Category: People

Failure and or prolonged delay in issuing upkeep funds is forcing several government sponsored students quiting school after failing to cope with resultant challenges including failure to secure food, shelter and other requirements.

IGIHE.com carried out a random and quick survey at various schools tracing complaints from students about what they describe as horrible conditions that force some of them dropping out school.

Students also told IGIHE.com that among their challenges include delayed upkeep funds.

At the school of Finance and banking few of the students were willing to talk about their living conditions, some asked to remain anonymous citing stringent repercussions.

A beneficiary of Student Financing Agency for Rwanda (SFAR) at the school of Finance and banking Karangwa (not his real name) in his third year said that he was financially supported for only two years. He noted that while in his second year things had already started to deteriorate.

SFAR had allegedly encountered problems and students were made to wait for the money. This made living conditions complicated for there was no money to help them survive.

“Now am in my third year and it is worse than ever, the delays are longer and some of my friends have been told that they haven’t been listed yet we were all listed last year”.

“what has happened to our money, and what will happen to us if they refuse to acknowledge our names, this is not right and something should be done about it”

Peter Gishumba a student at Kigali Institute of Education told IGIHE.com that government gives students’ money to Ecobank. However, once the money is in the hands of the bank, students don’t see the money for weeks.

He adds, “The claims made by the bank and SFAR are that they are encountering delays in receiving the money yet the money is supposed to be in the bank, so where is it and doesn’t the government think there is something wrong with this system?”

IGIHE.com also travelled to Gitarama and noticed students roaming the streets as if they have nothing to do. At lunch hours restaurants are shunned and only a about three or five students can be seen sharing a meal.

Felix Rwigema, a 2nd year student noted that living conditions have worsened since last year, “last year we were told to wait for SFAR that had been dealing with some problems, we are still waiting and while we do that we starve in the process.”

Another student shared his frustration saying, “many times we are sharing rooms with our classmates whom have homes here, because we don’t have money to rent on our own”,

Sylvia Umutesi a journalism student said “having to choose between lunch and dinner is how we survive. Is this why we must suffer in the name of receiving education from a government that has offered to help us, where is the help we need now?”

Incquired about students that have quit school because of these problems, she narrated of a case of a student Patrick Ndasabimana who quit school last year while in his second year and turned to Motorcucle taxi.

Ndasabimana told his friends that he would not survive another year in those conditions and would rather find a job that will at least give him shelter and food. Patrick can be found sitting on his bike near the taxi park, waiting for clients, and in the evenings sitting in pubs with his former classmates.

Thus students are requesting government to find a better way of handling their scholarship funds. By press time SFAR officials were not available for comment.

Despite his physical disability condition, Jean De la Croix Nikwigize 14 says nothing will stop him from achieving his dream of graduating as a Journalist.

Teachers at Gatagara school for disabled are impressed with the academic performance of Nikwigize. He uses his toes to write and doing most of his daily chores.

Nikwigize is in his 6th grade of primary education. He wants to study and acquire a degree in journalism.

“Nothing will stop me, writing is my passion and that’s why I want to be a reporter,” he said.

His teachers are optimistic that he will pursue his dream since he has been performing well both in science and grammar subjects, yet in physical exercises lessons Nikwigize still amazes his tutors.

Nikwigize plays soccer during his leisure time. He prefers the field position of midfield. Many of his fans admit that Nikwigize is good at football.

“He knows how to juggle the ball, and often takes advantage of the second half to pull his stunts since most players are tired,” said his friend Shaban.

Nikwigize claims that his talent of using his legs is a blessing to his life since no one taught him. “my mother told me that while I was growing up I developed an interest of using my toes and one day I shocked my mum when I fed myself by lifting a spoonful of food using my toes.”

However, he discourages people that undermine other people living with disability since the stigma instills an attitude of inferiority complex to some disabled people hence discouraging them from exploiting their talents.

“I urge those with physical challenges like me, to stand up tall and make use of their abilities.”

The article was first published in KIGALITODAY

A photo will always answer more than a million questions. The Photo tells a true story without uttering any words but it drives the message home quite precisely and clear.

what does this photo mean to you?

America’s street king Rapper and actor 50 cent is traveling with officials from World Food Program where they visited Somalia camps holding internally displaced people (IDPs) who escaped clashes and droughts in their region.

50 cent interacted with children, youth, men and women living in the camps and posed for some pictures.

The rapper joined the drought relief efforts in East Africa using Twitter, tweeting ” I’m gonna feed a billion people in Africa over the next 5 yrs,” adding, “It’s a big difference between being hungry and starvation I didn’t understand at first either you will catch on read about what’s going on.

This Valentine’s Day the global residents will have a chance to send a little love through donations to the hearts of children at “Urukundo Home for Children” through the Hearts for Rwanda art show and exhibition.

Urukundo Village of Rwanda is Located in Gitarama. Urukundo Home for Children is a refuge for orphans of genocide and HIV/AIDs. It will be celebrating their opening this Saturday night from 7-9 P.M at a show that will feature pieces of art, created by the children themselves.

Arlene Brown a 79-year old American, who runs the orphanage and clinic for the children and the surrounding community, says they receive their donations through “Hope Made Real” from the United States as well as other private donors.

“Hearts for Rwanda and Valentine’s day is the perfect coincidence, for this season is all about one thing—love” said Mrs. Brown, “Valentine’s Day is more than just saying to someone, ‘I love you,’ it’s an expression of love.”

Each work of art will have a suggested donation of $20 a piece for every purchase.All the funds will go directly to help the children of the Urukundo Home for Children in Rwanda.

One of the famous pieces is one of twins whom were recently tested for AIDS, while one twin was diagnosed, the other was not.

“I sent over plain canvas pieces and they drew and colored,” Brown said of the children. “They sent it back to me, and I enhanced the color in some places, and then put it on simple wood.”

The pieces can be placed anywhere in the homes of the buyers. They include depictions of mixed Hearts, Rwandan flags, African themes and many different fabrics like metal pieces and more are featured in the art.

“Donations are welcome from all. Visit our website and findout how you can donate or even volunteer, this is not only for those who were not able to get a piece of art but most importantly for the children of Urukundo village.

A father has sworn never to booze anymore after he drunk himself silly, lost his senses and causing panic in the family.

In a true story and not fiction as it might sound, Gaspard Nsabimana 45 a local taxi driver resident in Muhima normally retires home late every evening. After a days work, he enjoys a few beers with friends before finally returning home.

He is married to Agatha with whom they have a son of 4 years named Sebastian.

However, on 8th February, Nsabimana and wife woke up to the shock of their lives when they could not see their son in the house.

Earlier on 7th February Nsabimana woke up at 6am and left for routine work. Before he left, he told his wife that he would return home at 5pm to take Sebastian to saloon for a hair shave. Nsabimana had been promising his son a hair cut since the previous weekend.

One of Nsabimana’s monthly clients paid him that afternoon and headed straight at home at 5pm to pick up his son. He dropped his son at a local saloon located at Kinamba. Nsabimana also waited at a nearby bar having a few beers.

Unfortunately Nsabimana drunk himself silly before the son was done with the hair cut. He continued drinking and forgot all about the son until wee hours of the night.

However, Nsabimana’s wife retired to bed before father and son returned but though the son had been put to bed by the father. Nsabimana arrived at 1:00AM while the wife was already asleep. When she woke up in the morning, she noticed that only her husband was sleeping where their son’s bed.

Nsabimana’s wife screamed endlessly attracting local residents in the area. She physically kicked her husband demanding he gets out of the house to find their son.

Nsabimana was in shock himself and could not believe that he had forgotten his own son. He said it must have been the housemaid who was with their son that she normally took him along for walks whenever she went for shopping.

The couple waited for the maid to return as neighbors attempted to calm the wife that was already swearing and threatening to harm her husband bodily if she didn’t locate their son as soon as possible.

However, a local electrician identified as Lando Bizimana a neighbor and friend Nsabimana narrated to IGIHE.com how the child was found with his help.

As he was leaving home in the morning, he heard the commotion only to find his friend surrounded by people and an enraged wife. When Nsabimana explained to Bizimana what had happened,Bizimana reminded his friend that he had called him at midnight inviting him for a drink.

“I would have gone but I was tired. I remember him telling me that he was waiting for his son who was getting a hair cut at a saloon next to the bar.I found it strange that his son was getting a hair cut at that hour but didn’t mention it. So Nsabimana immediately remembered where the son was after listening to me”.

Nsabimana and Bizimana immediately drove off without telling anyone including his wife and returned an hour later with the boy in the backseat of the car, unharmed with a shiny bald head.

Nsabimana humbly apologised and thanked those that had kept his son for their generosity and paid twice the amount for the hair cut.

Nsabimana told everybody that he swears to cut off from the booze for he has learnt his lesson.

Residents of Ubutatu village, Agakomeye cell in Gatsibo district, after a long disagreement, allowed the cutting down of a historical tree known as ‘trinity tree’ to pave way for extension of electricity supply line in the area.

The decision was taken when Odette Uwamariya, the governor of the Eastern province was visiting the place in a way to collect the citizens’ ideas and problems.

Epaphrodite Nshimiyimana, the priest of Kiziguro catholic parish said that though the tree helped in explaining the holy trinity of God, there is no problem if it is cut off for the public interests as it cannot replace God.

He said, “The tree cannot replace God; if there is a general developmental interest, it has to be removed and it does not hinder our belief.”

In a letter written by Laurent Rutinduka, a priest now living in the southern province, he says that he is ready to take to court anyone who will cut down the tree without communicating to him for it shows God’s trinity.

According to Kiziguro sector authority, the tree is in a parcel registered in Rutinduka’s name.

This decision was taken after a long controversial disagreement over the tree. The tree has historical and religious beliefs attached to it.

At Nybugogo hero’s day was celebrated with all, officials as well as members of the community gathered at the centre du Marché for a short speech and later music and dancing, the speech was given by the executive secretary of Nybugogo sector.

With a grand population turnout, the people of Nyabugogo celebrated with enthusiasm, IGIHE.com interviewed some of the local residents and asked them what this day meant to them.

Faustian Ndaruhutse who works in the market as a charcoal vendor and is also a father of two told our reporter that this day signifies a good change in the attitude of Rwandans towards the importance of children.

Vestine Niraneza a vendor of groceries and a mother of four whose oldest daughter also works in the market said “this gives me hope that my children will be well taken care of no matter what kind of employment they pursue, for every parent worries about the welfare of their children, especially since many of them are now working to help their families”.

The Executive secretary of Nybugogo in her speech thanked all employees, workers, vendors and especially the children for their determination in helping Rwanda’s growth through their hard work.

She also encouraged all citizens to help in the fight against child abuse.

After the short but inspirational speeches the executive secretary told the residents “this day is your day, for everyone here is a hero, enjoy it and let us all remember those who have left us”

Shortly after the music and dancing commenced, and people from all corners begun to enjoy the evening through songs and stories, as others went to celebrate with family and friends.

Residents of Gikondo, Nyamirambo, and Kacyiru are unhappy with the service rendered by Local Defense (LDU) forces in their communities thus calling upon concerned authorities to intervene.

Some of the residents in affected areas have made formal complaints against the harsh actions by the local defense in their communities. IGIHE.com has investigated the claims.

A resident in Nyamirambo also a taxi driver only identified as Theoneste told our reporter that since his job requires him to drive around. “I have seen how the LDU beat people with buttons and I think it is appalling”.

Theoneste believes that the local community should do something about this before the situation gets out of hand. “There are better ways of dealing with these issues than by beating or threatening them. I have witnessed LDU mistreat food vendors and street children.”

Every household in a community pays a mandatory frw 1,000 monthly fee for neighborhood security. The is used to pay for the needs of the men and women that serve in local defense.

At Gikondo, residents complain that many of their Local Defense personnel lack uniform and this causes great confusion.

A local food vendor and resident of Gikondo Bernadette says she works till late hours of the night in order to get as many buyers as she can. This is her only source of income.

She told IGIHE.com, “I am always approached by the LDU without uniform. This scares me. I would ask those in charge to provide uniforms to the LDUs or some form of identification.”

Other residents complain of the level of competence of some LDU members that can’t read national identities and rather spend time asking unnecessary questions.

However, in the district of Kacyiru many of the residents are pleased with the work of the local defense.

Some Kacyiru residents told our reporter that Kacyiru has become a very safe place where people fell safe walking at night except for the rare occasions of robbers or the rowdiness caused by the people in the local pubs.

Mr. Saban who is the head of the local defense at kacyiru told IGIHE.com that the money that residents pay every month for security is a very small amount and has to be used wisely.

The cost for paying for uniforms, nutrition, health as well as salaries is much more than the total amount received at the end of the month and this may be the cause LDU may be acting improperly.

However, we believe that those who are not performing in accordance with laws should be reported to the police and dealt with.

Last Saturday shocking truth emerged just like in TV soap drama when a young gentleman realised that the lady he was about to say I do to in a church wedding can only be described as actually a liar, gold digger and a fraud. The gentleman is currently hospitalised.

The gentleman, who requested to be identified as only Ruhindo and his last name to remain anonymous, is in the prime of his age. He has had it all; a car, house, good job, the cash and all the love to give, but sadly Ruhindo ended up as the victim of gold digging.

Ruhindo works as a driver for a certain ambassador in Kigali. He has for the past one Year been happily engaged to a fraudulent lady until the eve of the wedding day when he discovered that everything he knew or thought he had known about the fiancé were bitter secretive lies.

The young lady, whose name is being withheld, was a student at national University of Rwanda. The lady and her boyfriend had been dating for over a year.

Ruhindo had helped pay half of the fiancés university tuition fees. He didn’t know that the young lady was actually spending the money elsewhere. Ruhindo was working in Kigali and his fiancé was mostly at the university. She unforgivably squandered not only Ruhindo’s money but also his good intentions.

Ruhindo had no doubts about his future wife. He would gladly take her wherever she wished to go. He would later after having fun with his fiancé, drop her off to a home near the National Police headquarters at Kacyiru where she claimed her relatives lived.

However, this eventually turned out to be a house belonging to Rhindo’s friend.

Before the bitter truth emerged, Ruhindo was confronted by one of the gentleman claiming to have been a boufriend to the lady. He also found out that she was a liar and a cheat and felt it was the right thing to do to tell Ruhindo about the woman he was about to marry.

Ruhindo had refused to believe the scandalous allegations against the fiancé. He insisted that the second boyfriend proves his allegations against the lady.

The second gentleman not only told Ruhindo the time and place in Kayciru where Ruhindo would drop off his finance, the number plate of Ruhindo’s car, telling him she had also lied to him that the car Ruhindo drove was her father’s car.

After the truth had finally set in, Ruhindo began piecing everything together. He questioned why he was never invited inside the house that was supposed to be her relatives. Why she would never show him any signs of public affection claiming shyness, and most importantly why she never allowed him to meet her friends or visit her in other places except her parents house.

Sadly the truth was revealed a little too late, for the groom and the bride were to be wedded the next day, when Ruhindo failed to get his fiancé to talk about it before the wedding. He was forced to confront her on the morning of the wedding.

After confronting her, he was expecting to find a devastated and apologetic woman. However, this wasn’t what he saw, before him was a woman who gave several excuses for her undue behaviour by telling him that she was seeing other people because she had to be sure of what she wanted. She never asked for forgiveness.

Without blinking an eye lid, she told Ruhindo that if he wasn’t interested in marrying her then he should be the one to tell her family. The family of the young lady that got on well with Ruhindo have claimed innocence in their daughter’s actions and sympathised with Ruhindo.

They swore they have no knowledge of their daughter’s whereabouts that had disappeared soon after the incident.

Finally what had started as a happy tale of a young man who had everything a woman would crave for until the most important thing of all was taken from him. Trust!

Ruhindo is currently in comma at a hospital surrounded by the family of the woman.