EASTERN PROVINCE

Residents of Gatsibo District have started receiving heifers donated by Plan Rwanda. The distribution exercise being carried out in phases recently kicked off with donation of close to 500 cows.

Eugene Nkurunziza, the Resource Mobilization Manager while addressing reporters recently, in Kalangazi Sector, Nyagatare district, said the animals were meant to eradicate poverty among the local communities.

"As Plan Rwanda we are committed to selecting best quality heifers that would help increase household incomes for the families,” Nkurunziza said. He added that the organization has been selecting quality breeds in the Eastern Province to help families get quality breeds for milk production. He said a total of 476 heifers would be offered in phases to vulnerable groups in Gatsibo this month.

Speaking at the same function, the representative of Rwanda Animal Resources Development Authority (RADA) Dr. Justin Zimurinda hailed Plan Rwanda’s action, describing it as a good gesture.

"Our country Rwanda needs such initiatives that fall under Vision 2020. Surely, this is good for our nation since it is aimed at improving the welfare of the Rwandans,” he said.

Dr. Zimurinda added that Plan Rwanda has also supported the government’s poverty eradication programme of One Cow-One Family. He pledged to continue helping Plan in identifying best quality heifers for the community.

Founded 70 years ago, Plan International is one of the largest children- centered community development organizations working in 68 countries across the world. It tackles issues of poverty among the community.

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