SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA – Officials from the Global Fund have commended the association of former commercial sex workers (Tubusezerere) in Muhanga District, for putting donor funds to good use.

The four-person team which was in Muhanga on Thursday, to inspect different association projects which are funded by the Global Fund, noted that the association leaders are transparent in their financial management duties.

The team was accompanied by the Rwanda Global Fund Project officials, and local NGO, Ihorere Munyarwanda officials. It was composed of Sarah Churchill (Global Fund Geneva) Prof. Papa Salif Sow (University of Dakar) and Janis Timberlake (PEPFAR).

The team toured fish ponds, piggery and rabbits rearing projects belonging to the association.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Patrice Mwitende, the Rwanda Global Fund Projects official said, "The association of former sex workers has displayed capability to manage donor funds; this is pride to Rwanda as it enhances donor’s trust.”

Colette Murekatete, the association’s chairperson stated that the funds have been allocated to different poverty eradication projects.

"Each of the members has acquired health insurance, affords education for their children and has been able to  acquire life skills. The beneficiaries are also involved in the campaigns against HIV/Aids and Tuberculosis among other activities,”

Murekatete revealed. Association Tubusezerere is one of the pilot projects established by Ihorere-Munyarwanda- a local NGO, to curb  commercial sex in Rwanda as a form of illegal trade.

Immaculee Muziranenge, an official of Ihorere-Munyarwanda, says that this campaign has been successful because most of the women have managed to turn their lives around while contributing to the development of the society.

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