63 people yesterday completed a week-long training programme in project proposal writing, fundraising and local resource mobilization. The training was conducted by the Institute of Fundraising and Resource Development Network (IFRDN), a regional consultancy firm.

Participants were drawn from the civil service, business community and NGOs. The Regional Director of IFRDN, Musa Ondara, said that the training focused on sharpening the skills of the participants, so that they can easily identify and utilize local resources, rather than being too dependent on donor funds and loans.

He added that the training was even more relevant since Rwanda is now a member of the East African Community (EAC), which will foster competitiveness.

"IFRDN trains East African residents within government agencies, financial, civil society institutions and NGOs, as a way of creating awareness in the region for the need to develop human skills to achieve streamlined development” Ondara said.

One of the participants, Providence Uwamariya, was grateful for the training, saying it had empowered her with quality skills.

"I have also benefited from the business experiences of other participants,” she said.

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