New programs to boost teachers’ livelihoods unveiled at Umwarimu SACCO general assembly

Elias Hakizimana Dec 29, 2024 0 Comments

By Prince Boris Cyubahiro.

New initiatives designed to enhance teachers’ livelihoods were unveiled during the Umwarimu SACCO General Assembly held in Kigali on December 23, 2024.

The event brought together school headmasters, teachers, and cooperative members to celebrate achievements, recognize outstanding performers, and introduce programs aimed at improving financial accessibility and support for teachers across Rwanda.

Robert Ruvunangabo, Director of Rusumo High School in Kirehe District, was among those honored at the event. He received a laptop and a certificate of appreciation for his efforts in encouraging parents to pay school fees via the Umwarimu SACCO account using the SDMS system.

“I am honored to receive this recognition. Our efforts have significantly increased deposits in the SACCO account, which directly benefits teachers by improving loan accessibility,” Ruvunangabo said.

***The General Assembly launches the online loan application platform and other innovative programs to support teachers’ financial needs, emphasizing agriculture and small businesses.***

“Programs like the Aguka-Mwarimu loan for small-scale businesses and the Sarura-Mwarimu loan for agriculture and animal husbandry are transforming our financial stability. My school now deposits over 50 million Rwandan francs per term, a milestone that also supports the SACCO’s broader goals.”

Laurence Uwambaje, Director General of Umwarimu SACCO, outlined the assembly’s dual focus on evaluating past achievements and setting future goals.

“This meeting serves to launch new programs, including long-term loans, business startup support offering 70% of member savings, and an online loan application platform. These innovations ensure financial security and flexibility for our members while addressing their diverse needs,” she said.

The SACCO has consistently demonstrated financial resilience, securing permanent savings of 100 billion Rwandan francs over 16 years.

***Laurence Uwambaje, General Director of Umwarimu SACCO, outlines new programs and future plans aimed at boosting teachers’ financial stability during the assembly.***

Uwambaje assured members of robust cybersecurity measures to protect their funds and highlighted the expected 27 billion Rwandan francs in school deposits per trimester as a testament to the efficiency of their systems.

Awards were presented to outstanding contributors, with laptops given to high-performing headmasters and motorbikes awarded to teachers who effectively utilized loans.

Umwarimu SACCO’s commitment to financial inclusion and innovative solutions continues to empower teachers, enabling them to enhance their livelihoods through agriculture, small businesses, and other ventures. These programs underscore the cooperative’s dedication to fostering a brighter future for Rwanda’s education sector.

Award winners proudly display their laptops, presented for outstanding performance in saving and utilizing loans effectively at the Umwarimu SACCO General Assembly.

A female teacher poses on a motorbike awarded to her during the Umwarimu SACCO General Assembly in Kigali, showcasing her success in effectively utilizing granted loans.

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