Author: IGIHE

Speaking to the congregation, former genocide perpetrators said that they were relieved from shame of crimes they committed against humanity.

Gratien Nyaminani said that seeking for forgiveness helped him fully re-integrate into the society. “I asked for forgiveness from God and Rwandan community. I’m well integrated in the society. We now unconditionally share with other members of the community,” he said.

Bertha Yamfashije, a genocide survivor whose husband was killed by Nyaminani affirmed that she was relieved from sorrow.

“As the government forgave genocide perpetrators, we were also convinced to move forward and forgive them individually. Before approaching me for forgiveness, none could greet another,” she said adding that today they live in harmony.

The Executive Secretary for the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission (NURC), Fidèle Ndayisaba said that forgiveness is a good approach to building sustainable peace.

This year we are looking for start-ups focusing on Enhancing Marriott Hotels’ guest experience.

Seed and early stage start-ups within the above category are welcome. We expect the entries to be ready to pilot within a live hotel environment.

{{“0 cash; 0 equity; 100% opportunity”}}

TestBED is a unique accelerator; we do not offer start-ups cash, nor do we ask for equity. We provide start-ups with an invaluable opportunity to test their products for 10 weeks within an operating Marriott Hotel across Middle East and Africa. During this period, start-ups will be able to receive feedback from Marriott guests and associates to help develop their product.

In addition, TestBED offers participating start-ups:
– A marketing training programme, tailored to their needs, provided by industry
leaders
– Mentoring from a range of experts from Marriott Hotels
– Global exposure through Marriott Hotels’ marketing and media

The TestBED accelerator programme lasts 10 weeks. During this time, start-ups will not be required to relocate their operations. However, participants may be required to travel, as most of this period will be spent within a Marriott Hotel in the Middle East or Africa to pilot their products.

Participants will also be expected to attend TestBED’s 1-day pitch and 3-day boot-camp in the UAE.

Start-ups are encouraged to make the most of the pilot period within their designated hotel.

In total are ten houses constructed in four-in-one housing units worth Rwf1,042,557,619

Francoise Niyonsaba, a beneficiary in the village said that she was pleased with the support.

“I’m very happy to be among beneficiaries of these houses; I had nowhere to live so just had to always rent in Nyamirambo. I’m relieved of rent,” she said.

The Minister of State for Community Development and Social Affairs, Dr. Alvera Mukabaramba urged beneficiaries on taking good care of the houses.

“This project is among government programmes aimed at providing good shelter to its population by, especially bringing the poorest in the loop. We urge you to own and maintain them,” she said.

She added that the programme helps Rwandans live in safe place, but also helps the country to save land for more development activities.

“We encourage more people to come and construct in this village as they relocate from high risk zones,” she added.

Nyarugenge District mayor, Kayisime Nzaramba said that the houses were given to genocide survivors and poor people who had been living in high risk zones.

The Smurfs by Marta Mascellani will be turned into a special livery plane to be unveiled next March. Precedent four Belgian Icons are Rakcham (Tintin), Magritte, Trident (Red Devils) and Amare (tomorrowland).

“WE HAVE A WINNER! Thank you for all your votes and ideas. Here is our winner: “The Smurfs” by Marta Mascellani. Congratulations! We look forward to showing you our 5th Belgian Icon which will be revealed in spring next year,” reads the statement by Brussels Airlines.

Marta M., an Italian student, commented on the victory saying, “The main subject is “Les schtroumpfs” because in 2018 there will be the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the cartoon. I drew them as members of Brussels Airlines crew as well as passengers. I inserted also two other objects which clearly represent Belgium: the first one is the Atomium (on the top of the trolley) and the other one is the Sax, played by the last passenger on the right. For the background I used the colours of Belgian flag.”

Belgian giant carrier had, in August, launched a competition in which the carrier’s customers submitted 1415 entries about the Belgian idea or person they wish to see soaring through the skies on an Airbus A320.

Two finalists, The Smurfs by Marta Mascellani and Art Nouveau/Horta by Ahmet Sefer were picked a fortnight ago and everyone was allowed to cast their vote until last Sunday.

The Smurfs was first created and introduced as a series of comic characters by the Belgian comics artist Peyo (pen name of Pierre Culliford) in 1958, where they were known as Les Schtroumpfs. There are more than 100 Smurf characters.

No idea is too crazy in the land of surrealism: designs of dancing chicory and the hair of Belgian Red Devil Fellaini were just some of the more eccentric ideas. The most popular ideas were however related to Belgian comics (the Smurfs, Marsupilami, Lucky Luke, Le Chat,..), music (Toots Thielemans, the Saxophone, Jacques Brel,…) and food (chocolate, fries, waffles,…). Ideas were submitted not only by Belgians, but also by fans from France, Germany, Uganda, Lebanon and Colombia.

The jury, consisting of Tomorrowland General Manager Dave Sips, Olympic champion Olivia Borlée, CEO of Pairi Daiza Eric Domb, CEO and artistic director of BOZAR Paul Dujardin, producer and musician Netsky and Belgian Star Chef Yves Mattagne had anything but an easy task to select two finalists out of all the entries, but on Monday night they reached a decision, together with Brussels Airlines representatives, including CEO Bernard Gustin.

The jury considered, among other criteria, the international character, the uniqueness of the designs and if the icon is a good ambassador for Belgium.

Next to eternal fame, the winner gets to follow the entire design process and the creation of the Belgian Icon behind the scenes. Furthermore, the winner will be on the front row during the big reveal event and will fly on its maiden voyage.

Tintin, Magritte, the Belgian Red Devils and Tomorrowland each fly proudly on an Airbus A320 as Belgian Icons. Also on board, Brussels Airlines does whatever it takes to immerse her passengers in the Belgian culture: from chocolates, beers and menus made by Belgian Star Chefs to cabin crew uniforms designed by Belgian designers.