The AGASEKE CENTER is a newly established organization in Kigali, Rwanda. It is part of the Kigali Cultural Village project, aimed at promoting cultural tourism in Rwanda. The AGASEKE CENTER is dedicated to preserving and fostering Rwandan culture and heritage through various activities such as selling traditional Rwandan products, entertainment events, and traditional education.

The AGASEKE CENTER was formed through the Agaseke Promotion Project, which sought to create jobs for many people, primarily women who were previously street vendors or housewives with limited means. The City of Kigali brought these women together and grouped them into cooperatives, including the cooperative that forms the AGASEKE CENTER. With the support of the city officials, MINICOM, and RDB, the women were given various trainings to sharpen their skills and become confident businesswomen. They started working and improving their lives and their families’ lives.

Today, the AGASEKE CENTER stands as a testament to the success of this project. The organization has a building where the women gather and organize their activities, including various shops that market and sell traditional Rwandan products such as art, clothing, and accessories. The organization also plans to include a space for traditional entertainment events where people can come for cultural entertainment, including traditional dance performances and music concerts.

Moreover, the AGASEKE CENTER plans to introduce a traditional peer learning center called Urubohero, where young girls can learn cultural values traditionally taught by their aunts. The organization seeks to bring people knowledgeable about the Rwandan culture to replace those events for girls called ‘bridal showers’ in hotels or other places. The AGASEKE CENTER wants to offer a traditional Urubohero where young girls can meet with knowledgeable parents about the Rwandan culture and learn from them.

The AGASEKE CENTER also plans to introduce a space where they will teach the youth, children, foreigners, and guests visiting Kigali or Rwanda about traditional dances and games. The organization seeks to preserve the originality of the Rwandan culture and provide a space where people can learn and appreciate Rwanda’s cultural heritage.

In addition to promoting cultural heritage, the AGASEKE CENTER plans to introduce traditional Rwandan foods and drinks. They aim to preserve the originality of the Rwandan cuisine with traditional Rwandan foods and traditional Rwandan drinks. This will be yet another way for visitors to experience the richness of Rwandan culture.

The center is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and the shops are open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, the shops open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those who cannot visit the center physically can purchase the organization’s products online from the RwandaMart platform.

AGASEKE CENTER is a success story of women empowerment through cultural tourism. The organization has allowed many women to earn a living and improve their lives. Moreover, it provides a space for visitors to appreciate and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Rwanda.