Kayonza -Over 100 members from various agro-based cooperatives in Kayonza District, were upgraded through training in order to strengthen management competencies.

The one week training ended on high note, yesterday, with district leaders promising to support the cooperatives.

The training was conducted by Rwanda Rural Rehabilitation Initiative (RWARRI) with the sponsorship of Plan Rwanda.

Authorities said that members were given basic entrepreneurship skills to maximise cooperative potentials for enterprise and employment creation.

Claude Bizimana, in charge of Cooperatives in Kayonza, said there were 375 cooperatives in the district, which play a big role in rural development.

He condemned cooperatives that were purely run by the chairperson and treasurer, adding that in such circumstances, members never enjoyed profits.

Bizimana added that many traditional cooperatives continue to hold governing structures that are not conducive to free participation, as they were governed by primarily male dominated structures.

"The training was meant, among others, to offer cooperative members equal opportunities and financial management skills,” he said.

"Members must be aware that a cooperative is a group-based form of enterprise, which is owned and controlled by the people who use its services,” he said.

Ends