Umuganda (Planting trees) Participation
(29th November 2014)
On 29th November, Mr. Sakamoto, Counsellor at the Embassy and his spouse participated in Umuganda, which took place at Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District, organized by JICA Alumni Association of Rwanda (JAAR). Every year, at the same place and at the same time, JAAR members organize the activity of planting trees for the protection of the environment. Last year, Ambassador Ogawa and his spouse participated.
Umuganda is a community service that takes place in morning of the last Saturday of each month. On the day of Umuganda, people in the community work together by carrying out activities such as cleaning streets, cutting grass, planting trees, constructing communal facilities including roads, schools and houses for the poor, and so on. Afterwards, residents get together and discuss the day’s work done the day and various issues in their community. Umuganda is beneficial not only for the economic effect but also the reinforcement of social cohesion in the community.
(Left: Counsellor Sakamoto and Mrs. Sakamoto planting trees, Right: Community residents)
(Left: Counsellor Sakamoto giving his speech in the meeting, Right: Community meeting)
Mr. Sakamoto, Counselor at the Embassy, Speech