USAID launches project to empower the poor

Rwanda Integrated Improved Livelihoods Programme (IILP), locally referred to as USAID Ejo Heza (A brighter future), was launched yesterday with the aim of initiating capacity building initiatives as well as provision of financial support to the poor.The five-year project is set to cost US$12.5 million and will operate in the eight districts of Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamagabe, Nyaruguru, Nyanza Huye, Gisagara and Ngororero.In an interview with The New Times, USAID Country Director, Dennis Wellas, stated that the project is the initiative of US President Barrack Obama to elevate the livelihood of people around the world. “It was designed to help the vulnerable in the world and in Rwanda. What we need is to improve the wellbeing of Rwandans,” he said.The project that is expected to benefit over 75,000 poor Rwandans, will mostly target women by building their capacity through accessing financial services necessary to grow their enterprises as well as assist financial service providers to develop and deliver effective products to rural areas. Charles Magezi Ndayisenga, the monitoring and evaluation officer of the project, disclosed that many people had failed to improve their livelihood due to lack of financial support, stressing optimism that the project would transform society.“The project is targeting poor people who are able and willing to economically transform. We shall be providing trainings as well as connecting them to the financial service providers to help them in their enterprises,” he noted.He added that the project will also integrate health and nutrition messages as well as promote kitchen gardens and improved food handling to support nutritious diets.The project is a US government’s global hunger free and food security initiative that supports countries to address root causes of hunger and poverty and forge long term solutions to chronic food insecurity and malnutrition.

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USAID launches project to empower the poor