One cow per teacher program to kick-off

NGOMA – Preliminary selection of teachers set to benefit from the one cow per teacher programme commenced over the weekend in Murama sector, Ngoma district.  District officials say the programme targets exclusively primary school teachers.

Monday, November 23, 2009
The kind of cross-breeds to be given to primary teachers. (Photo: S. Rwembeho)

NGOMA – Preliminary selection of teachers set to benefit from the one cow per teacher programme commenced over the weekend in Murama sector, Ngoma district. 
District officials say the programme targets exclusively primary school teachers.

Venuste Bisangabagabo, the Executive Secretary of Murama sector, said there is a long term objective of economically empowering primary school teachers through various activities including giving them cows.

"They are now receiving some training before getting the cows. They will get them in phases, starting with the needy,” he said.

Leticia Sinabajije, a teacher at Rurenge Primary School, who was the first to be selected among many other primary teachers, expressed joy, saying she would handle her cow with maximum care.

"This is incredible, I have been teaching pupils and other farmers how to look after exotic cows, but never dreamt of owning one. Such cows are very productive. We as teachers know farming, but cannot afford to buy the cows,” she said.

Sinabajije noted that giving primary teachers cows is timely, since they also need economic empowerment.

The requirements needed to be fulfilled before getting a cow include among others having at least an acre of cattle feed, according to authorities.

Ends