People living with HIV/AIDS urged to form cooperatives

GISAGARA - A top official in Gisagara district has urged people living with HIV/ AIDS in Kansi Sector to form cooperatives in order to benefit from collective efforts. Vincent Sewabo, the official in-charge of cooperatives in the district made the call last week while closing a five-day seminar on the management of cooperatives and the design of income generating projects. The training targeted 15 representatives of associations of people living with HIV/AIDS in Kaboti, Bwiza and Sabusaro cells. The official explained that cooperatives are more beneficial than associations, as they are legally recognised and more credible in the eyes of financial institutions. “Associations are often meant for solving simple problems while cooperatives are more business oriented. Cooperatives are recognised legally and it is easy to secure a bank loan for those intending to engage in business,” Sewabo noted. The trainees resolved to use the skills they acquired from the training to improve their livelihoods. “We have learnt how to set targets, while managing well the little we get,” one trainee said. Beatrice Mukankusi, one of the organisers of the seminar, promised to follow up the activities of the cooperatives, adding that the best cooperatives with well prepared project proposals would receive financial support. Maurice Ndayisenga, the Executive Secretary of Kansi Sector, called upon trainees to continue with the campaign against HIV/AIDS spread, so as to reverse its impact within society. Ends