Ninety local leaders of Gatsata Sector, Gasabo District were recently trained in conflict management, unity and reconciliation, development, Gacaca jurisdictions and good governance.

During the four-day training, the local leaders proposed the setting up of income generating projects which included development fund.

The training aimed at equipping participants with the necessary capacity to work with the population in implementing the government’s development programmes.

The training was organised by Gatsata Sector, Abahuje ba Gatsata association, village leaders, Genocide survivors, national women and youth councils, religious bodies, Genocide suspects who confessed their crimes, among others.

Participants appreciated the training saying it was timely and necessary. They said it would help them better implement development programmes and promote people’s welfare in general.

Jean Savier Kalisa, the sector’s Executive Secretary, said the trainees were selected based on the fact that they are close to residents and would help them reach government’s development programmes.

He also said the sector is introducing a fund which will benefit all the residents and will be approved by the sector advisors.

Kalisa said they will decide on how much each family will contribute, adding that the fund is supported by their district.

The fund is in line with the economic development of the country and it will help provide more jobs, he explained.

Kedi Mukakanyambo, the in-charge of social welfare in Rwakarihejuru Cell and one of the participants, said that poverty and ignorance are among things that hinder development.

She said that most of the residents have no defined jobs while others have temporary jobs.

She said most of the people have jobs that cannot support their families, with many of them earning as little as Frw300.

Yohani Damascen, who was representing Genocide survivors in Gatsata Sector, said that in the course of the training, Genocide suspects who confessed their crimes were lauded for their repentance.

However, he said Genocide survivors in the area still have a problem of accommodation although the sector assists them through in providing them with some items.

Damascen, who is also disabled, further called for special support to disabled persons and children who head families, who he said face more serious challenges.

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