GICUMBI - A local NGO AIMR-Ihorere Munyarwanda, yesterday, donated 15 Friesian cows to the needy and People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWAs) in Gicumbi District.

The program’s national coordinator, Aimable Mwananawe, handed over the donation aimed at alleviating poverty among the beneficiaries, especially HIV vulnerable communities.

The program is supported by the Global Fund through the Ministry of Health.

The beneficiaries were selected from 12 cooperatives that mostly comprise of PLWAs from four sectors in the district namely: Rushaki, Nyankenke, Kaniga and Rutare. 

According to Mwananawe, the donation is also part of strengthening the government cattle stocking program popularly known as ‘Girinka’.

"This project is also aimed at supporting the cattle-stoking program, Girinka, but the difference is that this is done through cooperatives where every member will later possess a cow as they multiply,” said Mwananawe.

He added with the help of the local authorities, his NGO identifies communities in dire need.

"Over 240 members will benefit from the program,” he said, adding that the three-year project would be carried out throughout the country.

"We want these people to have a better life as we give them hope of living, "he added.

One of the beneficiaries said that the cows would contribute to manure for her farm.

"I have a small farm where I grow some vegetables. This cow will enable it to yield more,” said Dorothe Uwimana, a mother of three, said.

Mwananawe said his NGO would soon donate 15 more cows.

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