NORTHERN PROVINCE

RULINDO — There was a festive mood, food and drinks in plenty, as residents of Kinihira in Rulindo district celebrated this year’s international Women’s Day last Saturday.

Business was paralysed and cheering and dancing highlighted the day, seen as a day for celebrating the development activities extended to the area, by Sorwathe, Rwanda’s only American owned private tea company, which has impacted on the lives of women in the district.

Speaking at the occasion, Vincent Karega, the state minister for commerce, industry, investment promotion, tourism and cooperatives commended the tea company for their role in setting up income generating projects for their work force, saying it is sign of their commitment towards governments’ Vision 2020.

He urged residents to embrace and support the company’s efforts to transform not only them, but also the country.

Governor Boniface Rucyagu, said the company’s efforts towards the development of the district and the entire Northern Province, should not be seen as for Kinihira residents alone, but for Rwanda.

Also speaking was the district mayor, Justus Kangwagye. He commended Sorwathe for their efforts towards reducing unemployment, by 80 percent in the district.

"Residents have joined and trained in different income generating projects alongside privately growing tea for sale at a profit," he explained.

Kangwagye noted that this has improved the standards of living among residents as many are now employed.

Joseph Wertheim, vice president and founder of Sorwathe, said that the company’s growth entirely depended on the people’s support. "It was therefore necessary to give back to them through income generating projects that can significantly change their lives," he explained.

Wertheim, also the president of Tea Importers, Inc. of America, pledged continuous company support to enable Rwandans attain medium income levels which is part of the government’s Vision 2020.

Others who graced the ceremony were; American Ambassador to Rwanda Michael Arietti, Germany Ambassador, Hans-Dieter Steinbach, European Union delegates among others.

Sorwathe was awarded first prize; Export village- during last year’s International Trade Fair in Kigali, and International Standards Organisation (ISO) 9001-2000 certificate, which has enabled their products attract recognition on the international market.

It also obtained Fair-Trade certification from Fair-Trade labeling Organisation (FLO) which has enabled their worker force benefit from international partnership; which has enabled them invest in income generating projects like a kindergarten school, commercial building among others.

At the community level, the company has trained residents in making energy saving cook stoves, local thermos and baskets geared towards generating income for residents, mostly women. The basket project was partly funded by Kigali Rotary Club.

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