NYARUGURU - Patriotism Day in all sectors of Nyaruguru District was marked by community work and public discussions on the importance of the day to Rwandans.

During the celebrations, 21 residents of Rusenge Sector were proud recipients of cows under the revolving improved variety cattle stocking programme of One Cow per Family.

Francoise Mukundekwe, one of the residents who passed on calves to other residents said that since she received a cow, her farm harvest increased because of the animal waste which she uses as manure.

"I am very happy today; I no longer have to buy beans or other vegetables since I can now grow them on my farm because I have manure.

The malnutrition problem is a thing of the past since I now get milk for my family,” she said excitedly.

Tharcisse Museruka was one of the new recipients; he said that he will concentrate more efforts on his farm since he will be assured of manure.

"Our soils are very poor, nothing good comes out of it without applying manure and other inputs. With this cow I am hoping for a turn around my economic prospects,” Museruka said.

The Executive Secretary of Rusenge Sector, Fabien Niyitegeka, said that since the cattle stocking programme kicked off, the number of malnutrition related cases in different health facilities in the area have reduced significantly.

On the same day, poor residents identified by their community members were given goats and farming equipment to help them out of poverty.

The Mayor Felix Sibomana, praised the initiative, saying it is one way a community can come together to solve common challenges such as poverty.

"We do not want to leave anyone behind, those who cannot afford to look after cows are given goats or other domestic animals so that they can uplift themselves out of poverty.

They are also expected to help others after crossing the abject poverty line,” he said.

He added that as a way of forging community spirit, the district set aside Thursday as a development day where residents engage in community work and hold discussions on issues like family planning.

"It has been well received by the local population. Through the initiative we have been able to mobilise communities to build schools and soon people will start learning basic English,” said the youthful Mayor.

Sibomana cautioned the beneficiaries against selling the animals since they will be expected to pass on their off-springs to other community members.

The programme in Rusenge Sector has so far benefited 371 families with many more expected to benefit in the near future.

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