Musanze – The Bishop of Shyira Diocese, Laurent Mbanda, has been appointed board member for Compassion International and Food for the Hungry-FH, both international organizations in community development. Bishop Mbanda, who worked for Compassion International for 17 years, last week, accepted the invitation to serve on its board in a function held in Manado, Indonesia. He becomes the first person in 60 years to rise through the ranks to become board member, and the first African board member of the faith-based organization."It’s a great honor to be part of the leaders who are contributing to the advancement of visions of such big organizations; I will be able to bring the realities of Africa on the agenda,” Mbanda said.According to a statement from Food for the Hungry, as member, Bishop Mbanda will join a diverse group of global leaders who serve as strategic advisors."You join FH at a strategic point in our 40 year history as we advance a global strategy that builds on our historical strengths and positions us for impact, influence and scale in a rapidly changing world,” the statement reads. Mbanda replaced John Rucyahana as the Bishop of Shyira Diocese.