Kuremera should be premised on a sustainable approach

The Minister of Public Service and Labour announced on Thursday that government is set to make Kuremera programme more community-owned as part of its plan to create 200,000 off-farm jobs every year.

Friday, April 26, 2013

The Minister of Public Service and Labour announced on Thursday that government is set to make Kuremera programme more community-owned as part of its plan to create 200,000 off-farm jobs every year.Anastase Murekezi said that it will be implemented at all levels of administration in the country in order to help young people without capital start their own businesses.Since last year, the government has emulated the age old tradition to help unemployed Rwandans get off the street, especially those who are most vulnerable.While it is fine for ordinary people to donate freely and while this has clearly been the culture over the years, the current way that government wants to implement Kuremera should come with an innovation and an understanding that those receiving help have to initiate income generating activities and in return help others or give back to those who helped at no interest.If Kuremera is initiated with an understanding that those who benefit from the help will have to pay back when they make profits, it would encourage those who donate to keep doing so because they are paid back but without interest.If Kuremera is implemented in that manner, it will encourage ordinary people who are better off help more disadvantaged people because they will be expecting to be paid back. Kuremera will therefore be sustainable if it mutually benefits both the giver and receiver.