Unleashing Hidden Gems: How ‘Inamujandi’ is Inspiring a New Generation of Young Talent
Empowering Youth in Cibitoke Province: The Inamujandi Cooperative
Eric Manirambona, President of the Inamujandi Cooperative: “We took Inamujandi as a model, a warrior from the 1930s, to promote our strengths and create jobs.”
The Inamujandi Cooperative was founded in 2009 by a group of 10 young people in Cibitoke province, Burundi. The cooperative’s president, Eric Manirambona, explains that the idea was born out of a desire to promote their talents and create employment opportunities.
The cooperative started with folk dances at weddings, public festivals, and mass. Over time, they expanded their activities to include plays and other performances. Today, the cooperative has grown to include 850 members, 384 of whom are women.
Agricultural Initiatives
The cooperative has also ventured into agriculture, with members practicing vegetable farming and fruit tree plant multiplication. This initiative aims to promote sustainable agriculture and provide income-generating opportunities for members.
Radio Inamujandi FM
To promote tourism in Cibitoke province, the cooperative established a community radio station called Radio Inamujandi FM. The radio broadcasts programs related to the country’s history and promotes local tourism sites, such as Ruhwa thermal waters, Nakibuburu hill, and the natural waters of Rusiga hill.
The radio station also creates jobs, employing 11 people permanently, including 7 women and 5 men. The cooperative trains young people in entrepreneurship and provides support for small-scale businesses, such as donut and pancake making.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite the cooperative’s successes, they face challenges such as limited resources and regulatory hurdles. The Telecommunications Regulatory and Control Agency (ARCT) has demanded that the radio change its frequency, requiring a payment of $3000. The cooperative is working to overcome these challenges and continue promoting the development of Cibitoke province.