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  • Diaspora Career Day underway

    {{Job in Rwanda Ltd, an online recruitment agency operating in Rwanda, collaborating with Wakening Abilities for the Future (WAF), a Belgian based association of Rwandan Young Professionals have organized their 1st edition of the Rwandan Diaspora Career Day.}}

    Speaking to igihe.com, Grace Nyinawumuntu one of the organizers said that the main objective of the event is to discuss about career perspectives in Rwanda and analyze how professional and knowledge skills of members of Diaspora and others in the country could be exploited in consultancy contracts.

    “We intend to see employers in their stands during the day, meeting and discussing with people that intend to work in different organizations but has no way to access them and to create good environment of job opportunities,” Nyinawumuntu pointed out.

    She added that over 20 local organizations have already registered to participate in the event adding that others are still coming in.

    “Are you looking for a UNIQUE opportunity to sell your professional skills to companies operating in Rwanda? Or are you just interested to get an idea about what kind of career perspectives are available in your homeland? This is it! A “Rwandan Diaspora Career Day” … Come and meet employers from different sectors in ONE place,” a statement on Rwandan Diaspora Career Day 1st Edition Facebook account reads in parts.

    The Diaspora career day also gives a link guiding whoever wants to register saying use www.rwandajobday.com and click on “Diaspora Online Registration Desk” with a deadline December 15, 2011 adding that, “Together, let us inspire careers in Rwanda”.

    “Fantastic, thanks for the amazing initiative,” one Hugui U. Bitega commented on the Facebook. “Wooow it sounds great,” another Marie Grace added.

    The event is also organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Service & Labor and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Cooperation, and it will take place on December 19th, at Kigali Serena Hotel, under the theme, ‘Inspiring Careers in Rwanda’.

    {{ENDS}}

  • Teenage Boys Drown In Nyabarongo River

    {{Authorities in the Districts of Karongi and Ruhango are carrying on an intensive operation in search for the two young boys who drowned in river Nyabarongo.}}

    Sources say that Vianney Nafashimana 12, and Patrick Hitimana 13, both from Ruhango District went missing after said to have gone swimming at the river that separates the two Districts.

    According to their parents, they had not recognized the absence of their children not until late in the evening hours when the boys couldn’t come back home for supper.

    “We were not aware of their whereabouts until some people told us that they saw them swimming in the river, so we suspect they could have drowned,” one parent of the missing boys said.

    Kinihira sector Executive Secretary Ernest Uwimana, where the incident occurred said that as per yet no chances of discovering the bodies of the boys since the river has high running water.

    {{ENDS}}

  • Gov’t Officials Intervene To Curb Mudslides,Floods

    {{Top government officials including Police,Rwanda Defense Forces and residents, this weekend participated in an impromptu {Umuganda} (communal service) aimed at curbing soil erosion.

    They and dug 45 of 85 hectares of land on the hill slopes of Jali Cell, Gatsata sector, in Gasabo District.}}

    The Saturday special Umuganda was part of government initiative to dig terraces on all hills that surround the capital to prevent soil erosion and provide lasting solution to mudslides and floods of river Nyabugogo that have blocked roads for the past few days.

    Speaking shortly after the activity, State Minister for Primary and Secondary education Dr. Mathias Haberamungu acknowledged the big turn up and the work well done.

    He urged residents in the area to protect the environment adding that environmental protection should go hand in hand with participating towards national security, hygiene as well as self-esteem.

    Haberamungu commended both RNP and RDF for their intervention during disasters and their commitment to protect the environment.

    He further called on citizens to be self reliant and always take the lead in finding solutions to their problems.

  • Teenage Girls voices Heard over Radio Program

    {{The new weekly radio show Ni Nyaminga also publishing a free bi-monthly magazine aims at inspiring and enabling Rwanda’s teenage girls aged 10 – 19 to reach their full potential.

    Ni Nyaminga distributes its magazines countrywide in order to create awareness to the targeted group and to have their voice heard.}}

    Speaking to IGIHE.com, Thornley, Brand & Communications Manager, Girl Hub Rwanda the initiator of the project, a day prior to the end of the road shows said the main objective in this context was to tour the country with popular artists and entertainers while giving away free copies of the magazine in order to let the age group where ever they are in the country know the importance of Ni Nyaminga for their lives.

    Commending the initiative, Rwanda’s popular female singer, Miss Jojo said, “I am so glad that teenage girls in Rwanda can now have their voices heard, I think the innovation will change girls’ social behaviors.”

    Nadia Umutoni aged 16 years and one of the Ni Nyaminga radio show presenters motivated by the project said, “I can now stand firm and speak without fear and I believe I will change the lifestyle of my age mates.”

    According to Clementine Barada, Ni Nyampinga radio Producer, the initiative is also about fostering a culture for girls that gives them space, time and tools needed to experience their teenage years in the most positive way.

  • Varsity Students Accuse Lecturers Of Absenteeism

    {{The management of National University of Rwanda (NUR) has dismissed complaints from students over continuous absenteeism from lectures.}}

    NUR spokesperson, Christophe Kayumba disagreed with the complaints adding that the teaching process was in tandem with the timetable.

    Students’ representative who spoke to IGIHE.com on condition of anonymity noted that they had discovered the lecturers are carried away with private matters. Yet they set examination questions from topics they didn’t introduce to students as a way to mislead the management.

    “One of the lecturers told us he won’t be around for two weeks citing his private business was more important.”

    Nadine Umuhoza a student at the varsity disclosed she gets stressed prior to exams since the rarely seen lecturers compile a lot of work to them perhaps to cover up for their absence.

  • Kenyans In Rwanda Celebrate Jamhuri

    {{The Kenyan High Commissioner Rose Makena Muchiri has called for more cooperation between her country and Rwanda, a move meant to spur the region’s integration process.}}

    Addressing Kenyans and friends at the 48th Independence Day (Jamhuri) celebrations held at her residence, Muchiri commended the collaboration especially those that are development-focused.

    “On such a day we celebrate heroes who fought four our independence in 1963 and it is time to reflect on our success and challenges and discuss ways of improving our relations with our neighbouring countries,” she said.

    She explained that Rwanda and Kenya are like sisters. It is a high time everyone feels at home especially local traders whom I assure we’re yet to eradicate non-tariff barriers that have been a challenge to their business, “At the moment tough measures are being enhanced to punish those demanding bribes for instance.”

    The chairman of Kenyan community in the country, Boniface Mutua commended members for being cooperative particularly in taking part in some of the government’s initiatives like the monthly communal cleaning (Umuganda).

    Mutua has embarked on a campaign encouraging Kenyan companies based in the country to offer contributions meant to support the vulnerable during the festive season.

    Next year, the association ‘All Kenyans in Rwanda’ (AKR) together with similar associations from the region, will select a project meant to eradicate poverty in Rwanda, later the same will be replicated in poverty stricken areas in the region.

    “So far we have talked to some officials from East African member states and they have agreed to the cause. We should start working as a team to achieve big,” he advised.

  • Rusizi Coffee Ranked Best 14 Worldwide

    {{Rusizi coffee has been ranked the best 14 in a global competition, the berries are processed by a factory owned by a cooperative of coffee farmers known as Tuzamurane (develop each other).}}

    Marie Claire Niwemugeni, the executive secretary of Gitambi sector where the cooperative is located commended efforts enhanced by farmers in the territory’s coffee plantations.

    “So far we have a million coffee trees and this couldn’t be achieved without the role of the private sector, I once again laud your efforts hoping you will improve your work to have even better produce,” she encouraged.

    A representative of the private sector, Pierre Munyura was quick to encourage his colleagues to see the award as a wakeup call by avoiding reluctance amongst them.

    “Just see how many of us have better livelihoods than the time they joined the cooperative, that’s why I insist we need to work harder if we’re to sustain this success,” he said.

    The chairman of Tuzamurane cooperative Fiacre Nzagirante supported Munyrura’s idea and suggested members to contribute in the construction of a water channel to the plantation and renovate power transmitters all expected to cost Rwf 30 million.

    “We’re 53 members and these facilities benefit our interests so we need to cooperate, even the road network is poor, we really need to work hard so that by March next year everything will be running smoothly,” he remarked.

    Most of Rusizi coffee is exported to Japan, a kilo costs US$ 19.

    {{ENDS}}

  • 9th National Dialogue in photos

  • Looking Back At The 8th National Dialogue

    {{As the country gets set with the 9th National Dialogue (Umushyikirano) scheduled for December 15-16, Igihe.Com team takes you back at the resolutions adopted at the last 8th National Dialogue.}}

    After two days of deliberations at the Parliamentary building, development process and assessing the performance in 2010, the house set targets for 2011.

    President Paul Kagame chaired the event during which the former Prime Minister Bernard Makuza presented a report on the implementation of the 2009 resolutions.

    Last year’s edition attracted representatives of the central and local government, legislators, the private sector, civil society, religious leaders, development partners, Rwandan Diaspora as well as Diplomatic corps.

    The dialogue was also broadcast live on national radio and television and close to 100, 000 people followed the proceedings online. The public was able to participate through text messages and phone-in interventions.

    The Resolutions

    Following the lengthy discussions, the house adopted a number of resolutions to be implemented in the next one year on the economy, good governance and social welfare.

    Economy

    Umurenge SACCO generated a lot of debate regarding it performance and progress. It was cited that the cooperative was yet to attract a large membership base. It was therefore resolved that leaders, at all levels, mobilise people to join the programme which is aimed at encouraging the saving culture.

    It was agreed that the masses be encouraged to “own” the SACCOs and also understand that they are for their own benefit.

    Also agreed was the need to increase the capacity of microfinance institutions to increase savings and lending especially in rural areas, as a way of supporting investment in rural projects like agriculture.

    The house agreed on new measures of water harvesting to increase irrigation in marshlands and on hillsides in a bid to support agriculture especially at the time when rain is increasingly becoming unpredictable.

    During the National Dialogue, the private sector was called upon to take part in the plan to see at least 100, 000 hectares of land put under irrigation over the next seven years.

    It was also agreed that the youth savings scheme COOJAD be merged with Umurenge SACCO to make it more effective and also boost Umurenge SACCO membership and financial resources.

    Among other things, government moved to claim all marshlands with a resolution that all people settling in marshlands be moved to upland areas with immediate effect. The decision was based on the need to reserve marshland areas for strictly agricultural purposes.

    Also dominating the dialogue were high fuel and food prices particularly in the City yet rural farmers were failing to get market for their surplus produce, hence the need to create immediate supply chains by all the parties involved.

    Good Governance

    On good governance, it was noted that there was a need to streamline and strengthen measures to fight genocide and the genocide ideology as well as the need to urgently look into welfare of genocide survivors.

    The immediate need to look into the state of genocide memorial sites was highlighted, with a call to all district authorities to take up the responsibility.

    On decentralisation, it was resolved that all levels of governance and with in the private sector, leadership should be brought closer to the people through good customer care initiatives aimed at developing all Rwandans in general. Bad service was condemned.

    Following the participation of over 30 members of the Rwandan Diaspora, it was agreed that all Rwandans still in exile be encouraged to return home and “see” with their own eyes the “new Rwanda” and thereafter consider returning home.

    Social Welfare

    It was resolved that Kinyarwanda language be allocated enough time on the curriculum to allow Rwandan children time to know their culture and language.

    A need to make sports compulsory on the curriculum for healthier children was highlighted.

    The government and its partners set themselves a goal to eradicate poor housing, particularly grass-thatched houses, atleast by the end of 2011.

    Major among other recommendations was the need to involve parents, through their associations, to work hand in hand with teachers to monitor the education progress of their children as part of the plan to have parents pray a key role in the education of their children.

    Special attention was also put on the need to increase the numbers and capacity of Vocational Training Schools (TVET) to encourage hands-on skilled training.

    The Ministry of Sports and Culture was tasked to establish the “Kinyarwanda Parliament” to be established by the Ministry of Sports and Culture by 2011 while the urgent need to fast track the 12 Year Based Education was identified among other recommendations.

    Details will be posted on both of our English and Kinyarwanda versions keep loged in to Igihe.Com for information about the 9th National Dialogue.

    {{ENDS}}

  • All set for the 9th National Dialogue

    This Thursday 15th December, all roads will lead to the Parliamentary buildings as the nation once again comes together for the annual national dialogue commonly known as Umushyikirano.

    The 9th of its kind, the 2011 National Dialogue is to bring together central and local government leaders, the civil society, diplomatic corps, the private sector as well ordinary citizens and Rwandans from Diaspora.

    According to the Minister of Cabinet Affairs Protais Musoni, this year’s national dialogue will act as a platform to assess the country’s progress as well as lay new strategies that will guide the country towards a fast-tracked development path.

    “This year’s National Dialogue will take place between 15th and 16th December and it will be an opportunity for us to handle issues which are of importance to the well being of Rwandans,”

    “We will also use this opportunity to evaluate the progress in the implementation of the recommendations from last year’s dialogue and the goals we set for ourselves. The President of the Republic is expected to guide the discussion,” Musoni said in an interview with IGIHE.com.

    Minister Musoni said that the full programme to cover the two-days is yet to be released but noted that it is expected to be highly interactive will Rwandans and non-Rwandans participating on phones and online.

    “It is going to be highly interactive. Rwandans will participate through phone calls, text messages and online forums where the dialogues will be streaming live. It will also be live on the National TV and on several radio stations and websites,” Musoni said.

    It should be noted that last year over 100, 000 Rwandans participated by calling in on a live call-in telephone line and a direct SMS line as well as on internet. The dialogue was also streamed live, especially for Rwandans in the Diaspora on http://www.umushyikirano.gov.rw/ and www.orinfor.gov.rw.

    Musoni said that this year the number is expected to increase as more and more Rwandans gain access to internet and mobile phones.

    The Cabinet Affairs Minister noted that the Prime Minister is expected to present a report on the implementations of the resolutions adopted during the 8th dialogue in the areas of the economy, good governance and social welfare.

    Pertinent among the issues raised last year was the implementation of the anti-Nyakatsi programme, a government initiative to eliminate grass-thatched houses which had raised eye brows over the procedure used and the mismanagement of the resources set aside for the programme.

    Also major among the issues raised was the performance and progress of Umurenge SACCO programme which was yet to attract a large membership base.

    It was resolved that leaders, at all levels, mobilise people to join the programme which is aimed at encouraging the saving culture. Also touched were issues affecting the agriculture sector as well as 12 Year Basic Education.

    The National Dialogue is mandated by the 2003 Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda. It is convened by the Head of State, bringing together all major stakeholders in nation building. The first was held in 2003.

    Igihe.Com is committed to be your number one source of news and information on the forthcoming 9th National Dialogue. We will update you on the progress made so far and what you should look forward to as we approach the d-day.