Rwanda Red Cross (RRC) recently embarked on a new strategy of empowering the population with skills to minimize the risks and effects of natural disasters, a development a top official has highly commended.

The Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugee Affairs, General Marcel Gatsinzi, Friday, said the approach enables residents to take full responsibility in protecting and supporting others in case of natural disasters.

"Your timely commitment in supporting earthquake victims, especially in the Western Province, and those affected by landslides, is recognized,” Gatsinzi said.

The Minister was addressing RRC staff, volunteers and other development partners in an event to mark the World Red Cross Day.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, annually celebrates May 8 by highlighting the work its employees and volunteers’ in saving  lives all over the world.

Gatsinzi appreciated RRC`s activities in improving communities countrywide, giving an example of the organisation’s efforts in resettling Rwandans repatriated from Tanzania in 2007.

RRC Secretary General, Apollinaire Karamaga, highlighted on some of the achievements and activities carried out promising that more would be done.

"We have trained over 200,000 youth in disaster management skills, 3,000 of the most vulnerable families received livestock, and 5,900 children are supported through education, health services and shelter, among others,” Karamaga said.

Other activities mentioned include building permanent houses for those affected by natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides, and the NGO`s contribution towards eradication of thatched houses commonly known as Nyakatsi.

RRC marked the day under a local theme ‘Strengthening community resilience and disaster risk reduction’. 

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