Elderly express gratitude to Green Gicumbi project for teaching them literacy and saving skills
Various residents of Gicumbi District, especially the elderly, have commended the Green Gicumbi Project for its significant role in environmental conservation and in promoting sustainable agriculture that is both productive and eco-friendly. The project continues to bring numerous benefits to their lives.
These residents noted that through the collaboration between the Green Gicumbi Project, the Rwanda Green Fund, BK Foundation, and Friends Efforts to Support Youth (FESY), a total of 632 individuals received year-long training that transformed their mindset, particularly regarding financial literacy, savings culture, and money management. In addition, they were taught how to read and write, enabling them to escape the darkness of illiteracy.
The beneficiaries praised the project for enlightening them, saying that prior to receiving the training, they felt like they were living in a different, isolated world. Now, they feel empowered and better informed.
Dorothee Mutuyimana, a member of the group “Abataneshwa-Mukarange,” said: “Before the training, we used to farm in a disorganized manner mixing everything without proper knowledge resulting in very low yields. But once Green Gicumbi intervened, they taught us proper farming techniques, helped build terraces, provided us with seeds, and planted agroforestry trees that prevent erosion and improve yields.”
She added: “Beyond that, we’ve spent the past year receiving training on saving and using our money wisely. We all realized we used to waste money, but now we’ve started saving and investing it in income-generating activities.”
Gedeon Bajyemura added: “These trainings were very helpful. As men, we used to waste money, often spending it all at bars. But now that we’ve been trained, we gained valuable knowledge. Just as we formed savings groups, we’ll continue saving within those groups. We’ve now learned the importance of making smart purchases.”
Meanwhile, John Havugimana and Alphonsine Mukanmana proudly shared that they can now read and write their names and other documents, affirming that the Green Gicumbi Project introduced them to a new world of knowledge.
Northern Province Governor Maurice Mugabowagahunde praised the remarkable achievements the Green Gicumbi Project has made in improving the lives of local residents and its contribution to government development goals.
He said: “We especially thank the Director General of the Rwanda Green Fund for their contribution to this project. I appreciate the collaborative approach between the project, local communities, and government authorities.”
He further explained: “According to the figures shared and the visible results especially in poverty reduction—after the City of Kigali, Gicumbi District is next, currently at a 13.3% poverty rate. I have no doubt that this number will continue to decline thanks to the partnership with Green Gicumbi.”
He also noted: “With the achievements we’ve seen here and our National Strategy for Transformation 1 (NST1) goal of reducing stunting to under 19%, Gicumbi is leading the Northern Province with a 19.2% rate. Through our partnership with Green Gicumbi, we’ve instilled a savings culture via financial institutions and the Ejo Heza pension scheme. In fact, in the sectors where the project operates, subscription to Mituelle de Santé for the 2025–2026 fiscal year has reached 100%.”
The Governor emphasized that such training is essential to empowering people and lifting them out of poverty. He encouraged those who completed the training to apply the skills they’ve learned to keep advancing.
The program was funded by the Rwanda Green Fund (FONERWA) in collaboration with BK Foundation, and implemented by FESY in partnership with the Green Gicumbi Project.
Achievements to date include: 632 individuals trained in financial planning, money management, entrepreneurship, and saving—58% of them women, and 175 youth.
17 savings groups established and operating effectively. 189 individuals started income-generating projects after training.467 new bank accounts opened. Savings increased from as little as RWF 500 per month to over RWF 6,000 per month.
These beneficiaries followed in the footsteps of 25,000 other residents previously trained by Green Gicumbi on climate change resilience, who have become key agents of change within their communities and households.
Since 2019, the Green Gicumbi Project has been transforming lives in the district through sustainable agriculture, reforestation, resettlement to disaster-free areas, and improved livelihoods for all.
Green Gicumbi is one of FONERWA’s flagship initiatives in climate change adaptation and mitigation, supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The project aims to build the resilience of rural populations especially in Gicumbi District against the impacts of climate change.
