The month-long campaign was launched on 1 June 2021, by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Rwanda, and other partners to promote positive parenting.
In the video released today by UNICEF Rwanda; Ange Kagame, the daughter of President Paul Kagame talked about how a baby’s brain develops most in the first 1,000 days at a pace never repeated again.
The mother of one also highlighted the role of both parents, male and female in the overall development of their baby.
In the earliest years of life, a child’s brain develops at an astounding speed of more than 1 million new neural connections every second.
This period offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape a child’s ability to learn, grow, form healthy relationships, and contribute fully to society in adulthood.
Parents are the key providers of health, nutrition, stimulation, opportunities for early learning, and protection that babies need for healthy brain development. Another area where parents can contribute significantly to a child’s development is by playing with the baby.
This helps babies learn and build crucial life skills – from problem-solving to expressing ideas – and strengthening the bond between child and parent.
Parenting is one of the most challenging jobs in the world and now COVID-19 has placed even more pressure on parents and caregivers to support their children’s learning and development, keep their households functioning, and look after their families’ wellbeing.
The video explains the various techniques such as ‘serve and return’ that parents can use to strengthen their bond with their babies while ensuring their holistic development.
Commenting on the provisional financial results released recently for the period ended 31st March 2021 ; John Bugunya, the Chief Finance Officer at Cimerwa Plc explained that the plant’s position in the first half of the year ‘paints an encouraging picture of what our financials will look like at the end of 2021’.
“Despite the effects of the lockdown that went into effect during the first quarter of this year, we were able to record strong revenue and profit and maintain a healthy cash balance of Rwf 8.7 billion. This speaks volumes on our resilience in the face of difficulties and challenges,” he said.
Cimerwa Plc also recorded Rwf 1.02 billion decrease in cost of sales which was buoyed by efficiencies in plant operations and prudent cost-saving measures.
Albert Sigei, Cimerwa Plc CEO explained that recorded revenues were driven by investments and market growth.
“The domestic market continues to show a good growth trajectory driven by infrastructure investments across the country while the export market also grew during the period. Amidst this wave of growth, our market position remains strong and steady and we are gearing up to make it even more robust. The noticeable increase in our inventories is a deliberate and strategic move to ensure that we are ready and able to supply the market with cement as we continue to support the government’s infrastructure development agenda as a proud ‘Made in Rwanda’ company,” noted Sigei.
The management of Cimerwa Plc has asserted that the plant continues to observe strict COVID prevention measures in line with the guidelines from the health experts such as the 1-meter rule, masks-on and hand washing rules and a strong vaccination effort that has seen over 200 staff taking COVID-19 jab.
“Our good results during this period demonstrates CIMERWA Plc’s ability to ride the wave of challenges that were brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This however is a collaborative effort that starts from the exceptionally skilled pool of people who work for this company, a competent and devoted board of directors and our supportive stakeholders. All of this puts us in a position to keep delivering on the promise we made to our customers, our shareholders and the country at large to continue Strengthening Rwanda,” noted Sigei.
{{About Cimerwa}}
Established in 1984, Cimerwa Plc has over three decades worth of experience as Rwanda’s first and only integrated cement manufacturer. The firm’s production plant is located in Bugarama, Rusizi District near the South Western border of Rwanda.
Cimerwa Plc is the only cement company in Rwanda to mine raw materials, produce the clinker concentrate, pack and sell cement for general and civil construction. Cimerwa Plc is committed to building strong partnerships with leaders and members of the local community. In the process, the firm has helped set up a number of initiatives geared at improving the livelihoods of the people.
These include a nursery and primary school, medical clinic, a market, a tailoring workshop and providing them with clean, piped water among many others.
The virtual graduation ceremony took place on Friday 18th June 2021 in adherence to the COVID-19 preventive measures.
The graduates were supposed to complete their studies in 2020, but this was not possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
These graduates are from Akilah Institute, one of the two colleges of Davis College which focuses on empowerment of women.
The Interim President of Davis College, Paul Swaga revealed that the graduates have been equipped with all the necessary skills relevant to make them successful at the workplace.
“I expect a lot from these graduates because we have prepared them well enough. I am convinced that they will bring positive changes at the workplace. Some of them have conceptualized projects which they are set to implement, thus, impacting the community through job creation,” he noted.
Swaga explained that the graduates will also play a bigger role in the transformation of the lives of other women who did not get the opportunity to study at Davis College and Akilah.
“ When some of these graduates start their own businesses, they will impact the community as more women will get job opportunities. Others who will work with various companies are also expected to deliver efficiently because they have been equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge,” he revealed.
Elizabeth Dearborn Hughes, a co-founder of Davis College and Akilah who graced the graduation ceremony thanked graduates for exhibiting team work amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.
“ You have exhibited strength , resilience and togetherness, team work spirit, developed your leadership, management and other impactful skills bringing changes to the community amidst uncertainties brought by the pandemic. This has been an unusual year. We commend you for soldiering on in difficult times,” she said.
The State Minister at the Ministry of Education in Charge of TVET and ICT , Irere Claudette who was the guest of honour at the event, congratulated graduates and thanked the school for helping students during difficult times.
“This year has presented unusual circumstances to all of us, particularly to the education sector. We voice appreciation for your courage and achievements. I would also like to commend the management of Davis College and Akilah for helping graduates to complete their journey successfully,” she said.
Graduates expressed delight for acquiring the knowledge relevant for them to effectively compete at the labour market.
“I am extremely happy for this great achievement despite the tough moments and sleepless nights we went through. I am ready to deliver on the expectations along my professional career,” said Iqra Naeem, the Valedictorian for the Class of 2020
Another graduate, Mari Grace Ishimwe also highlighted that the school unleashed her potential to break social and cultural constraints which limit girls from performing to their full potential.
“I was pleased to join the institute as soon as I realized its uniqueness. I became self-confident and attended the ICT program which many assume not to be suitable for girls. I exhibited good performance, and I am ready to compete at the labour market,” she revealed.
The school has graduated eight intakes since 2010.
In September 2020, Davis College launched another college for both male and female students which operates alongside the Akilah Institute.
Davis College graduates students with diplomas in Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Systems, and Business Management & Entrepreneurship.
JCI is an international Non-Governmental Organization that builds the capacity of the youth through training in entrepreneurship, leadership, fellowship and self-responsibility in over 115 countries.
The organization opened doors to Rwanda in 2005 where it has 200 members.
The event coincided with the visit of Zandile Makhoba, JCI Vice President for Africa and Middle East who is in Rwanda for five days.
As she visited the memorial with JCI Rwanda team, Makhoba called on the youth to learn from what happened to prevent reoccurrence of Genocide.
“You feel pain after visiting the memorial. I have seen messages of Genocide survivors and pictures of the extreme cruelty. It is clear that helping survivors to rebuild is a long journey but it reminds everyone of responsibility to strive for a peaceful world and unity. Rwandans should build their hope upon self-reliance to shape their future,” she said.
“It should be our collective responsibility to prevent reoccurrence of the dark past. We should take the lead as Africans and think about possible impact before reacting. As this year’s theme goes ‘remember-unite-renew’, we need to strive for that resilience. The youth needs to learn from this history and should always remember their responsibility to shape Rwanda’s better future,” added Makhoba.
The President of JCI Rwanda, Origene Igiraneza also reminded the youth to stand united and strive for positive transformations to the community.
“As Rwandans, remembering is a responsibility to honor victims of the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi. It is also an opportune moment for the youth to reflect on what happened and seek how best we can bring positive changes. It also leaves a lesson to concert efforts for good causes, strive for peace, and fight Genocide ideology in Rwanda and elsewhere across the world. The country can only progress when we work together to build a common identity and a peaceful country,” he stated.
The commemoration continued through virtual event featuring talks on how the youth should actively be involved in the fight against Genocide ideology and helping trauma victims during commemoration events.
As part of the partnership, Ghana will supply processed organic cocoa in a form of coca nibs or cocoa Liquor as shall be determined.
Rwanda will also establish a formulation plant in Ghana for the production of organic pyrethrum-based pesticides for crop protection, veterinary use and public health.
This will help cut on transportation costs and bring affordable organic products closer to the Ghanaian farmers.
Madam Ariella Kageruka, the Head of Tourism and Conversation Department, Rwanda Development Board disclosed this on Saturday as part of recommendations from Ghana-Rwanda familiarisation tours between the two countries.
She said both countries have agreed to undertake a collaborative research on pyrethrum and Cocoa to ensure greater yields to the benefit of farming communities in Rwanda and Ghana.
“In order to facilitate easier access to Rwanda and Ghana markets, we recommend urgent establishment of an MoU between product registration and standard agencies of both countries,” she said.
Ghanaian officials between March 14 and 20, 2021 embarked on a familiarization tour to Rwanda while a 32-member delegation of Rwandan officials also visited Ghana from June 13 to 20, 2021 to explore business opportunities.
The two countries have also agreed to forge partnerships between tourism stakeholders to develop Rwanda – Ghana joint packages for international tourism.
Other areas to explore include the creative art industry, travel and hospitality sector, education, culture and agriculture.
Nana Sarfo Kantanka, the Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Arts, said both countries were proud product of great leadership and pledged to maintain the relationship to bring sustainable development to the citizenry.
He said the policy environment to be spearheaded by both countries was critical to realisation of these partnerships in boosting trade and investment.
The Special Adviser called for support from stakeholders for the collaboration to succeed, adding that Ghana- Rwanda had set the tone for others to follow.
Ms Afua Asabea Asare, the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, said the collaboration between the two countries was the beginning of the journey to explore more business opportunities.
She called for commitment between the two countries for the partnership to work, saying “we need to operationalize these concepts to be fruitful.”
Mr Akwasi Agyemang, the Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Tourism Authority, said government had laid a good foundation and charged the private sector operators to make the partnership work.
He said multi- destination tourism was necessary to position the African brand on the global map.
Dr Aisa Krabo Kacyira, the Rwanda High Commissioner to Ghana, commended Ghana for the warm reception, describing it as a passionate moment to uphold the dignity of Africa.
She was confident that the collaboration would succeed to ensure the effective realization of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Rwanda’s Presidency has via Twitter handle revealed that Kagame also met with Teklay Teame, CEO of Simba Supermarket.
Kuok Khoon Hong was accompanied by Santosh Pillai, Wilmar International Head for Africa.
Before meeting with Kagame, Kuok Khoon Hong held talks with the CEO of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Clare Akamanzi.
Even though areas of discussions with the Head of State were not mentioned, Rwanda Development Board (RDB) revealed via Twitter account that Wilmar International wants to open doors to Rwanda.
RDB explained that the group intends to invest in manufacturing and agro-processing sectors, among others.
Wilmar International Limited, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Singapore, is today Asia’s leading agribusiness group. Wilmar is ranked amongst the largest listed companies by market capitalisation on the Singapore Exchange.
Wilmar’s business activities include oil palm cultivation, oilseed crushing, edible oils refining, sugar milling and refining, manufacturing of consumer products, specialty fats, oleochemicals, biodiesel and fertilisers as well as flour and rice milling.
They were paraded at Nyarugenge District Police Unit offices in Rwezamenyo Sector.
RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that all the 26 were arrested in a span of four days, (June 16 to June 19) in Kigali.
“Some of them were driving while drunk during prohibited movement hours. They are knowingly violating traffic rules and setting a bad example because they are drivers with driving permit,” CP Kabera said.
He added: “There is no exception in respecting traffic rules and observing Covid-19 guidelines. Alcohol is not prohibited but when you drink you must not drive. Again, if you want to drink, we expect you to drink from your home but it looks like these people were in prohibited social gatherings from where they had their drinks and went on to drive while drunk and violated the curfew.”
Patrick Mazimpaka, one of the suspects said he was arrested at about 9:10pm.
He added that he had taken a local brew called Kambuca.
A taxi-moto operator, who only identified himself as Emmanuel, said that he was arrested on June 19, in Kibagabaga Sector, Gasabo District.
He claimed that he was not drunk but admitted that driving while drunk is a “fatal decision.”
CP Kabera cautioned of strengthened operations against anyone flouting the government directives and violating traffic regulations including drunk-driving.
The majority of new cases was found in Kigali: 166, Rubavu: 38, Musanze: 32, Burera: 15, Kamonyi: 8 and Muhanga: 8.
The statement released last night shows that 126 patients have recovered.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 30 813 have been tested positive of whom 26 704 have recovered, 3727 are active cases, 11 are critically ill while 382 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 390, 777 people have been vaccinates since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program.
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.
The six are part of the big gathering that had converged at Rulindo Catholic Church Hall located in Rulindo village, Gasiza cell, Bushoki sector where Justin Uwihanganye, 29, and Marie Claire Umwizerwa, 25, were hosting their wedding reception.
Many others managed to escape during the operation.
Justin Uwihanganye, the groom admitted that they violated the protocols and asked for leniency.
“We are aware that what we were doing was against the government directives but we wanted to take a little time after my religious wedding to hold a reception. On behalf of all my guests, I ask for forgiveness,” said Uwihanganye
The Acting District Police Commander for Rulindo, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Laurent Rafiki said that the violators were reported by the residents.
“Police received a call from a resident at about 4pm, reporting a wedding reception at Rulindo Catholic Church main hall, which was being held contrary to the government guidelines.
There were more than 40 people at the reception although many others managed to fleed but we arrested six people including the brides,” said CIP Rafiki.
The recent Cabinet directives provides that civil and religious wedding receptions happening in hotels, public venues and gardens should not exceed 30 percent of the venue’s capacity and should follow all the Covid-19 prevention measures.
Besides, all guests are required to have negative Covid-19 test not exceeding three days prior to the event and all Covid-19 prevention protocols such as handwashing facilities, wearing facemask and social distancing must be observed.
“They had not taken Covid-19 tests as a prerequisite and were not authorized to hold the reception since they were not permitted by the local administrative authority.”
Normally, anyone that wishes to hold a reception has to seek permission from local authorities at least five days prior.
The brides, however, sent their letter two days before, on June 17, and were not permitted.
The arrested violators were taken to Bushoki Police station where they were tested for Covid-19 on their own cost and handed administrative fines, accordingly.
World Refugee Day is an international day organised every year on 20th June by the United Nations to celebrate and honour refugees from around the world.
Following the pledge; Inkomoko is working with MTN Rwanda, the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT), the Ministry in Charge of Emergency Management, and UNHCR to distribute the majority of the 500 phones to refugee and host community entrepreneurs, increasing their access to Government services, financial products, and overall digital connectivity for their small businesses.
Initiated by MTN Rwanda, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the Connect Rwanda campaign was launched in December 2019, with the objective of providing smartphones to unconnected households across Rwanda to leverage the digital economy. Since then, private companies, Government institutions and individuals have come together to connect all Rwandans through technology.
Inkomoko’s phone donation, as part of World Refugee Day, aligned with its larger strategy to digitize services and provide increased access to finance for refugee and host community entrepreneurs. These pivots have emerged as Inkomoko adapted to helping entrepreneurs adjust to new ways of working during COVID-19. Phone distribution will launch in the Gihembe Refugee Camp where Inkomoko has been working since 2016.
Commenting on the development; Olive Ashimwe, Inkomoko’s Regional Director of Refugee Affairs said: “During COVID-19, movement restrictions limited how we could provide services in refugee communities. Like most businesses, it forced us to quickly develop digital offerings that would work for our clients. Because we were able to make expedient digital implementations and because 39% of our Inkomoko staff are refugees themselves, we were able to continuously serve our entrepreneurs despite movement restrictions.”
The 500 donated smartphones fortify Inkomoko’s track record of financial inclusion, as Inkomoko is also rolling out a new digital loan app that will increase access to business financing for refugee and host communities. This mobile loan app for smartphones is available in Kinyarwanda, English, French, and Swahili, and will help Inkomoko to diversify access points for financing across the country, a key request from entrepreneurs. All of the phones donated by Inkomoko will come preloaded with their app.
Last year for World Refugee Day, Inkomoko partnered with the Mastercard Foundation to release US$2.6million in COVID-19 relief grants to more than 3,500 refugee and host community entrepreneurs. One year later they have released data showing that as a result of their grants, businesses were able to generate more than US$10 million in new revenue and they employ more than 20,000 people throughout Rwanda. In addition, 98% of closed businesses have re-opened.
Julienne Oyler, the CEO of Inkomoko has explained that working with entrepreneurs has consistently shown that investing in refugee businesses is catalytic for economic development at-large.
“We are able to provide new growth opportunities for our clients in refugee communities by bringing new investments and digital solutions,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Inkomoko has pledged to support more refugee and host community entrepreneurs, including providing 25,000 refugee households with access to affordable capital in the coming years, all facilitated by more digital solutions.
{{About Inkomoko}}
Inkomoko has supported more than 25,000 businesses in Rwanda to run their operations in a more efficient and strategic way, providing training, consulting, and affordable loans. Inkomoko has more than 120 staff serving entrepreneurs nationwide in Rwanda through offices in Kigali, Musanze, and all 6 refugee camps and hosting communities. Inkomoko is the Rwandan affiliate of African Entrepreneur Collective.
For more information on Inkomoko please visit www.Inkomoko.com
