Students at the Musanze-based Higher Institute of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (ISAR), over the weekend, participated in activities aimed at transforming the living standards of rural communities through a scheme dubbed Rural Development Initiative (RDI).
As part of the initiative, students built a house for one of the beneficiaries, Esperance Mukamana, a resident of Gitega Sector in Gasabo District.
“For over 15 years, I have not had a permanent home,” Mukamana, 41, told The New Times in an interview.
The mother of four appreciated the student`s move, saying her life had been difficult. She added that owning a house opens a new chapter in her life.
The student`s coordinator, Aime Kayumba, said their mission was to involve youth in supporting fellow Rwandans, particularly the vulnerable.
“In contributing to our country`s development, students do not need to wait until they complete studies. Do what is within your means to bring change in your communities,” Kayumba urged.
He explained that in addition to the provision of shelter, students also consider empowering the vulnerable to start small businesses as well as creating awareness on family planning methods.
“We are also working together with youth cooperatives to build their capacity so as to promote entrepreneurship amongst the youth in rural areas,” he observed.
Addressing the students, an official in charge of Cooperation and Partnership at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, Ephraim Rurangirwa, encouraged others, especially students from other institutions, to complement the scheme by ISAR students.
By Grace Mugoya
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