Uwurukundo Esther’s journey is a powerful testament to how access to digital skills can transform a life, uplift a family, and strengthen an entire community. Raised by her single mother in rural Rwanda, Esther grew up in a household where her mother spent more than 40 hours each week doing unpaid community and domestic work just to keep the family going. Without digital skills or employment opportunities, Esther faced the same cycle. She repeatedly lost job opportunities and felt unable to support her family. Esther recalls, “I could not support my mother and my siblings because I had no job. I also spent more than 40 hours each week doing unpaid work at home, just like my mother. But after gaining digital skills from Girls Tech Ventures, everything changed.” Before joining the Girls Tech Ventures ICT Training Program, Esther had never used a computer. She felt uncertain about her future and feared she might never break the cycle of poverty that had limited her family for years. But once she became part of the program, her life took a new direction. Through intensive ICT training, mentorship, and hands-on practice, she gained confidence and mastered essential digital skills. Tasks that once seemed impossible—typing, preparing documents, operating software, completing online exams—quickly became part of her daily routine. Her commitment and hard work paid off. After completing the program and successfully passing online competency exams, Esther secured employment as a teacher at Pride Future Academy, earning 108,000 RWF per month (approximately 77 USD). Today, Esther proudly uses her digital skills to teach students, support school operations, and contribute meaningfully to her workplace. Her income has brought hope and stability to her family. She now pays school fees for her two younger siblings and helps her mother provide food, shelter, clothing, and other basic needs. “I use my income to support my family with food, shelter, clothes, and paying the fees of my two young siblings,” she shares. “My family appreciates me. I am a leader and proud in my community.” Despite her busy schedule, Esther has chosen to give back. Every weekend, she returns to her village to volunteer and train other girls, ensuring that more young women gain the same opportunities that transformed her life. Esther continues to express deep gratitude to Girls Tech Ventures for equipping her with digital skills and opening the door to a brighter future. Her story stands as an inspiration to 244 Girls Tech Ventures’ Alumni impacting 1,220 their family members. She says “young women must breaking barriers and building a better tomorrow through technology”