EASTERN PROVINCE

KAYONZA — The Minister Gender and Family Promotion Valérie Nyirahabineza has donated twelve sowing machines to Rwandan returnees from Tanzania.

The returnees are settled in Kageyo camp in Kayonza district.
Speaking to The New Times, Minister Nyirahabineza said that the government intends to reintegrate returnees in normal  life and develop their skills.

"We want them to start developing technical skills that will supplement their agriculture efforts given the fact that they live near Akagera National Park where wild animals have always destroyed their crops,” Nyirahabineza said in an interview early this week.

She further said that her visit to the camp aimed at sensitising them (returnees) on skills development and create projects that can help them rather than relying on assistance from the government.

She also donated pocket radios to returnees which she said would facilitate them follow up several government activities.  

Nyirahabineza also urged area residents to acknowledge and participate in government policy implementation.
The Camp Manager Vedaste Mudakikwa said that since returnees were settled, they have been hit by heavy droughts.

He also said that other problems affecting returnees include lack of clean water for domestic use.
40 women have already started a basket weaving cooperative in the camp.

The minister was accompanied by representatives from the National Women council.
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