

Get to know us

Komera means “be strong” in Kinyarwanda, the national language of Rwanda; a word that perfectly captures the spirit of our work.

The Komera Initiative began with a simple yet powerful mission: to support young mothers and children in rural communities. What started as a grassroots effort to provide educational resources has grown into a holistic nonprofit organization focused on education, mental health support, and entrepreneurship training.

We believe in empowering families to build a brighter future by equipping them with the tools they need to thrive. Today, Komera offers integrated programs that address the unique challenges facing young women; ensuring they not only survive but grow into leaders who uplift their communities.

Meet the Founder

Founded by Rafiki Gerdi

The Komera Initiative was founded by Rafiki Gerdi, a passionate advocate for women’s and children’s rights in underserved communities. Growing up in a region where teen mothers and vulnerable children often faced rejection, poverty, and hopelessness, Rafiki was deeply moved by their resilience — and inspired to act.

With a background in community development and faith-based mentorship, Rafiki envisioned a nonprofit that would not only offer immediate support, but long-term transformation. From helping teen mothers return to school, to providing spiritual guidance, mental health support, and entrepreneurship training — the Komera Initiative is the result of years of vision, prayer, and grassroots work.

Today, Rafiki leads Komera with a heart rooted in compassion and a belief that every young woman and child deserves a brighter future. Under her leadership, the initiative has grown into a safe haven of hope, healing, and empowerment across rural communities.

Our mission

At Komera, our mission is to empower young mothers and vulnerable children in rural communities through education, mental health support, parenting guidance, and entrepreneurial training.

We are committed to helping these families rise above the challenges of poverty, stigma, and trauma—so they can build stable, self-sufficient, and hope-filled lives.

Through mentorship, skill-building, and spiritual guidance, we nurture resilience and unlock potential—ensuring that every young woman and child has the opportunity to create a brighter future.

Our vision

We envision a world where every young mother and child—no matter their background—has the tools, support, and confidence to thrive.

At Komera, we dream of communities where women lead, children learn freely, and families grow in dignity and purpose.

Rooted in the meaning of our name, Komera — “Be strong” — we strive to build a generation that rises with strength, hope, and lasting impact.

Our team

Our strength lies in our shared commitment to empowering women and children. Founded by compassionate community leaders, the Komera Initiative is powered by a diverse team of educators, counselors, youth mentors, and social workers.

Each member brings a heart for service and expertise in areas like mental health, early childhood development, education, and economic empowerment — all united by one goal: building a brighter, stronger future for vulnerable families.