RUTANA, June 2 (ABP) – Young people who have completed their studies should always remember the advice given by their leaders, especially the importance of teaming up to develop together. This also makes it easier to access aid. This call was made by Étienne Nifasha, representative of the cooperative “Victoire de Rutana” (COVR), located in the city of Rutana, during an interview with a check by ABP on May 28, 2025.
Mr. Nifasha explained that this commitment is inspired by the vision of the President of the Republic, who continuously encourages young people to get united and work together. Following this call, 20 unemployed young graduates decided to form (best collocation) a cooperative. Each member was required to contribute an initial capital of 50,000 BIF. He added that after officially presenting their cooperative and projects, they received assistance consisting of three machines: one for grinding cereals, another for shelling maize, and a third for producing cassava flour.
Today, according to Nifasha, the “Victoire de Rutana” cooperative welcomes citizens who come to have maize, soy, sorghum, and other products processed into flour. In less than six months, he reported, the “Victoire de Rutana” cooperative has already made a profit of more than 4,000,000 BIF.
Mr. Nifasha is confident that the “Victoire de Rutana” cooperative will continue to grow, as it plans to expand its activities: a manager will soon be hired to oversee the cooperative’s finances, and another to sell their flour.
He also specified that this cooperative wishes to extend its network to all communes of Rutana province, with local branches that will sell cassava flour while informing the population about distribution points. Monitoring agents will receive a monthly salary.
Mr. Nifasha took the opportunity to urge young graduates not to wait for public employment but to consider the advice of their leaders and found associations to self-develop. He reminded them that development does not happen by walking alone, and that unity also facilitates access to aid. Even with limited means, progress can be made by joining forces with others. He cited the example of their cooperative, founded with only 50,000 BIF per person, which today generates more than 4,000,000 BIF in profits.