Effect of Umwalimu SACCO Services on Socio-Economic Development of Teachers in Rwanda

Abstract

The services provided Umwalimu SACCO in Rwanda play a significant role in improvement of living standard of teachers. Hence, the study sought to determine the relationship between Umwalimu SACCO and Socio-economic development of teachers in Rusizi district in Rwanda. Correlation research design was employed. The population of study consisted of 2503 teachers and staff of the UMWALIMU SACCO Rusizi district branch. The sample size was (98) determined by using the Yamane’s formula. Questionnaires, interview guides and documentary reviews were utilized as primary and secondary data collection instruments. The study findings revealed that the majority of respondents (97.95%) stated that their income increased after getting loan from UMWALIMU SACCO Rusizi district. 47.95% strongly agreed that small projects have improved their children's schooling and 46.93% strongly agreed that small businesses have improved children's access to education, have been able to pay for health insurance and have improved their access to food security because of income received from their businesses. It was found there is a is high correlation between UMWALIMU SACCO services (Credit Provision, Savings, business loans, -housing loans, -Small project loans, Savings platform-SACCO services) and socio-economic development of teachers (Increase of income, education facilities, food security, building houses, increased household savings). The Pearson correlation(r) coefficient was 0.787 with a P-value of 0.000. The study recommended the management of Umwalimu SACCO should create awareness campaigns, increase loans to their customers and train them on how to start small projects. The government and development partners should create a strong supportive policy framework, increasing public awareness and understanding of micro insurance at both regulator and other stakeholder’s levels, and building strong strategic partnerships and alliances. Moreover, the members of Umwalimu SACCO and teachers should also work hand in hand with the managerial staff to improve the services offered in their institution. Keywords: Umwalimu SACCO, Socio-economic development, teachers and cooperative, Rwanda