Gasabo-Bumbogo: 200 women share out over Rwf 16million from saving groups

By Elias Hakizimana.

At least 200 women grouped in nine (9) for Saving, Loan and Income Generating Activities Groups from Nyabikenke cell, Bumbogo sector have shared out an amount of Rwf 16,107,205 as a saving and credit result over one year.

With the total saving of Rwf 13,633,000, the group members from 9 out of 13 groups count a benefit of Rwf 2,474,205.

The share-out activity for annual savings and earning from loans on December 27, 2022, was marked by the closing of the 1st cycle that lasted one year and focused on teaching women and group members in general on how better to use group loans in their Income Generating Activities. There was also an initiation of the 2nd cycle that will last for three (3) years with an emphasis on teaching women and group members in general on how to efficiently use bank loans in their Income Generating Activities.

The Share-out activity also known in Kinyarwanda as (Kurasa ku ntego: Kwesa imihigo) for Saving, Loan and Income Generating Activities Groups for Women was organized by Joint Action for Peace and Development organization (JAPED) in collaboration with the National Women Council in Bumbogo Sector (Gasabo District), together with Nyabikenke cell.

“As of today, and under this program, for a total number of around 600 women beneficiaries of this pilot project in Gasabo District, Bumbogo sector counts for 215 women and 77 men grouped into 13 Groups. 9 groups among these 13, graduated from the 1st cycle and starting the 2nd cycle,” said Ildephonse Hitimana, the president of the board of JAPED.

Over 200 group members who participated at the event also showcased various income generating activities, where they use loans from their groups for investments.

Since 2021, these groups have been saving with the aim to invest in small businesses. The initiative is in Bumbogo sector, in 6 out of 10 villages making Nyabikenke cell.

“From February 2023, we plan to expand the move in the remaining villages of this cell, and later to the whole sector of Bumbogo, to the district and nationwide,” Hitimana added.

Anne Marie Niyindagira, one of the saving group members from Mbogo village in Nyabikenke cell said that“I could fear to go out in the public before joining these groups, as I joined, I enjoyed the power of togetherness as I learnt how to work for income, I now value the learning journey to become a fisherman than eating a fish, this means that I cannot want others’ properties, rather, I work for mine.” she said.

“Before, I could struggle to get school fees for my child, today, I manage, and I can get basic needs including clothing for my family, I am also happy that I am going to get my share,” she added.

Naomie Kayirangwa from Ubumwe saving group, said that they got an idea of investing in a business of clothing, knitting and beads arts.

“We hired a teacher who trained us in three months, we started producing and selling. The groups enabled us to save money, get loans and do business to support our families. Tailoring is on top among our businesses, but we still have a small number of clients, while we need some who buy more products,” she added.

The activity was graced by various officials including Mrs. Donatha UWITONZE, Women Mobilization Officer from the National Women Council (NWC) who represented the guest of Honour.

Uwitonze thankes JAPED initiative and the way is helping reviving women committees at the village level, from mobilizing together themselves and inviting other women to join income generating activities, discussing their issues and work for economic empowerment.

“JAPED is our good partner and we are ready to collaborate with them to expand this initiative in Gasabo and even beyond,” she said.

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com