From 22nd to 24th RCA in partnership with RDDP conducted a training to L-FFS groups granted legal personality to work as cooperative. The training focused on governance, financial management and entrepreneurship and was attended by 75 leaders of 15 cooperatives from Nyabihu, Burera, and Ngororero.

The participants testify that they have learned a lot and that this will change their performance within the cooperative.

“There was a lot we were doing without a real understanding, but the knowledge we got here will bring a lot of change. For example, with the cooperative books; There were things we didn't write down and even what we wrote was mixed up in one book. The general meeting book, the oversight committee book, the board of directors’ book, all of that was mixed up in one book.

This training helped us to understand that everything done in the cooperative must be recorded as we will be held accountable. We also learned the difference between the books and what should be recorded in order to manage everything in the interests of the cooperative and its members.” - Tuyisenge Boniface, President of KOAUIKA in Kabatwa, Nyabihu District

“I learned that every decision taken in the cooperative is first discussed and approved by the members through the general assembly.

Another thing is the books. I learned that everything done in the cooperative must be recorded. General assembly, supervision, financial management, board of directors and every cooperative activity must be recorded in order to work legally and avoid mistakes and problems that may occur during audits.”- Souvenir Jeanette, from UMUBANO NSIBO Cooperative in Nyange, Ngororero District.

Dr. Michel NGARAMBE, Farmer organization Specialist/RDDP attended the closing session. In his remarks he appreciated the partnership between and RCA and RDDP and reminded participant that this is a big push up from the Government to have their cooperatives grown up economically.

I have worked with cooperatives for a long time; I have seen many cooperatives grow and some disappear and I can assure you that all this is due to the performance of their leaders. We therefore ask you that what you get from this training do not be in vain. You have learned management, financial management and the law governing cooperatives and it all leads to development of your cooperatives. We are confident that your cooperatives will continue to grow and you believe you won't disappoint us."