EASTERN PROVINCE GATSIBO district has resolved to review the work of NGOs operating in the district. This was one of the resolutions adopted during a meeting of the Joint Forum on Wednesday at the district council hall. The meeting was attended by representatives of local authorities and various local and international NGOs in the district. The review, being spearheaded by Care International-Rwanda, is aimed at fostering development in the area by defining each NGO’s role to avoid duplication. Mediatrice Izabiriza, of CARE noted that NGOs cannot effectively deliver their services in rural areas without clearly defining their roles. “Strive to improve our Joint Action Forum tasks in order to boost the rural development,” Izabiriza urged members. “You should know that the NGOs are here to help, and when they leave it is the area beneficiaries to takeover the responsibilities and sustain them for future gains,” she added. She explained that CARE has got the task of reinforcing local capacity to prevent HIV/Aids and domestic violence by addressing the root causes. The move to review the role of NGOs comes at time the district is devising mechanisms to enhance its underrated performance. Bossa Rwekarika, the vice Mayor in charge of economic affairs, told the meeting that partnership with NGOs was vital for the district’s development. “The aim is to ensure that what we have included in our next year’s district performance plan should be inline with your daily activities,” he said, adding “We need the new development concepts from you to be well focused and reliable to achieve our goals.” Meanwhile, participants elected a steering committee, responsible for overseeing the implementation of the resolution adopted. The committee will be headed by Care International, and deputised by Plan International-Rwanda. Ends
