Members of Rice growers cooperative (CORIMU) in Mushimba village, Gacurabwenge sector of Kamonyi district commended forming cooperative over social economic development.
CORIMU cooperative members say that they can now purchase health insurance premiums (mutuelle de sante) easily in addition to providing for their families.
Mushimba village was the poorest village five years back before farmers formed cooperatives and achieved social economic development.
Members of Rice growers cooperative say life became easier and dreams were realized after forming cooperatives
Some of the cooperatives formed in Mushimba village include Rice growers cooperative (CORIMU), a women cooperative for piggery that also invests in growing vegetable, pineapple growers association and bee keepers association among many others.
“We were very poor and we decided to come together and work towards achieving our dreams,” says Philomene Mukeshimana, one of the residents.
For example, 550 members of Rice growers cooperative (CORIMU) managed to pay for their medical insurance premiums altogether, thanks to the internal policies in the cooperation, adds Mukeshimana.
Almost a half of Mushimba residents are involved in piggery and are thriving socially and economically
Faustin Munyankaka, a resident of Mushimba village says that most cooperatives and associations put their members’ health at the front by paying their medical insurance.
Paul Nyetera, Mushimba village leader adds that purchasing medical insurance premiums in time helps the government to help the vulnerable through direct support.
“33 out of 134 families in this village receive government support in accessing medical insurance and others work hard to pay for themselves 100 percent,” explains Nyetera.
The village leader commended volunteers from Korea, saying they helped residents change their perspective towards work, make projects and form cooperatives for fast development.
With these Korean volunteers, every Monday of the week a meeting with the villages’ administration council convenes to discuss the development of this village and every last Friday of the month, a general meeting for the residents is held to discuss the rising issues and obstacles to development.
Mushimba village has about 1366 residents in 134 families.
