GASABO - Kivu Writers Organiation (KWO) announced yesterday that it plans to become a local Non Governmental Organisation.

In a statement during the organisation’s annual conference held Saturday at Kigali Institute of Education (KIE), the Director of KWO Firmin Dusengumuremyi said turning the organisation into an autonomous local NGO is timely and necessary, given the projections they have for the present and future of the literary fraternity in Rwanda.

KWO said it is devoted to improving the literary culture in Rwanda. The group is vying to become a local NGO to strengthen and step up its activities.

"We are strong to start a local NGO, not because we have all the resources it takes, but we have ideas, focus and determination directing us to achieve our overall vision of promoting the literary fraternity and creative arts in Rwanda,” said Dusengumuremyi.

The organisation started in 2000, with an aim of promoting the culture of writing and creative arts among secondary school students by training them how to write poetry, documentaries, plays and novels.

In the field of creative arts, it trains people in drama and acting, song writing, music and presentations, among others. According to the Director, KWO has so far trained 160 people, some of whom have pursued careers in the same field.

"Among the people that have so far been trained, some are journalists, lecturers, independent writers, musicians, and some are working on novels,” added the Director.

"My writing skills and confidence has greatly improved ever since I joined KWO in 2004. I have so far written four scripts and I am looking forward to writing a novel” noted Francis, a KWO beneficiary.

Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) has been the main sponsor of KWO, and they promised to continue supporting it even if they attain the status of a local NGO.

"Becoming an NGO is an impressive move and it shows a sense of self sustainability. We are really impressed by KWO,” said Mike Silvey, the Country Director of VSO.

KWO is also involved in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and harmony and tolerance in society through writing and plays.

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