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  • Rwanda Women Leaders Network Launched

    Rwanda’s First Lady, Jeannette Kagame, this weekend officiated the birth of a new network of women leaders named; Rwanda Women Leaders Network (RWLN).

    The network is Aimed at encouraging women leaders in sharing their experiences and ideas maintaining their contribution towards Rwanda’s development.

    The event that attracted over 200 women was held at Kigali Serena Hotel on Saturday.

    RWLN was an idea of the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion and One UN Rwanda with the objective of connecting all women leaders and inspiring younger women.

    The First Lady speaking at RWLN launch pointed out that women owe power, wisdom, and ability to contributing positively to Rwanda’s development if given platform.

    Mrs. Kagame further challenged women to stand up and make positive decisions that will bring sustainability and development not only to their families but also the country as well.

  • Tension As North Korea Leader Dies

    Kim Jong-il
    South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) has today Placed placed all military units on emergency alert following the news of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s death on Saturday.

    South Korea’s officials said they may raise the “Defcon,” a five-stage combat alert level, from its current level of four to three, and may also increase the Watchcon, an anti-North Korea surveillance alert, from three to two. Watchcon two signifies a state of emergency with indications of a vital threat from North Korea.

    According to the JCS, the Master Control and Report Center (MCRC) at Osan Air Base, south of Seoul, which handles aerial monitoring and analysis, plans to ask for reinforcement by both South Korean and U.S. forces.

    Kim Jong-il died on Saturday of a heart attack aged 69. According to hagiographic official accounts, Kim Jong-Il was born on February 16, 1942 at Mount Paekdu, a sacred site to Koreans.

    However, independent experts say his birthplace was actually a guerrilla camp in Russia, from where his father was fighting Japanese forces who had colonised the Korean peninsula.

    He suffered a stroke in August 2008. Some reports say he also suffered from kidney failure which required dialysis, diabetes and high blood pressure.

    Kim defied widespread predictions of regime collapse as the communist state’s command economy wilted under its own contradictions and Soviet aid dried up in the early 1990s.

    In the mid- to late-1990s Kim presided over a famine that by some estimates killed one million — but he still found resources to continue a nuclear weapons programme culminating in tests in October 2006 and May 2009.

    North Korea regime faces increasing pressure from sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes and the parlous state of the economy. But the late leader’s state of health accelerated a perilous succession.

    Kim Jong-Il inherited power from his father Kim Il-Sung, the 100th anniversary of whose birth comes next year in another flashpoint date that has US and South Korean analysts watching on nervously.

  • Police Trains Special Forces

    Nasho, Kirehe DIstrict : 329 Police officers have completed a four Months special training course. The special training was concluded on Saturday.
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    The course participants were trained on special skills including; drills such as laying and beating ambushes, freeing hostages, individual tactics and self defence as well as shooting.

    During the pass-out ceremony, a group of police officers demonstrated skills in self defence and use of a variety of objects to fight the violent criminals.

    Inspector General of Police Emmanuel Gasana said, “Training police officers in different skills is our priority”.

    He explained that such skills help prevent and fight criminals. Gasana urged the police officers to put in practice skills and knowledge acquired from training to further ensure a secure and peaceful country for all.

    “Without security there is no development that is why security has always to come first,” Gasana said.
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  • Discipline is key, Kagame urges RPF Members

    President Paul Kagame and the chairman of the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) yesterday called on RPF party members to maintain high levels of discipline as it remains one of the key principles that guide the party.

    President Kagame in his capacity as the chairman of the ruling party told party members who had convened at the Petit Stade in Remera for the General Assembly which happens every two years that any acts that contravene the fundamental principles of the party dont only spoil the good image of the party but also impact on the well being of the people they are supposed to serve.

    He pointed that selfish acts such as corruption cannot be tolerated and that whoever gets to stray from that path will face the consequences, making it clear that the party is built on an all inclusive, participatory policy where all the citizens are not only part of the development process but equally share the benefits that come from the hard work and commitment.

    He warned that any leader who strays from the idea has strayed from the path of the party and has to be answerable of the consequences.

    In reference to the just concluded 9th National Dialogue, Umushyikirano, President Kagame said that the overall outcomes of the two-day meeting was an example of how Rwandans, regardless of their political difference, can come together to look for solutions to the challenges, adding that such an event should be reason for people to reflect on what they have to do and had a mindset change towards achieving that.

    Kagame told the assembly which was attended by representatives of recognised opposition parties and non-political government entities that the RPF took the decision to liberate the country because the regime at the time was using discriminative politics and that it will always stand for participatory politics as one of the key principles of RPF is to involve
    citizens in the decision making processes.

    President Kagame said that since it was founded, the RPF Political ideology was designed in a way that everyone was involved, observing that it is different to a football game where only 22 men on the pitch play and the rest who fill up the stadium are just fans who cheer the players on the field,saying that RPF acts as a team where everyone is involved.

    He highlighted that the outcomes of the national dialogue which were a result of the deliberations between leaders, citizens and all the parties in the political and development processes present a better opportunity for all to reflect and have mindset change focussed on the future of the country.

    President Kagame pointed out that while RPF rules a team, each and every person has their responsibilities which they must fulfill and if not, that person will be put to task to explain why they did not meet expectations while those who misuse their positions for selfish interest will be brought to book.

    Pointing out that no country in the world appreciates poverty among its citizens, President Kagame said that the all inclusive approach was adopted such that all Rwandans benefit equally from the development process and that citizens have what it takes to participate in the initiatives to eliminate poverty.

    He however, noted that when leaders divert from such principles to pursue selfish interests, such targets are never, warning party members against abandoning the original objective of the ruling party.

    He pointed out that every negative action by a party member is attributed to the party, issuing a stern warning that RPF is a party that will not allow such individual mistakes to soil the good image of the party, making it clear that it is important for all party members to conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, amongst themselves and in whatever they do for the country.

    Once again, despite Sheikh Musa Fazil Harelimana who was invited to the assembly defending his idea of a 3rd term of the incumbent, President Kagame came out clearly saying that RPF as a party is not built on an individual, observing that the main focus today should be addressing the challenges the country is facing, which is the main issue and there after “many Kagames” can come up to lead the country.

    Harelimana who is the head of the Ideal Political Party (PDI) who was among the other opposition party leaders that were invited to the assembly was recently put on spot by President Kagame saying that he should be the one answering questions of another term since he is the one who started the talk.

    The Sheikh who also doubles as the Minister of Internal Security defended his actions arguing that his idea was a result of a research his party conducted worldwide which showed that countries normally revise the constitution to allow a leader another term in office when it is deemed necessary.

    Also present at the biennial meeting were the president of the Senate and the Speaker of Parliament who are invited in their non-partisan capacities as well as representatives of recognised political parties in the country.

    Perhaps the invited guest who drew the most applause was Christine Mukabunani, the leader of Parti Sociale Imberakuri who noted that her once embattled party has overcome its challenges and it is now ready to partake on the national cake. Last year, the newly formed party was riddled with internal wrangles.

    The assembly was also an opportunity for the ruling party to elect new commissioners where necessary and also take disciplinary action where needed.

    The biennial assembly attended by all party representative at local government levels is also used by the party lay new strategies to consolidate the current development.

  • Unemployed Graduates Should Tap Into Rural Opportunities

    The ever increasing unemployment figures arising from high output of graduates from many universities in Rwanda threatens the social stability if not properly handled. Before 1994 graduates estimated at 1,900. Today, Rwandan university enrolment exceeds 60,000.

    Unemployed university graduates would be a formidable force in Rwanda’s rural transformation. Government should look into this challenge more urgently and critically especially providing special financial packages in form of access to bank credit to graduates that establish self help projects in the rural areas.

    Fresh graduates from universities continue to stay in urban centres especially Kigali city always hovering from office to office applying for white collar Jobs of which there are very few to cover competing tens of thousands of graduates.

    The government should establish infrastructure especially electricity and roads, telecommunication among others that could attract such graduates to rural districts of the country enabling them exploit their potential with less costs in the rural districts.
    Rural Home connected to electricity in the ongoing rural electrification program
    Graduates from specific rural districts should team up in form of cooperatives and associations to establish self help projects in their districts. This would most likely enable them access credit from rural banks to support their projects.

    Access to right and timely information is crucial in realisation of rural transformation of rural communities.

    Community radios require establishment in at least every District of Rwanda to address particular challenges in every district leading to quick community mobilisation to achieve desired change.

    Quality programming supported by young graduates from such districts could present a better resource in information creation vital for society transformation.

    Scalingup Rural electrification should be quickly considered supported by stable supply of electricity to enable the establishment of Information and Communication Technology centres and Laboratories in rural schools aimed at extending the accruing benefits of ICT services to the communities.

    Definitely the lack of ICT services in the rural setting are among the factors that contribute to the overcrowding of young university graduates in the City thus making rural districts as non compliant to their lifestyle.

    The lack of access to current information throughout rural primary school and colleges has resulted into the production of youths incapable of fitting into the current market demands that require ability to quickly communicate while navigating ICT tools.

    Currently in the rural areas there is an ongoing campaign of issuing loans of Frw1 Million to women. There is no proper sensitisation about this. The rural population claim its free donation from government to women. This means the money is going to be wastefully spent in case it’s granted.

    Rural banks have not done enough to make follow-ups on the projects funded by these loans. The loan beneficiaries have on many occasions been caught up in the middle of their projects which collapse shortly after establishment.

    This results into Banks filing lawsuits against loan defaulters who in the end lose all their worth in public auctioning of their property presented as loan security.

    This has broken up families and caused social unrest and crime. Business and finance graduates would be very instrumental in volunteering as Monitoring and evaluation officers in the rural areas.

    Rural Banks don’t seem to follow-up on how loan money is being used and on many occasions loans are used for weddings, buying household items and a lot of wasteful spending.

    The demand and supply of different services and products by the rural population is so high. University graduates should exploit the rural commerce opportunity to transform their lives at an affordable cost.

    The Agriculture produce seasons provide opportunities in an untapped commerce sector that dominates in the rural areas.

    Religious organisations would play a vital role in mobilising university graduates into rural areas to help rural population in acquiring vocational skills, wealth creation and agro- business.
    New Rice factory in Gatsibo District

  • Kigali Health Institute Awarded Best Health Institute in Africa

    Kigali Health Institute (KHI) has emerged as the best healthcare educational institute in Africa 2011.

    KHI was honored with The Africa – India Partnership Summit Le Matinal Educational Excellence Award which includes a trophy and citation in a ceremony that held at Sugar Beach Resorts, in Mauritius on 14th December 2011.

    The institute was recognized for its innovation, academic and leadership interface as well as the supreme objective of training healthcare professionals at the international standards.

    As explained by Dr. R. L. Bhatia, the Founder of World Education Congress, Le Matinal Educational Excellence Awards with World Education Congress & Asian Confederation of Businesses envisions making a difference to the Education Fraternity.

    “Our endeavor was to pay a tribute to temples of Learning and Gurus who shaped the destinies of future creators. The Le Matinal Educational Excellence Awards has been successful in doing so and we are proud of it.” Dr. R.L. Bhatia explains.

    The award is the highest honor to individuals and institutions that have surpassed several levels of excellence and emerged role models of exemplary leadership.

    The Ag. Rector of KHI commended the Africa -India Partnership Summit for having selected KHI among many other universities and added that the award is an encouragement to keep on doing more in training qualified health professionals for Rwanda and the whole Africa.

    She further reiterated that the institute is committed to offer efficient health services to its clients who come to her dental and physiotherapy clinics and medical laboratory diagnostic center.

    As requested by participants in that event, the World Education Congress will be held on 29th & 30th June, 2012 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. The congress will be themed on “Evolving Trends in education”.

    The congress will examine modern as well as traditional knowledge system and will further explore on how education can help develop mental, emotional and physical skills to help facilitate personal excellence as well as psychological and socio-economic wellbeing, in the challenging times the world faces today.

    It will also be an occasion for participants to offer some solutions on academic issues that affect an institution’s viability in today’s fast-paced business environment.

  • PSD Party Members Urged To Pay Pending Contributions

    The chairman of Social Democratic Party (PSD) Dr. Vincet Biruta has urged party members to pay their contributions on time since the delay is pulling back the party’s ambitions.

    He was addressing the party’s senior leaders in annual end of year meeting meant to review their challenges and areas that require improvement.

    Biruta also called for better management of PSD property amounting to Frw 50 million, “we have a building in Kimihurura which we rent offices, the revenue is used to facilitate our activities that’s why it needs proper care,” he said.

    The PSD political party also uses the revenues to build capacity among its members. “We have been training district representatives on better political lessons and next year we want to equip the youth with entrepreneurship skills.

    PSD party’s branches in various districts have opened bank accounts through which members channel their contributions.

    Mariam Ayinkamiye the PSD vice president in Bugesera district noted that most of the contributions are used for party’s activities. especially last year’s presidential campaign.

    “However, we lack an office making it hard to conduct party activities in an organized manner. However, Iam hopeful that if party members contribute on time we can build our own bureau. Ordinary members pay only Frw50 while leaders pay Frw 3000 monthly. We have over 200 members,” Ayinkamiye insisted.

    Biruta also challenged officials whom up to now have not presented tangible reports on how they used the party’s finances during the recent presidential elections period.
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  • GBV Hinders Development

    Huye District residents and all Rwandans in general should avoid gender-based violence (GBV) since it hinders development, an MP Winifilde Niyitegeka has argued.

    MP Niyitegeka said that when Violence persists in families it cripples their productivity hence becoming a barrier to sustainable development at large.

    Niyitegeka speaking at the closing the 16 days anti GBV campaign ceremonies were carried out in Kinazi sector, Huye District.

    “Violence is the enemy of development.” Winifilde Niyitegeka said while calling upon all Rwandans across the country to avoid violence at their homes in order to attain development goals.

    All the residents that attended the closing of 16 days of GBV campaign agreed that drug consumption was one of the factors that increase violence and vowed to fight the use of drugs in their communities.

    Within the ceremony, families that before were characterized by violence but have made some progress towards fighting and ending it, were congratulated, as well as some individuals who showed good will to fight gender based violence.

    ENDS

  • Pioneers Of Rwanda-India Partnership Graduate

    Kigali Institute of education (KIE) has held its first graduation of distant learning under Rwanda-India partnership where 50 students graduated in masters and PGDs.

    Rwanda Leaning Center hosted by Kigali Institute of Education (KIE) successfully facilitated students in MBA IB, PGD IT, and Masters of Finance and Control using Tele-Education.

    Tele-Education implies the use of electronic information technologies to provide education facilities to the students at remote locations.

    All students graduated in this program as students of Amity University based in India under the Pan African eNetwork.

    Tele-Education Coordinator Irenee Ndayambaje pointed out that the program with Amity University has been a weak up call to the use of ICT in educational purposes.

    Ndayambaje further recommended on the program saying, “the secret of this accomplishment has been humility, acceptance to go through trials and errors but with mainly joint efforts and determination to achieve the stated goal.”

    Commending the program Virginie Akimana who graduated in MBA International Business said, “E-learning started almost as a challenge to most of us. Before, it was a bit dark and many of us here were imagining remaining at work with no hope for further studies and promotion. But, it finally reached a level where everybody was taking pleasure in the learning environment. Video conference learning program made us as people from one global village whereby we had to discuss and share experience with students from other countries.”

    The graduation ceremony was held simultaneously in five African countries including Uganda and Malawi among others all affiliated to Amity University in India through Video Conferencing.

    An e-Learning center at KIE was established on 26th February 2009 (under PAN-African e-Network Project). KIE hosts the opportunity to provide e-Learning facilities using latest V-SAT technology.

    The basic objective of the PAN-African e-Network is to help Africa in capacity building by way of imparting quality education to students from some of the best Indian Universities, Educational Institutions, and to provide tele-medicine services by way of on line medical consultation to the medical practitioners in the patient-end locations from Indian medical specialists.

    ENDS

  • Government To Increase Implementation Of National Priorities

    The minister in charge of cabinet affairs Protais Musoni has said that implementation of national priorities will be hastened as a way to achieve the country’s developmental goals on time.

    He was briefing the media on the outcomes of the concluded 9th national dialogue.

    Musoni pointed out that the national dialogue was essential since it promoted accountability among leaders by giving space to the public to give their opinions especially on government based programs.

    The minister of local government James Musoni noted that views from the public are also considered in the formation of the coming year agenda.

    “We gather opinions from everyone, may it be from senior leaders, civil society, private sector, security officials and the general public.”

    He added, “Policy makers are always there to take note of interesting ideas while leaders also note problems at the same time there’re common agreements which are also considered in formation of the national plan,” he explained.

    Meanwhile, Anastase Murekezi the minister of Public Service and Labor (MIFOTRA) noted measures are being enhanced to strengthen the private sector through capacity building and assistance to access finance.

    “So far we’re training them on how to write good projects since it influences access to credit and we also provide mentors to guide them in management of their entities,” he remarked.

    He was reacting to concerns of the lack of partnership between local private sector and international firms.

    A good example is the recent partnership of Visa Company with government which is contrary to its trend of collaborating with private investors.

    Responding to the matter, the minister of finance John Rwagombwa insisted that partnering with Visa doesn’t necessarily mean that the local private sector is incompetent.

    “The agreement is in line with the government’s program of enhancing electronic payment system through the use of technology,” he said.

    The recent appointed minister of education and also the former head of senate, Vincent Biruta gave highlights on some of the plans aimed at improving the education sector.

    He also disagreed with rumors that boarding schools will be closed citing rather students who are in boarding schools away from their homes are advised to look for similar schools in their neighborhood, the aim is to have less students boarding so that learning institutions secure rooms to accommodate more students under the both free primary and secondary education.

    Biruta also disclosed that a revision of the syllabus was underway which will be followed by uniting all public universities in order to utilize resources.

    “We intend to have a major laboratory equipped with sophisticated tools.”

    ENDS