Minister Uwamariya revealed this yesterday as she carried out an inspection to establish how schools are implementing COVID-19 preventive measures.
As she commented on school timetable in Kigali city, Dr. Uwamariya explained that students studying upcountry have advanced courses compared to colleagues in Kigali and stressed the need for an alternative to catch up.
“We will extend study hours for students in Kigali. We also want to schedule courses on Saturday to catch up,” she said.
Dr. Uwamariya revealed that emphasis will be drawn to students preparing to sit for national exams.
“We shall draw attention to students preparing to sit for national exams. They will be helped through special preparations. We are aware and worried of delayed courses but we shall evaluate their progress so that we can incorporate missed course units in next phases before sitting for national exams,” she noted.
The cabinet meeting of 19th February 2021 allowed all schools (public and private) to reopen after a month of closure due to Coronavirus containment measures.
Following cabinet resolutions, the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) released a statement encouraging parents to prepare children for schools’ reopening on Tuesday 23rd February 2021.
Finalists in primary schools, ordinary level and senior six are expected to sit for national exams in July 2021.
Dr. Uwamariya made the request yesterday as she visited Groupe Scolaire Remera Catholique inspecting how schools are implementing COVID-19 preventive measures.
The cabinet meeting of 19th February 2021 allowed all schools (public and private) to reopen after a month of closure due to Coronavirus containment measures.
Following cabinet resolutions, the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) released a statement encouraging parents to prepare children for schools’ reopening on Tuesday 23rd February 2021.
Groupe Scolaire Remera Catholique accommodates 2053 students from primary and secondary school classes.
Minister Uwamariya revealed that overcrowding remains a challenge among first year classes and stressed need to seek a feasible solution.
“There is overcrowding in first year classes which you have also seen at this school. We however, need to address it. This situation requires the school to make diligent preparations drawing emphasis on main courses lest children’s level of education is held back. Students can later study general education courses in next classes,” she said.
The head teacher at Groupe Scolaire Remera Catholique, Mujawamariya Odette, has explained that students will attend classes on rotational basis (morning and afternoon shifts) to tackle overcrowding.
In order to address overcrowding and reduce exhausting walks to reach schools, the Government of Rwanda started the construction of 22,505 classrooms and 31,932 latrines countrywide in June 2020.
As of today, construction activities stand at 92%.
The plant under construction is located in the industrial park located in Muyira cell, Kibilizi sector.
Dr. Kubumwe Celestin, an expert in food processing has explained that the plant will process meat that can be conserved for three months.
“We will process meat that can be preserved for three months without using fridges. We will also produce meat products including sausages, sambusa among others that expire after six months,” he said.
The plant is expected to produce lard, add value for pork, beef and chevon and provide job to 93 people.
Dr. Kubumwe explained that the plant will slaughter at least six cows, 20 pigs and many goats on daily basis.
Gisagara livestock farmers have welcomed the project granting them market access.
“I am very excited for the project because it grants us access to livestock market closer to our residences. Besides, we are optimistic that our livestock will be sold at fair prices,” said Iryumugabe Anastase.
Kankindi Agnes also explained that they used to sell livestock at lower prices due to the absence of market in the area and expressed delight for the plant anticipating huge returns for livestock farming activities.
The mayor of Gisagara district, Rutaburingoga Jérome has revealed that they have expended much effort in value addition as the district’s economy heavily relies on agricultural produce.
“As a district relying on agriculture, we have committed to add value for agriculture produce following the successful implementation of banana beer and juice plant. We have moved forward to invest in meat processing plants,” he said.
The industrial zone in Gisagazra is also home to maize milling plant.
Rutaburingoga explained that the meat processing plant will have large market in Southern Province and appealed on residents to expend efforts in livestock production to meet the plant’s demand and generate profits.
He made the call yesterday during a meeting bringing together local leaders, security officials and residents of Busasamana, Bugeshi and Cyanzarwe sectors in Rubavu district, Western Province located in the neighborhood of the plain between DRC and Rwanda.
The meeting was convened a day after the assassination of Italian ambassador to DR Congo, Luca Attanasio killed along the road Goma-Rutshuru nearby Rwanda, DRC border.
Following the incident, DRC blamed members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) for the attack on a UN convoy on Monday, February 22, in which an Italian Ambassador was killed.
Major Gen Alex Kagame has said that the killing that took place nearby Rwanda’s border is evidencing that FDLR might easily find a way to threaten security in these respective sectors.
“We still have problems at these borders. FDLR is still roaming around. I hope you heard what the rebel force did yesterday. It killed Italian Ambassador in the neighborhood. No one else is committing these atrocities other than these rebels in Nyamuragira Volcano. They are assassinating people, pillaging Congolese and disclose intentions to come to Rwanda to threaten security. This reminds us that we should not be complacent,” he said.
“If they can commit the assassination along the road from Goma to Rutshuru viewed from here; it is easier for them to raid Cyanzarwe, Busasamana and Bugeshi in case people are not alert to reinforce security measures. It is apparent that they are black-hearted if they can block the road, pillage a car loaded with foods and kill people including an ambassador from a foreign country,” added Maj Gen Alex Kagame.
He reassured residents that security officials are standby and requested them to stay watchful and draw attention on activities of national interests.
“We are well prepared. You should never be afraid because our forces are always standby to protect the country against enemy attacks anytime, “said Maj Gen Alex Kagame.
The Governor of Western Province, Alphonse Munyantwari also urged residents to stand firm to their security.
“We should remain committed to our security. No one else will protect our security if we remain complacent. Security should start within your communities, discouraging gangs stealing irish potatoes and unemployed residents spending the whole day in bars, if there are any. You need to advise them against such vices or report them to Rwanda Investigation Bureau for punishment,” he said.
Ambassador Luca Attanasio was assassinated on 22nd February 2021 along the road Goma-Rutshuru in the area known as Kanyamahoro bordering with Busasamana sector.
He was killed together with, Italian military policeman who was travelling with him and a staff member of World Food Programme (WFP).
The cows were recovered on Monday, February 22, from one Jean Bosco Bahati, a butcher operating in Shenyeri village, Kibirizi cell of Kibirizi sector.
Bahati is still at large.
The Police spokesperson for the Southern region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, said that following cases of cattle theft especially in the sectors of Kibirizi and Ndora, Police and other partners in security and community policing have been working together to identify and arrest members of this racket.
“In the latest operation conducted in the night of February 21, security organs first arrested the alleged ringleader of the racket identified as Emmanuel Mbagire, 40, in Kibirizi, who provided further information about four cows that they sold to Bahati, and which he was yet to slaughter.
Indeed, the four cows were found at Bahati’s home. He had locked a cow and its calf in one of the bedrooms,” SP Kanamugire said.
Bahati was allegedly buying the stolen cows from thieves and slaughtering them at night.
The cow and its calf had been stolen from one Jean Mugemana, a resident of Ndora sector.
“In the last two months, 14 cows have been stolen; nine in Kibirizi and five in Ndora. In response, security organs have so far recovered seven of them including the four cows found at Bahati’s home, and arrested eight suspected cattle thieves,” SP Kanamugire said.
He added that operations are still underway to arrest all members of the theft ring.
“Residents are playing an important role in these operations against cattle theft with credible information on people suspected to be involved. We call for continued partnership and reporting other members of the ring and their whereabouts,” the spokesperson said.
Article 166 of the law relating to offences and penalties in general, stipulates that any person convicted for theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, a community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
However, in article 167, the penalty doubles if the crime was committed at night or by more than one person.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 18 325 people have been tested positive out of 986 665 sample tests of whom 17251 have recovered, 821 are active cases while 253 have succumbed to the virus.
The Ministry of Health has also reported that 14 people are critically ill.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
According to a statement released by RwandAir, the airline will begin a three-week trial in April for customers travelling between Kigali and Nairobi in Kenya.
IATA Travel Pass is a digital platform to help passengers easily and securely verify that they comply with COVID 19 test or vaccine travel requirements, in turn giving governments the confidence to reopen borders.
Developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the trade association for the world’s airlines, the platform is designed to be incorporated into airlines’ own apps, so travellers by air easily understand what they need before they fly.
Commenting on the development, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, the CEO of RwandAir, revealed that RwandAir is proud to be the first African airline to trial IATA Travel Pass highlighting it could reinforce all the health and safety measures and protocols ‘which we have put in place to restore customer confidence to fly once more’.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of IATA’s Industry Advisory Panel, to ensure we guide the technology development in a way that covers the unique requirements of our passenger profile. IATA’s innovative solution simplifies and digitally transmits the information required by countries and governments around the world into our airline systems, in a secure and efficient manner,” she said.
“Travel Pass will make it easy for our customers to resume flying – and just as easy for RwandAir, and airlines around the world, to accept them,” added Makolo.
Alexandre de Juniac, IATA Director General and CEO, emphasized that RwandAir is showing its industry leadership in Africa by becoming the first airline on the continent to trial IATA Travel Pass.
“RwandAir has long used IATA products as the most reliable source of information on entry requirements. This trial will build on that history of working in partnership and takes us a step further in the context of COVID-19. IATA Travel Pass will give governments the confidence to re-open their borders knowing that arriving passengers are in full compliance with any testing or vaccination requirements,” he said.
Alexandre explained that the trial app has a range of features, including a registry of testing centres and labs at the departure and/or arrival location which can conduct COVID-19 tests in accordance with the type of test required for the journey.
RwandAir customers participating in the trial will create a ‘digital passport’ which verifies that their pre-travel COVID-19 test or vaccination meets the requirements of the destination they are travelling to.
They will also be able to safely and securely share their test and vaccination certificates with participating authorities and airlines around the world to ensure smooth and seamless travel.
Operating from Kigali, with its hub at the heart of Africa, RwandAir is one of the world’s fastest growing airlines and operates one of the youngest state-of-the-art fleets on the African continent.
With a reputation for delivering a premium service to all its customers, RwandAir operates 12 aircraft with an average age of just under six years. The airline currently offers services to 25 destinations across 21 countries throughout Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
There are different kinds of headache, from a mild headache to migraine.
Sinusitis is a condition in which the cavities around the nasal passages become inflamed, and it then leads to headache.
Cluster headaches occur in patterns, and persistent headache is a headache syndrome that mimic chronic migraine.
{{Different things could lead to the various kind of headaches, but these are some of the common causes of headache.}}
{{1. Tension-Type headache }} is a mild headache that many people tend to suffer and probably not take serious. It is usually caused by stress and tension. Bad diet, lack of sleep, alcohol and certain foods could cause this kind of headache.
{{2. Cluster headache}} occur within a limited time frame and normally affect one side of the head and the area around the eyes. Most times it leads to a stuffed nose and reddened eye.
It isn’t exactly clear what causes this type of headache, but research has found that an area of the brain called hypothalamus tends to be overactive during its attack and this part of the brain controls temperature, hunger and thirst. Alcohol could trigger cluster headache, and a significantly higher percentage of people with cluster headache tend to be smokers. It has also been associated with change in sleep routine.
{{3. Migraine}} is an intense kind of headache that can last for long hours and even days. There’s no exact known cause of migraine, but it could be triggered by emotional stress, high intake of caffeinated substance, hard drugs, drug abuse, visual stimuli such as bright light, physical exertion and sleep disorder.
{{4. Unknown to many,}} poor nutrition and even dehydration could lead to headache. Deficiency of a particular nutrient(s) such as magnesium and vitamins can lead to headache.
Have you been suffering headache of late? Some of these causes might just be responsible for it.
It has been revealed following the quarterly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held on 18th February 2021.
The committee reviewed outcomes of its previous decisions and assessed the recent economic developments and the outlook at the global and national level.
Rwanda’s real GDP contracted by 4.1% in the first three quarters of 2020, compared to the growth of 8.3 percent registered in the corresponding period of 2019.
However the second half of 2020, recorded a gradual recovery, on the back of supportive policy measures and easing COVID-19 containment measures.
The statement released by BNR shows that estimated recovery is evidenced by the rising trend of the real Composite Index of Economic Activities (CIEA), which increased by 9.4% in the second half of 2020 from a contraction of 2.1 percent recorded in the first half of 2020.
“This domestic economic recovery is expected to continue in 2021, supported by policy interventions to revive business activities, despite the uncertainty around COVID-19 and its containment measures. The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine globally and in the country will also enhance private sector optimism, hence stimulating the recovery in economic activities,” reads the statement in part.
BNR has also revealed that the monetary sector remained resilient in 2020, owing to supportive policy measures, amid, subdued demand for loans by the private sector during lockdown.
Broad money grew by 18.0 percent in 2020 compared to 15.4 percent recorded in 2019, supported by the increase in the outstanding Credit to the Private Sector (CPS) which grew by 21.8 percent from 12.6 percent the previous year.
The expansion in CPS was essentially driven by restructuring of loans granted to borrowers whose activities have been negatively affected by the pandemic, and new authorized credit disbursed in 2020.
Among others, foreign exchange market remained stable, whereby, the Rwf depreciated by 5.5 percent year-on-year as of December 2020 against the USD from a depreciation of 4.9 percent in December 2019.
The statement shows that pressures of the Rwandan Franc came during the second half of the year, following the resumption of economic activities and the increase in the demand for foreign currencies amid lower foreign inflows. However, the foreign exchange market is expected to remain stable, with adequate foreign exchange reserves held by NBR covering 5.9 months of imports as of December 2020.
According to estimates published by International Monetary Fund (IMF) in January 2021, the global economy contracted by 3.5 percent in 2020, owing to negative impact of COVID-19. In 2021, the global economy is expected to recover and grow by 5.5%.
However, the strength of the recovery is expected to be uneven and unequal across countries depending on factors like; access to vaccines, effectiveness of policy support, exposure to cross-country spillovers, and preexisting economic conditions.
In November last year, Macron announced plan for a visit to Rwanda in 2021, aimed at strengthening existing bilateral relations.
“First of all, I am planning for visits to Angola and South Africa that had been suspended due to health conditions. I am hopeful that I will be able to make the visits within few weeks ahead and later visit Rwanda in 2021,” he told Jeune Afrique.
The date and month for the visit have not yet been confirmed but it is reported that the situation will depend on the status of COVID-19 pandemic.
Macron’s visit to Rwanda is expected before 18th May 2021 because France plans to host France-Africa investment summit in which over ten African head of states are invited.
In 2019, Macron was invited to Rwanda to attend the 25th commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. At the time, Macron sent the delegation of France parliamentarians including Sira Sylla and the French Rwandan born Member of Parliament, Herve Berville.
In May 2018, President Paul Kagame invited Macron as he attended Viva Technology Summit that brought together CEOs of different technology start-up companies and potential innovators in Paris, France.
Macron was again invited in October 2018 after the General Assembly of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF).
At the time, Kagame told RFI and France 24 that Macron was invited to visit Rwanda since he took office in May 2017.
Rwanda, France relations have been on good progress since Macron took office in 2017.
The latter has demonstrated willingness to change France, Africa foreign policy and building strong relations with partners unlike his predecessor, François Hollande.
President Kagame recently told Jeune Afrique that there has been progress to both countries’ relations since Macron was elected in comparison with the past.
Rwanda, France relations wavered in the past over the role France is accused to have played during the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
In April 2019, France President, Emmanuel Macron established of the commission made of eight experts in history and researchers analyzing writings kept in archives of the country indicating France activities in Rwanda between 1990-1994 to come up with the truth on the role of France in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Rwanda, France diplomatic relations date back in 1962 after obtaining Independence.
If he comes to Rwanda, Macron will be the second French president landing in the country of thousand hills after the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
Nicolas Sarkozy is the only France president who visited Rwanda on 25th February 2010 following the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi.
