As a way of strengthening the cooperative system a key tool for poverty eradication , the World Vision Rwanda (WVR), yesterday donated Rwf 186 million to 14 new cooperatives in Nyamata, Eastern Province.

While addressing residents at a ceremony, the WVR Country Director, Edward Kaliisa, urged beneficiaries to use the acquired resources to lift themselves out of poverty so that the vision of a poverty free Rwanda can be realized.

"We certainly hope that the next time we visit your cooperatives, there will be a different story to tell. At that time you should be already out of poverty and assisting other Rwandans to eradicate it through your multiplied resources.

"Through the cooperative strategy, it is easier to kick out poverty so you must do whatever it takes to exploit these funds to achieve this major goal,” Kaliisa emphasized.

Bugesera District Mayor, Louis Rwangaju also advised residents to develop a strong zeal for hard work and for longer hours adding that this is the only way development can be achieved.

"With regard to cooperatives, it is imperative to trust each other, work hard with strong determination. Pooling resources and utilizing the different abilities that we each possess is what will drive our nation to desired development goals,” he said.

At the same occasion, WVR officials also distributed 176 bicycles worth Rwf9 million to community based health workers in a bid to facilitate their work as they move door-to-door evaluating the health situation in their communities.

Cooperatives that benefited from this fund include Kotingoza, Abashyizehamwe, and Abanyamurava among others.

Some groups are associations of schools that promote governance, ecosystems and livelihoods in the province through the use of bio-gas rather than encroach on the environment.

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