KARONGI- Catholic Relief Services (CRS) celebrated with upcountry partners its 50th anniversary, at a colourful function held in Karongi District yesterday.

The celebrations attracted thousands of residents and top government officials including ministers and local leaders.

Beneficiaries of the NGO said that their social and economic lives have significantly improved

"These developmental programmes have helped us, especially in the sectors of agriculture. We look forward to better lives and the future looks even brighter,” Silvestre Muhawenimana, one of the beneficiaries said.

During the celebrations, CRS Country Director, Jennifer Nazaire, pledged further support towards the local communities, especially the vulnerable.

"We have continued to prioritize our support in agriculture and helping the vulnerable, especially those living with HIV/Aids,” she said.

The Governor of the Western Province, Celestin Kabahizi, thanked the NGO for its continued support.

"The residents have viable agricultural fields, there is construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges and this has resulted in increased production,” he said.

The guest of honour at the event, State Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Mathias Harebamungu, challenged Rwandans not to depend entirely on foreign aid.

"It’s important that when we get financial support, we devise means to ensure that we don’t depend on aid alone,” he said.

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