The Terimbere Rubyiruko Group is a youth Savings and Internal Lending Community (SILC) operating in Ngoma District, Rukumberi Sector, Rubona Cell. The group officially started its activities on 27/01/2025 and is composed of 27 members, including 13 men and 14 women, united by a shared vision of improving their livelihoods through savings, internal lending, and income-generating activities.
At the beginning, members came together mainly to save small amounts of money and lend among themselves so that each member could make progress in their daily lives. As they continued to gain knowledge and experience through the SILC methodology, they realized that saving alone was not enough. This led them to initiate a group income-generating activity.
Driven by a strong vision of self-reliance and economic growth, the group decided to invest in vegetable farming, including cabbages and onions, as well as potato cultivation, which are crops with a ready market and the potential to generate income within a short period. These farming activities enabled them to make productive use of available land and increase agricultural output.
During the first farming season, after only four months, the group managed to generate an income of Rwf 2,470,000. This achievement greatly motivated them to work even harder, as they realized that their farming project had strong potential to help them achieve their long-term goals.
Following this promising performance, the group decided to expand the cultivated land area, moving from a small plot to a much larger farming space to further increase productivity. After expanding the farming area, the group is optimistic that in the next harvest season, they will generate at least Rwf 3,500,000.
The group’s activities have also contributed significantly to job creation within the community. Currently, the project provides two permanent jobs:
- One employee is responsible for irrigation, using a water pumping motor, since the farming activities are carried out in a marshland area. This worker earns RWF 50,000 per month.
- Another employee is permanently assigned to monitor the farm on a daily basis, while also assisting with pesticide application whenever necessary. This worker earns RWF 40,000 per month.
These activities demonstrate that the group’s efforts are not only improving the lives of its members but are also contributing to the wider community through employment opportunities.
The members of Terimbere Rubyiruko Group have a clear and ambitious vision that by 2028, they will no longer be farming on rented land but will have purchased their own land worth at least Rwf 18,000,000, ensuring a permanent and sustainable base for their activities.
This success story clearly illustrates how saving, teamwork, and a shared vision can transform the lives of young people, moving them from simply dreaming about a better future to actively building it. All members strongly believe that this initiative will help them become small-scale investors within their communities, ultimately improving their quality of life and that of their households.