Those who havebenefited from savings and credit co-operatives are in better position to create awareness to adopt a savings culture, the new head of Ijambo Sacco in Kicukiro District, Thassien Munyemana, has advised.

After his election during the sacco`s second general assembly, Munyemana told members that they have the responsibility to bring others on board if the sacco is to serve its purpose.

"A large number of members in the Sacco will definitely increase its capacity in terms of their financial contribution that will empower it to extend financial services to a reasonable number of clients,” Munyemana said.

He noted that the most effective way of attracting more members is to create awareness on the role of cooperatives and saccos in the fight against poverty.

According to the manager, Dieudonne Mwenedata, the sacco targets 7,000 members up from the current 500.

Some of the members interviewed shortly after the general assembly observed that there is a misconception about saving.

"Saving is about sacrifice or foregoing certain things to keep that coin aside for future use, but sometimes, others mistake it to be a preserve of the rich or even assume that they are meant to keep what they have in excess,” said Florence Asiimwe, a member of the sacco.

During the meeting, among other recommendations floated, members approved a proposal to make a Rwf 1,000 non-refundable monthly contribution to financially empower the sacco.

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