Consolidate the gains of Agaseke project

 Editor, Allow me to respond to a story that appeared in The New Times, March, 14, under the title, “0ver 2,000 benefit from Agaseke.

Thursday, March 15, 2012
Agaseke has helped transform womenu2019s lives. The New Times / File.

 Editor,Allow me to respond to a story that appeared in The New Times, March, 14, under the title, "0ver 2,000 benefit from Agaseke. Indeed, lives of several women in Kigali and other districts have improved through selling Agaseke (Rwandan traditional baskets).Though the project was initiated to primarily train about 3,800 women from the three districts of Kigali in weaving so that they could produce products ready for the market, it has spread throughout the country. It’s critical that the gains registered so far are consolidated and replicated in other community-based projects and cooperatives.It is good news to hear that women who formerly ran illegal businesses in the City of Kigali have benefited from Agaseke project.More and more Rwandan should be encouraged to form and join cooperatives so they can easily access affordable loans. That could go a long way in helping the country achieve its economic goals.Eugene BahiziNyarugenge