KICUKIRO - Thirty six residents of Kicukiro district yesterday went back home each a cow richer courtesy of "Girinka”. Girinka is a self-help initiative where residents assisted by district authorities contribute a cow to the needy to improve their welfare.

Paul Jules Ndamage, the District Mayor, extended thanks to President Paul Kagame for establishing this progressive initiative, commending the residents who have responded positively to the cause.

"This initiative wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the residents’ commitment and sacrifice. This should be the start of a helping culture to our unfortunate neighbours for a holistic development as started by the president,” the Mayor said.

Senate president, Vincent Biruta, who also donated a cow at the ceremony, called upon beneficiaries of the cows to take good care of them so that the initiative can go on to benefit others.

Biruta also commended the residents of Kicukiro for their compassionate and generous hearts.

"This is a sign that we can actually solve our own problems, and this will only be possible if people participate in initiatives of this nature,” he noted.

Kankundire Gaudance, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to all those who played a role in the initiative.
"They promised to give us these cows sometime back.

I can’t believe that I have just received mine. I am so happy and I thank everyone who has had a hand in this initiative,” she excitedly told The Sunday Times.

She said that her cow is going to help raise her income and support her family nutritionally. She also promised to take good care of the cow and make sure that she also helps others by donating one of its future offsprings.

This initiative was started by President Kagame as a strategy to mobilize people to contribute to solving their own problems.

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