How did we find ourselves down a red dirt road, in a very rural village two hours from the nearest city, in Rwinkwavu, Rwanda?

Komera founder and Canadian, Margaret Butler was working and living in Rwanda in 2007 when she saw first-hand the need for education and leadership programs for young women. Not only were girls missing opportunities for education, but many vulnerable young women had no support system or hope for their future once school was over.

After enrolling the first ten girls in secondary school, we launched a network of holistic support programs that has evolved into what we now know as Komera. Programming for Komera took root in 2013 when we hired local leadership and an incredible Rwandan leader in Dativah Mukamusonera. With her vision and expertise, Komera began to blossom and develop.

Transformative tuition scholarships, school materials, sexual and reproductive health training and leadership summits provided girls with everything they needed to have the best chance for a successful future. Shortly after followed the parent and guardian cooperatives, community support programs and post-graduate transition courses to see to fruition our goal of long-term support for the entire community.

Today, Komera is led by a powerful local team of female activists who support their community. In 2022 we opened the Komera Leadership Center which is now a home for all. You can learn more about it here.

Komera Canada partners with Komera Rwanda and Komera USA in support of implementing their holistic programming in rural Rwanda.

Komera’s Mission

Komera develops self-confident young women through education, community development and sport.

At Komera, change happens in young women, in mothers, in a families, and in our community. Komera’s work is different because it’s comprehensive. Komera invests in the whole girl - her health & wellness, education, career, family and community, to provide her the best chance of success.

What Komera has Achieved