Igihe

Author: b_igi_adm1n

  • KCB Decentralises Golf Funding

    Kenyan’s that have been reigning as champions of the KCB golf tournament for the past few years will now play a vital role in the development of local professionals instead of focusing solely on the annual Kenya open tour golf or the PGA tour in South Africa.

    The East African KCB golf tour with local professionals from Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi this year will be reverting a Kenyan affair.

    The reason for this is due to change of structure of KCB bank that wants to decentralize its activities so that instead of having direct funding from Nairobi, other branches across the borders will be encouraged to fund their own tours that will be known as KCB Advantage Banking Challenge.

    KCB headquarters in Nairobi will be handling their own market because of the necessity to popularize local events before the tour returns to other countries in the East African region.

    There have been interests in other activities so that branches in Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda will come up with events and be able to fund them directly.

    The events played in the courses of Kampala, Arusha, Kenya and Kigali where seasoned Kenyan players such as Jacob Okello, Ali Kimani and others played against local professionals such as Greg sprout, Simon Ngigi, and Uganda’s Deo Akope who won the KCB East African Tour in Arusha in 2010.

    KCB’s director of marketing and communications Angela Mwirigi told reporters that golfers from Uganda and Tanzania will be invited for two events to be played at the Muthaiga Golf Club on February 29 to March 3 and the Grand Finale at Nyali Golf and Country Club on August 8 to 10.

    The event will feature six events with a total prize fund of Ksh6.4 million from which Ksh2.6 million will go towards administration and prizes for amateurs.

    The Nyanza and Nakuru events will have a prize tag of Ksh500, 000 each, while for the Muthaiga contest Ksh1 million will be set aside for the professionals.

    The grand cash prize will be Ksh3 million. The objective for the championship to grow to a level where it will attract top regional and continental golfers to Kenya as a destination for golf tourism, each country will be hosting its event supported by local branches in order to enhance regional growth both in banking and the game.

    There have been mixed reactions from professional golfers over KCB’s move, some players like Anil Shah Winner of the opener in Thika told reporters, he believes this is a good move for it will not only challenge players professionally but also improve standards in the game.

  • Burkina-Faso Comedy Fiction Film Screens in Kigali

    A Renowned Film Director Kollo Daniel Sanou brings to Rwanda’s big screen all the way from Burkina-Faso, a tragic comedy fiction film that will be held at The Ishyo Theater Hall screened this Tuesday evening.

    This comedy has been screened for free in the main hall at the Iysho center this evening.

    Film maker Kollo is the director of this hilarious masterpiece hails from Ouagadougou, the capital of the African film festival.

    A tragic comedy that also carries a very strong documentary background; the film “Tasuma” which means “Fire” also won the special award of the jury at the FESPACO of 2003.

    This 85 minute film which was screened in French with English subtitles, the film depicts the story of an ex soldier of the French colonial army who fought in the service of France in Algeria and Indochina.

    The film will be followed by refreshment which will be held in lounge.

  • Bank of Kigali Total Assets Grew By 47.4%

    The Bank of Kigali (BK) Board of Directors announced the 2011 full year financial highlights.

    The announcement was made today at Serena Hotel,Kigali saying that the bank’s net income of 2011 full year financial highlights comes up to 8.2 billion Rwandese Francs (us$13.6 million) A total of 33% increase since 2011.

    BK’s total assets grew by 47.4% making it a total of 291.3 billion Rwandese francs at the end of December 2011.

    BK has for over the last three years maintained its credit rating becoming the second domestic company to be listed in the Rwandan stock exchange.

    Since 2009 its recognition has only grown in stature, its recognitions shown through it awards ranging from, “Best Bank in Rwanda” by Emeafinance and the Bank of the year award by the Banker in 2011.

    The BK board of directors has formulated recommendation on the dividend policy in accordance with the law, as well as for the preparation of the AGM, where the AGM will adopt the dividend policy calling for the payout of 50% of the banks audited IFRS-based income of 2011, 2012 and 2013.

    Under tax law in Rwanda, dividends paid on ordinary shares which are listed on the Rwandan stock exchange are subject to withholding tax of
    5 % for resident taxpayers of Rwanda and the East African community.

    The forward looking statements and future expectations include but are not limited to; the general market, technological developments, competitive pressures, macroeconomic government policies, financial and credit worthiness of their customers as well as many other contributing factors.

    The date set for the AGM formally known as the Annual General Meeting will be held on the 27th of April 2012 which also coincides with the investor’s day.

    Some of the banks management’s key targets for 2012will be; return on average equity, total assets growth, gross loans by 2012 and its new branches that will be opened in 2012.

    With the increase in the percentage since 2011, the banks key targets will be used in order to ensure it maintains profitable growth while still maintaining its’ leading position in the Rwandan market.

    The presentation team consisted of the managing manager James Gatera and the chief operation officer Lawson Naibo made it clear that their presentation contains statements from the unaudited IFRS financial highlights of 2011 that constitute and relate to the implementation of strategic initiatives as well as the banks financial performance as well as its business developments.

    Gatera stated “ we are pleased to have been able to create shareholder value of over 6,000 shareholder by generating earnings per share of 12.29 Rwandese francs in 2011”, “ we relish the challenge of achieving the key management targets set for 2012 by the board of directors.

    Lado Gurgenidze, chairman finished by saying “Having completed the budget planning cycle for 2012, we look forward to continued success of the management team in delivering profitable growth”.

    The bank which had opened over 11 new branches in 2011 now has 12 branches.

  • Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Style!

    Today is that time of the year once again, Valentines’ Day! To some it’s the most highly anticipated day, for those who believe in Love! The Manor Hotel, has organized a party entitled: “Come experience how love tastes” this Tuesday, 14th, February 2012.

    As the whole world joins in celebration of this special day dedicated to the St. Valentine; lovers look for special things to give and do for their loved ones!

    Some lovers opt to take their loved ones to a place of their choice; or some turn to the experts to determine a place worth the Valentines’ day status quo.

    Then there comes in “Lovers Night” one of the parties that have been organized to facilitate all lovers in Rwanda to celebrate this special day.

    This event will take place at the Manor Hotel, with entrance at 50,000 Rwf while a couple will part with 30.000 Rwf; inclusive is a buffet and a glass of wine.

    The event starts at 18h00; and on the entertainment menu is a special live band performance of Zouk and Oldies music by one of Rwanda’s most popular band, Mico band. The will be supported by a performance from Rwandan starts such as Miss Shanel, Frank Johns and King James.

    Kalaos Media Design, are the organizers of this special Valentines event that will bring together all lovers under one roof to celebrate the special occasion, Valentine’s Day!
    lover_lover_night_manor_hotel.jpg

  • Districts Set to Benefit From Partnerships

    Huye district vice mayor in charge of Social Affairs Christine Niwemugeni has said that one way to accomplish performance contracts should be through partnership of districts since they can learn from one another.

    Vice Mayor Niwemugeni urged made the remarks on February 9th 2012, after a study tour carried out at Rulindo district by all district and sector staff members in charge of social welfare.

    The tour intended to emulate best practices of Rulindo as a role model. Delegates from Huye visited various activities in Rulindo including; radical terraces made to encourage land use consolidation policy, modern breeding and other activities.

    Delegates acknowledged they learnt a lot and promised to implement such best practices acquired during the tour. According to Huye vice mayor in charge of social welfare, the visit was like a mirror that permitted visitors to compare themselves to others.

    Niwemugeni noted that if all districts performed similar visits, this would quickly help achieving targets set in Performance Contracts for every district.

    Rulindo district Mayor Kangwagye Justus said such tours help people in exchanging experiences and promised Rulindo will also visit Huye to learn from its best achievements.

    The two districts agreed to enhance their partnership as one way to learn from each other in order to quickly and correlatively attain targets of their performance contracts.

  • Military Hospital Starts Special Medical Outreach

    A medical team led by Maj Dr Kayondo King from Rwanda Military Hospital has started a special medical outreach to Nyamiyaga sector residents in Kamonyi district.
    dsc_0038.jpg
    The medical care exercise that kicks off on 13th February shall provide free medical treatment to more than 500 children in five days at Mugina Health Center.

    Maj Dr Kayondo King said that this medical outreach is the second of its kind in Kamonyi District Rwanda Military Hospital uses its mobile clinic vehicles and staff to provide treatment to the needy in a remote area.

    He added that this special outreach is more reinforced in terms of equipment and specialties in pediatrics, ophthalmology, dermatology and dental.

    The military medical team is also using one of the mobile clinic vehicles with modern equipment that includes an Electro cardiograph to conduct heart examinations, an auto clave to sterilise medical equipment, an ultra sound to check internal organs of the body, refrigerator and an operating table, among other equipment.

    The mobile clinic is a donation of the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare.

    The medical outreach is organized jointly with Ministry of Health, Rwanda Military Hospital and Good Neighbors, a South Korean Non Government Organization operating in Kamonyi District.

  • Choosing Valentine’s Day Gift for Him

    ok-2.jpg
    Are you tight with the budget and not knowing what to get at affordable cost and the right Valentine’s Day Gift?

    Valentine’s Day can be a complicated celebration for some people because you want to make sure that you do as much as necessary in order to be appreciated for your effort.

    Valentine’s Day is such a lovable holiday especially if you have someone special in your life.

    However, how do you pick out the right gift for your man? Often time’s men make more money than women, so that buying an expensive gift may not be as special than you think.

    In fact, sometimes what you choose as valentine gift may have reflected his perception.

    Making the minimum such as a creative valentine day card and favorite treat makes difference. Other than that you need to make sure to choose a gift that your valentine would feel happy about. That may not be what you would like to give!

    Know him before choosing a gift. For example, do not buy your favorite expensive cologne that your ex loves to use. In addition, you want to make sure you to choose a special gift that you are thoughtful about not just cheap. Your Valentine’s Day Gift should make him happy for whatever it is.

    The most important thing is that you want to give him something thoughtful and most importantly appropriate for the level of your relationship such as how long you have been together and his personality.

    You can buy a nice pair of jeans or a perfume would cost you average Frw 20,000.

    If you don’t have money to splurge but you still want to make him feel special you can there you can buy a simple gadget for him.

    If you can’t spend a lot of money, you can choose an original gift. Valentine’s gift can be a handmade card or a gift certificate for the movie that he would like to watch.

    You can mix a music CD of all his favorite songs. Gifts can be inexpensive. The most important thing is he will be happy that you are thinking about him.

  • Australia Aboriginals Could Learn from Rwanda Trauma Healing

    Rwanda’s approach to healing trauma with tradition and culture could provide lessons for Aboriginal Australia, according to Prof. Jacqui Lavis, University of Canberra, Australia.
    aboriginals3.jpg
    Prof. Lavis was speaking at a public lecture and discussion sponsored by the Centre for Gender, Culture and Development at the Kigali Institute of Education attended by students, lecturers and members of the public.

    The lecture examined opportunities for cultural and traditional approaches to trauma healing in progressing the journey of healing in post conflict societies.

    “In Australian Aboriginal communities, traditional rituals and acknowledgement of traditional healing have either disappeared or gone ‘underground’.” Prof Lavis said.

    “After traumatic events many people experience posttraumatic stress disorder, feelings of shame and guilt, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, loss of trust, family breakdown and ongoing violence”.

    According to Prof Lavis, traditional healing practices could focus on the ways that ritual and ceremony can address trauma reconciliation, cultural reinstatement and the building of resilience.

    This spiritual process would involve strengthening and re-connecting with identity, language, land, dance and song.

    Rwandan society has embedded some aspects of its continuing traditions in everyday life, but emerging research has shown that traditional healing practices in this country could further enhance community resilience and development.

    In both Australia and Rwanda there are significant opportunities for further field research on these important topics to establish where traditional practices are still in use and their value in enhancing personal health and wellbeing.

    The main questions raised by participants in the lively discussion that followed were ‘Can trauma be healed?’, ‘Does improving access to economic resources foster trauma healing?’, Can there be reconciliation while there is economic disparity?’ and ‘Are there different types of trauma– is there a difference between a protracted period of oppression and catastrophic events ?’

  • THREE University Scholarship Opportunities You Should Know About

    If you want to study in the US or England, of course you will find that it’s complicated! After all, you are leaving the education system you are familiar with and trying to show that you deserve to attend university in a different country.

    However, if you have the qualifications for the programs below, these are the best ways to attend an international university on a scholarship. For now, here is information on two opportunities at the master’s degree level, and one more at the undergraduate level!

    See the attachments at the end of this article for full information on each of the first two scholarships — and remember, if you don’t yet fully qualify for these scholarships, there are things you can do over time to improve and apply as a qualified student which we will discuss in a future column.

    1) Master’s degree scholarships – United States – Fulbright Junior Staff Development Program.

    Funded by the United States government, the Fulbright Scholarship program is the best way for foreign students to get a master’s degree in the US, if they qualify. In 2011, Fulbright sent 10 Rwandans to the US to get master’s degrees.

    These professionals include 5 English professors at various Rwandan univerisities, and 5 professionals from a variety of sectors who have great ideas for projects that will contribute to the development of Rwanda.

    Key requirements include: good professional experience (at least 2 years), complete application and successful interview

    TOEFL and GRE scores are also required.
    For more information (and to see the application instructions for English professors): contact the US embassy library or public affairs section
    Applications are due in March 2012. See a link to this year’s Call for Applications at the end of this page.

    2) Master’s degree scholarships – England – Rwanda Cambridge Scholarship
    A new opportunity offered by the University of Cambridge and the Ministry of Education for the first time in 2011, this scholarship is open to any Rwandan who meets its high standards.

    The first group of applications were due in December 2011, so look for the next application to be due in late 2012, with students starting at Cambridge in mid-2013!
    See the end of this page for the 2011 announcement.

    3) Undergraduate scholarships – United States – Apply to universities in the US as a qualified student
    In the US, it’s the individual universities that give scholarships, depending on their budgets and on how many scholarships they can afford.

    This will be the focus of a full column in the future, but if you are an outstanding secondary school student, you should know that it is possible to apply to US universities as a regular candidate.

    If the school agrees that you are qualified and accepts you, then they will give you a scholarship according to their policies – and at the best schools in the US, these scholarships are often guaranteed, even for international students.

    To win admission and scholarships to the best US schools, you will need:

    – great secondary school grades from S-3 to S-6 (ideally you should be in the top 3 of your class)
    – great national exam results for A-levels
    – excellent spoken and written English, backed up by a score of more than 600 on the TOEFL exam
    – high SAT scores, if possible more than 1800 out of 2400
    – a record of activities at school and in your community that shows that you will be a good community member in the US

    In practice, it is difficult for even the best students to achieve all of this by the end of S-6, so you may want to apply for a transition year program, which will give you one more year of school and help you show you are a qualified candidate to apply to the US.

    Currently, Bridge2Rwanda Scholars is the only program in the country offering this kind of program, but we are going to put as much of this program as possible on Igihe.com so that students all over Rwanda can begin to prepare to apply to the US even when they are still in secondary school!

    So what are 3 universities in the US that currently say they will meet international students’ full financial need if they accept them? Harvard, Johns Hopkins and Dartmouth – but there are many more schools in this category, if you have the scores, grades and English to apply as a qualified candidate.

    For more information on Bridge2Rwanda Scholars, please see:
    http://en.igihe.com/spip.php?article1705

    Want more information on this or another subject related to international education? Ask us a question in the comments section!

    Contact the Bridge2Rwanda International Training Centre. We are located on the first floor of Telecom House, or you can write us at joris [at] bridge2rwanda.org.

    http://www.cambridgetrusts.org/documents/en/Rwa/Rwanda_Cambridge_Scholarship_information_sheet_April_2011.pdf

    Link for Fulbright 2012

    http://www.google.com/search?q=Rwanda+Fulbright+2012&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

  • Patients not Contented with Services at Kabgayi Hospital

    Patients admitted at Kabgayi hospital aren’t contented with the service rendered to them at the hospital. This was revealed during commemoration of a global patient day at Kabgayi hospital.

    Among the patients noted that the physiotherapy department hasn’t been operating for the past week. “Some of us don’t have wheel chairs for instance.”

    However, Osée Sebatunzi, the director of Kabgayi hospital refuted the claims adding that services at the hospital had improved especially with the introduction of suggestion boxes.

    “I personally make surprise visits to patients and ask them about their welfare and how they think about services provided to them,” he said.

    Kabgayi hospital receives over 400 patients daily.it consists of a staff of 106 nurses and 16 physicians.