The museum is dedicated to the Romantic movement, which flourished in France between the late 18th and mid-19th centuries, celebrating emotion, imagination, and the sublime.
Housed in the former residence of Dutch-French painter Ary Scheffer, the museum preserves the legacy of both Scheffer and novelist George Sand.
Between the 1830s and 1850s, Scheffer hosted Friday salons at the residence, welcoming artists and intellectuals inspired by figures like Dante, Lord Byron, and Goethe.
Located in Paris’ ninth arrondissement, the property was originally surrounded by orchards and gardens before the area developed into a hub for literary and artistic activity.
After Scheffer’s death in 1858, the residence changed hands several times before being acquired by the city and transformed into a museum in the 1980s. Today, it holds 2,340 works, with around 300 on display, and drew 230,000 visitors in 2023.
The restoration aimed to return the building to its 19th-century appearance.
“For the woodwork and window frames, we tried to restore the house’s original color,” Gaëlle Rio, the museum director told Le Monde.
The courtyard, greenhouse, tea room, and first-floor exhibitions were also updated to enhance visitor experience while respecting the building’s status as a historical monument.
To mark the reopening, the museum is launching a new exhibition, Facing the Sky, Paul Huet in His Time.
Huet, a contemporary of Scheffer, is considered a precursor of French Romantic landscape painting.
“This one echoes the ‘Nature and Landscape’ section and invites visitors to pause and reflect. I enjoy highlighting a single artist while exploring a subject through their perspective,” Rio explains.
Few cities embraced Romanticism like Paris, which became a stage for artistic experimentation and a break from classical traditions.
The Musée de la Vie Romantique now continues that legacy, offering visitors a glimpse into the passions and creativity that defined the era.
The Musée de la Vie Romantique has reopened in Paris after a lengthy renovation.
Founded five years ago in Belgium and headquartered in Luxembourg, CTC collaborates with the European Business University of Luxembourg to provide specialized training and internationally recognized certifications.
In an interview with IGIHE, founder and CEO Nzamutuma Janvier outlined the company’s journey, which began by training a single individual and grew to delivering over 90 certifications in 2024.
“As CTC expands, we see an increasing number of beneficiaries entering the workforce. The more enrollments we have, the more our learners find professional opportunities,” he explained.
Driven from the start by the ambition to expand into Rwanda, Nzamutuma registered the company with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
For him, February 28 marks a historic milestone: ten students graduated in Kigali, including seven Rwandans and two international students from South Africa and Nigeria.
“Everything starts modestly. We began with a single learner in Belgium and Luxembourg; today, we have nearly 200 beneficiaries. Starting with ten graduates in Rwanda is already a great achievement,” he said.
Nzamutuma believes Rwanda’s economic development offers a favorable environment for training highly skilled experts capable of meeting the growing demands of the financial sector.
He also thanked CTC’s partners, emphasizing that their collaboration ensures internationally recognized certifications and skills tailored to labor market needs.
Emmanuel Habarugira, an employee in the financial sector at the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), is among the first graduates trained in Kigali. He discovered CTC through an article run by IGIHE, contacted the founder, and traveled to Europe for further information.
According to him, the training perfectly aligns with his professional field, particularly in combating illicit financial flows, ensuring fund traceability, and meeting regulatory compliance requirements.
“Although I studied economics at university, the training provided by CTC allowed me to deepen and broaden my knowledge, with a more practical approach adapted to professional realities,” he said.
He believes these courses are essential in a context where Rwanda’s financial sector is rapidly growing and requires experts with international qualifications.
An international reach
CTC’s fifth cohort included participants from countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Finland, Austria, the United Kingdom, Canada, Burundi, Senegal, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Germany, Spain, and Togo.
Finally, Nzamutuma highlighted that the growing interest in these programs is partly due to changes in European financial regulations since 2008, which have strengthened requirements for compliance and transparency.
Nzamutuma Janvier , the founder and CEO of CTC speaking at the official launch. Habarugira Emmanuel, one of graduates sharing his experience.
Scheduled from March 7 to March 8, 2026, the event will take place at Grotta Resort in Musanze District, offering participants a unique opportunity to relax, connect, and enjoy a variety of health and wellness activities.
This will be the first edition of the event, designed to help attendees unwind, socialize, and gain valuable insights through expert-led discussions on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The sessions will cover topics relevant to women, men, and couples, aiming to promote overall well-being.
Participants will also have the chance to engage in recreational activities such as swimming, beach volleyball, beach soccer, and pickleball. In addition, the resort will provide access to its wellness facilities, including a Jacuzzi, massages, a fire pit, gym, infrared sauna, and specially prepared nutritious meals that highlight Grotta Resort’s signature approach to health.
Families are encouraged to attend, as arrangements have been made for children to enjoy their own activities in a safe and supervised environment, allowing parents to fully participate in the event. Ticket options vary, with a single or double room for one night priced at Rwf 585,000, a premium room at Rwf 825,000, and a family room accommodating up to three people at RwfF 900,000 per night.
Grotta Resort is among the most modern resorts in Musanze District, with 26 fully equipped rooms and facilities that promote relaxation, wellness, and family bonding. Fitnesspoint, a leading fitness center in Kigali, operates three major branches in Kimihurura, Remera, and Gacuriro, offering comprehensive facilities and state-of-the-art equipment.
Scheduled from March 7 to March 8, 2026, the event will take place at Grotta Resort in Musanze District. The event will allow participants to relax, connect, and enjoy a variety of health and wellness activities.Grotta Resort is located in Musanze District.
Bestowed on only a handful of industry leaders in the GSMA’s history, the honour recognises contributions that have left an enduring and defining mark on the global communications ecosystem.
The award was presented at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in the distinguished presence of His Majesty Felipe VI, the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, the President of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, and global industry leaders.
A visionary in the telecom sector, Sunil Bharti Mittal has built Bharti Airtel into one of the world’s leading mobile operators, with operations across India and Africa, ranking among the top three globally and serving over half a billion customers.
He pioneered the expansion of mobile services across emerging markets and served as Chairman of the GSMA from 2017 to 2018, where he championed policies that encouraged investment and innovation while strengthening the industry’s commitment to connecting the unconnected and advancing digital inclusion.
He was previously honoured with the GSMA Chairman’s Award in 2008 and again in 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the global mobile industry and was felicitated at Mobile World Congress in February 2019 in recognition of his Chairmanship.
Sunil Bharti Mittal expressed delight at receiving the award and thanked the GSMA for the recognition.
“I accept it not only as a personal milestone, but as a tribute to India’s telecom journey, the collective spirit of Bharti, and the rise of Indian telecom companies on the global stage. Equally the award reflects the progress of an industry that has connected billions and belongs to the customers we serve, the teams who built our institutions, and the partners who believe in the transformative power of connectivity.
“Telecommunication is a force that expands opportunity, places essential services in the palm of every individual and unlocks human potential. Helping shape its evolution into a powerful accelerator of modern progress has been a privileged responsibility. As innovation accelerates, we will continue to work with our partners & stakeholders to ensure that growth advances equity and creates lasting opportunities for generations to come,” he noted.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is a rare honour, bestowed only on select individuals whose leadership and innovation have left an enduring mark on the industry.
Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 600 million customers in 15 countries across India and Africa. The company also has its presence in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through its associate entities.
The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa.
Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile, Wi-Fi (FTTH+ FWA) that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, video streaming services, digital payments and financial services.
For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT, and cloud-based communication.
Airtel’s digital arm – Xtelify, empowers telcos globally to leverage the power of AI, data and technology to accelerate their digital transformation and drive growth.
Xtelify also offers Airtel Cloud in India enabling enterprises with a sovereign, telco-grade cloud platform that guarantees secure migration, effortless scaling, lower costs and no vendor lock-ins. Within its diversified portfolio, Airtel also offers passive infrastructure services through its subsidiary Indus Tower Ltd.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, receives the GSMA Lifetime Achievement Award from Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA, at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
The event, running from 11:00 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., challenged participants to solve complex math problems using only their minds.
Drawing on abacus-based techniques, the young competitors tackled three core segments: listening-based abacus exercises, analytical thinking problems, and high-speed “Math Brain” rounds designed to test concentration, speed, and precision.
Under the theme “Math Without Limits – Beyond the Calculator,” students performed live calculations in front of an audience of parents, teachers, and guests, highlighting noticeable improvements in focus and self-confidence.
All participants were recognized for their efforts: 66 received Certificates of Participation, 48 earned Certificates of Merit, and 3 were awarded Certificates of Excellence. Thirteen standout performers were honored as Best Winners with special recognition.
School leaders shared encouraging messages during the ceremony. The principal of Shenmo Rwanda opened by noting the rapid progress. “In just six months these students have gone from struggling with numbers to solving them in seconds. It shows what the right training can do,” he noted.
Madam Dhanya, Principal of King David Academy, also encouraged students to maintain the momentum. “Keep practising. The focus and confidence you are building now will help you in every subject and every challenge ahead,” she said.
The Director of King David Academy wrapped up the event by addressing the broader school community; “Activities like this prove that abacus training is about more than math – it’s about helping every child reach their full potential.”
Organized by Shenmo Education Rwanda in partnership with King David Academy, the competition forms part of a wider initiative to transform mathematics education in Rwanda through brain-enhancing abacus methods.
Shenmo Education Rwanda specializes in world-class abacus mental math programs that build essential lifelong skills in concentration, memory, and rapid calculation for children.
King David Academy, a forward-thinking institution in Kigali, prioritizes holistic education, innovation, and academic excellence, making it an ideal partner for such skill-building events.
Students concentrate as they solve mental math problems during the competition.Young participants demonstrated speed and accuracy in abacus-based calculations.Participants performed live calculations in front of parents and teachers.Students received recognition for their effort and progress after months of training.Learners showcased improved confidence and concentration during the event.Young participants demonstrated speed and accuracy in abacus-based calculations.
Young people and adults from several countries shared experiences and personal stories, creating a space where memory, identity, and intergenerational transmission took center stage.
Personal journeys and inheritances
Senator Amandin Rugira delivered a moving account of his family and professional journey. Raised in a household that rejected tribalism, he said his parents instilled values of love, respect, and integrity that later guided his career as an economist and public official.
He recalled that defending such principles under the regime of Juvénal Habyarimana came at a heavy cost, making him and his family targets during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire spoke about the complexity of her own identity. The daughter of a woman convicted for genocide crimes and a Tutsi father, she learned of her mother’s involvement only two years after the events.
As Mukazayire explained, she chose not to be defined by her family’s past but to build her life on responsibility, dignity, and hope. She encouraged young people to own their choices, know their history, and speak the truth with courage, while urging parents to maintain open dialogue with their children.
She illustrated this approach with a powerful moment when her daughter, at age 12, asked whether she should love or hate her imprisoned grandmother. Faced with the question, she and her husband chose transparency, convinced that truth shared within a framework of trust is essential to identity formation and reconciliation.
Nubuhoro Eugénie also shared her experience as the child of a parent involved in the genocide. Raised in exile amid hatred toward Tutsi, she questioned the narratives she had inherited and sought the truth through the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement before returning to Rwanda in August 2025 after 31 years abroad.
Her story underscored the importance of rejecting wrongdoing, even within one’s own family, and passing on truth to future generations.
Youth and social media as tools for truth
Gatete Olivier discussed the role of social media and how young Rwandans living or raised in Europe can use digital platforms to access reliable information. He explained that he initially feared speaking publicly against misinformation about Rwanda, but later launched YouTube programs and created his own channel to counter false narratives. His experience shows how social media can become a powerful vehicle for truth and civic engagement.
In the same spirit, Bryon Mutijima described his active use of online platforms to promote verified information and respectful dialogue. He noted that many young people now rely primarily on digital spaces for news, and that sharing factual content and personal experience can spark reflection and constructive discussion.
Drawing on his entrepreneurial work in Rwanda, he encouraged diaspora youth to explore investment and business opportunities, stressing the importance of preparation, institutional support, and on-the-ground visits to understand market realities.
Barebe Niringiyimana, who lives in Sweden, spoke about growing up in a family that portrayed Rwanda negatively and warned he could be killed if he returned. Seeking clarity, he contacted Rwanda’s embassy office for the Nordic countries, which helped him reconsider. Despite lingering fears, he traveled to Rwanda and encountered a reality very different from what he had been told. After deciding to return last month, he began developing a project in the country—an experience he says opened new perspectives.
Exchanges with the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean Damascène Bizimana highlighted the importance of such initiatives and the role young people can play in strengthening unity and resilience.
Memory, justice, and critical awareness
Other interventions emphasized justice, remembrance, and critical thinking. Lawyer Richard Gisagara spoke about his involvement in trials of genocide suspects in France since 2014, stressing the need for continued vigilance as time reduces the number of witnesses and defendants.
Testimonies from Jean de Dieu Uwizeye and other diaspora youth showed how inherited narratives and propaganda still shape perceptions, underscoring the importance of engaging directly with Rwanda to form an informed understanding of history.
The dialogue concluded with a shared conviction; when memory is approached with responsibility and empathy, it can become a driver of collective resilience.
The gathering reflected the determination of a diverse yet united diaspora to contribute to Rwanda’s future by transmitting truth and strengthening intergenerational cohesion.
The Rwandan diaspora in Europe recently gathered in Paris for a sociocultural dialogue. After years of misinformation, Barebe Niringiyimana returned to Rwanda and launched a promising project.Bryon Mutijima encouraged diaspora youth to use social media to share the truth and take advantage of entrepreneurial opportunities in Rwanda. Gatete Olivier spoke about the role of social media and how young Rwandans living or raised in Europe can use it to access reliable information.Jean de Dieu Uwizeye and young diaspora members highlighted the importance of visiting Rwanda to form one’s own understanding of history, countering propaganda and inherited narratives.Lawyer Richard Gisagara emphasized the importance of justice and memory in genocide trials and urged Rwandans to stay engaged. Nubuhoro Eugénie also shared her experience as the child of a parent involved in the genocide. Raised in exile with hatred toward the Tutsi, she questioned her parents’ accounts and sought the truth from the Ministry of Unity and ReconciliationSenator Amandin Rugira gave testimony about his family and professional journey.Minister Nelly Mukazayire shared the complex story of her own identity
According to the seventh Demographic and Health Survey (DHS 7) conducted in 2025, the rate of teenage pregnancies increased from 5% in 2020 to 8% in 2025, signaling a worrying trend. The study focused on girls aged 15 to 19, including those who gave birth before reaching adulthood over the past five years.
With support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Commission organized this campaign in secondary schools across nine districts: Nyabihu, Ngororero, Rutsiro, Kamonyi, Huye, Gakenke, Nyarugenge, Gasabo, and Kicukiro. Students are being educated on children’s rights and on the role young people can play in preventing and addressing this issue.
The Chairperson of the National Commission of Human Rights, Providence Umurungi, noted that several factors contribute to the rise in teenage pregnancies, including poverty, family conflicts, alcohol and drug abuse, risky behaviors, and limited access to information on reproductive health.
She emphasized that teenage pregnancies remain a major violation of girls’ rights in Rwanda, often leading to school dropout and jeopardizing their future prospects.
“Raising awareness among young people about their rights through schools is one of the key pathways to permanently eradicate this problem,” she said.
Students have welcomed the initiative. Mbabazi Hirwa Aklat, a second-year secondary school student, shared: “What I learned from these sessions is how to say ‘no’ when someone tries to pressure me into having sex. I also realized the importance of avoiding risky behavior that can lead to an unplanned pregnancy.”
The Commission indicated that the campaign will soon be extended to higher learning institutions and universities to broaden youth engagement.
Data from the Ministry of Gender and Family Planning show that 22,454 teenage girls were sexually abused and became pregnant in 2024. Trends reveal a generally rising pattern: 19,701 cases in 2020, 23,111 in 2021, 24,472 in 2022, followed by a slight decline to 22,055 in 2023.
Despite the slight drop in 2023, authorities note that the overall number of teenage pregnancies remains high, with many identified cases involving girls who carry pregnancies to term. The Commission’s school visits represent a strategic response aimed at safeguarding children’s rights and building a better-informed and more responsible generation.
Students were given the opportunity to ask questions on issues related to their rights.Students at GS Camp Kigali followed the message delivered by the National Commission for Human Rights on how to avoid unintended pregnancies.A school awareness campaign was organized to educate students on children’s rights and their role in preventing and addressing teenage pregnancies.The Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights, Umurungi Providence, urged female students to be cautious and to know how to refuse anyone trying to pressure them into sexual activity.
Among the speakers, Frank Kayitare, representing Interpeace, emphasized the importance of addressing legacies of the past with clarity and inclusiveness in order to reinforce community cohesion and resilience.
Speaking before an audience of youth and adults from various European countries, he highlighted the complexity surrounding the transmission of genocide legacies, such as trauma and hate ideology.
In his remarks, he explained that the concept of the intergenerational transmission of genocide legacies reflects a broad and often invisible reality.
According to him, what passes from one generation to the next can take multiple forms, ranging from trauma and silence to guilt, shame, and mistrust. These legacies, he noted, are transmitted both consciously and unconsciously, shaping individual and collective trajectories.
In response to this reality, Interpeace prioritizes the creation of safe spaces that foster dialogue between generations. Such forums enable participants to share their experiences, listen to others, and build mutual understanding in an environment grounded in respect and trust.
For the organizers, this approach represents a key pathway toward preventing memory divides and encouraging a more reconciled engagement with history.
Beyond the formal interventions, the event was enriched by personal testimonies, informal discussions, and cultural moments that strengthened the sense of belonging to a community shaped by diverse journeys yet united by shared memory.
Several participants welcomed an initiative that offers younger generations an opportunity to ask questions, engage with different narratives, and participate in a constructive process of transmission.
Speaking before an audience of youth and adults from various European countries, Kayitare highlighted the complexity surrounding the transmission of genocide legacies, such as trauma and hate ideology.The event held in Paris brought together over 500 Rwandans from across Europe for a sociocultural dialogue. Frank Kayitare, representing Interpeace, was among speakers.
NCBA underscored this commitment during a customer engagement forum in Rubavu attended by local government leaders, business owners, cross-border traders, logistics operators, and entrepreneurs.
The forum created space for practical discussion on the realities of running businesses in a border economy; working capital pressures, currency flows, digital payments, supply chain delays, and the need for financing that matches the speed of opportunity.
Rubavu’s identity is distinct. Where other cities are built primarily around domestic markets, Rubavu is built around movement of goods, people, and demand. It is Rwanda’s western doorway into the Great Lakes region, and a city whose economic pulse is driven by cross-border trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo. But Rubavu is changing.
“We are excited to collaborate with NCBA as we enter Rubavu’s next chapter of growth which is about shifting from a border town to a regional trade hub,” said Rubavu Mayor Mulindwa Prosper.
During the event, NCBA committed to supporting investors and enterprises in the district and held direct talks with manufacturers, processors, warehouse operators, distributors, and SMEs.
In his remarks, NCBA Rwanda’s Managing Director Maurice Toroitich agreed with the Mayor’s sentiments. “With our physical and digital presence across East Africa, NCBA is the right bank to enable entrepreneurs to scale trade beyond the traditional routes. We are present in Kigali, Kampala, Busia, Eldoret, Nairobi and all the way to Mombasa and that’s the same on the Dar-es-Salaam route. “So, for cross-border trade, import and export we can provide you with one experience wherever you are. We also have capabilities to connect you across Africa and the world,” he noted.
Re-anchoring growth on industry and urban redevelopment
The vice mayor in charge of economic development Nzabonimpa Deogratias also thanked NCBA for coming in at a critical time and taking initiative to collaborate with the area’s traders and industrialists.
“Rubavu is entering a different era,” Nzabonimpa said. “Trade will always be our strength, but industry is its multiplier. We are currently developing Rugerero Industrial Park which is a platform for value addition, jobs, and businesses that can scale beyond the district.” he said.
“We thank NCBA for its bold decision to drive multi-sectoral investments in Rubavu and invite our entrepreneurs to take these opportunities seriously. During our next forum, we will be taking stock of the commitments we make today,” he added.
Rubavu is not just growing, it is reorganizing. The city’s urban redesign signals an intent to modernize infrastructure, strengthen city planning, improve commercial order, and attract a new class of investment into hospitality, retail, and real estate development.
NCBA affirmed its commitment to backing this transition by supporting businesses and developers aligned with Rubavu’s masterplan, through financing for property development.
As Rubavu upgrades its physical form, the private sector must upgrade its capacity. That requires capital that is fit for purpose and financial partners like NCBA.
NCBA’s message in Rubavu was clear: this is not a transactional relationship, it is a long-term commitment to a city whose economy is strategic to Rwanda’s growth.
NCBA Bank Rwanda is a subsidiary of NCBA Group, a regional banking group providing a broad range of financial products and services to corporate, institutional, SME, and consumer banking customers. NCBA Group operates 115 branches in five countries ; Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast, serving over 60 million customers and ranking as the largest banking group in Africa by customer numbers.
In Rwanda, NCBA operates branches in Kigali, Musanze, Nyagatare, Rubavu, Kayonza, and Rusizi. Through its partnership with MTN Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd on MoKash, NCBA has attracted over 5 million customers, making it the country’s largest retail digital bank and a central catalyst for financial inclusion.
Rubavu Mayor Mulindwa Prosper expressed delight at collaborating with NCBA as the district enters the next chapter of growth.NCBA Rwanda’s Managing Director Maurice Toroitich speaking at the event.
The findings, published in the scientific journal Zootaxa, highlighted the extraordinary and still unfolding biodiversity of the Cardamom Mountains, where many species occur nowhere else on Earth, said the press release issued by the Ministry of Environment and Wild Earth Allies.
The species, Cyrtodactylus kiriromensis, belongs to a group of bent-toed geckos once thought to represent a single widespread species, the press release said, adding that continued research has since revealed this group to consist of multiple distinct, site-specific species found across the Cardamom Mountains.
The new species was observed on tree trunks, at the base of trees, on rock boulders near streams, and along forest trails at night in semi-evergreen forest, the press release said, adding that it is named after Kirirom National Park, a protected area in Kampong Speu Province characterized by pine forest, semi-evergreen and evergreen forest, and bamboo stands.
The park is a popular destination for visitors to the region.
“The discovery of new biodiversity species clearly confirms the critical importance of green cover within protected areas, which holds invaluable significance for both people and nature,” said Khvay Atitya, undersecretary of state and spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment.
“Protected areas play a fundamental role in conserving natural resources and protecting the environment, and in ensuring sustainability for present and future generations,” he added.
Wild Earth Allies Cambodia Conservation Manager Neang Thy said the discovery reminded that Cambodia’s biodiversity was still far from fully documented.
“Even in well-known protected areas like Kirirom National Park, there are species waiting to be recognized. Continued field research is essential to understanding and protecting the country’s unique wildlife,” he said.
Kamping Poi bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus kampingpoiensis). Credit: Hun Seiha / Fauna & Flora
