FRE
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15 O. 0 EN U e zin ISS againds” IL . R M P k M A Lin cting The onne
The
“C
Magazine
Issue 015. April 2015
MONEY,
not the answer to education progress:
Kagame GENDER:
ENVIRONMENT:
HEALTH:
LIFESTYLE:
Rwanda government committed to end Gender based violence
Climate change; How Rwanda positions itself to prevent its impact
Managing Your Periods as a Teen
Why locking hair rocks
CONTENTS
in this issue /contents
The Magazine
Issue 015. APRIL 2015
Education
ENVIRONMENT
6. Umwalimu SACCO
38. Environmental Preservation &
transforming teachers’ standards of living
8.
Money not the answer to education progress: Kagame
10. Boarding school; a home away from home
13. Tips for Career Success 14. Rwanda’s 2014 top academic editor
performer tells his success story
Conservation differentiations
39. Developing Natural Resources while Protecting the Environment
40. Climate change; how Rwanda positions itself to prevent its impact
42. Viva for ever; Rwanda 43. Basic tips to preserving the environment
Rutabingwa Edward
16. Why do youth drop out of
MEDIA & OPERATIONS
18. Campus life; a high risky road
44. AIDS in Higher Institutions of
20. Career plans: Students speak
46. Rbc in the sensitisation
Alex Kamanda
contributors Richard Mugarura Saturday January Denis Agaba Doreen Karakure
layout & design
arachnid Design House Kigali-Rwanda T: 0786 418 370 / 0788 855 441 E: arachnidhouse@gmail.com
school for the music industry? to success
Learning
out
22. Empowering others to
succeed is a rewarding act
24. The next page of life with Education
50. Mental depression; a teen’s silent soul killer
LIFESTYLE
28. Rwanda government
54. Why locking hair rocks 55. Slim suits; a new trend today
committed to end Gender based violence Rwandan dentist who turned to charity activism
34. Miss Rwanda to contribute to
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd. P.O BOX 5637, KIGALI E: editor@thelinkmagazine.org T: 0785277180 / 0788462414
straight to the link Doctor
GENDER
to join the media industry
“Connecting Minds”
47. Reproductive Health, Talk teen
responsibility are key in the journey to success
32. Flora Kaitesi Inspiring women
MAGAZINE PUBLICATIONS LTD.
campaign on early hiv/aids testing
49. Managing your periods as a
25. How sacrifice and
30. Esperance the young publisher
HEALTH
a knowledge based economy
35. Street Life; a Living Hell for
SPORTS
56. Ndayisaba, the Rwandan
professional lawyer & 100 meter champion
57. Meet kamanzi a young
Rwandan Pursuing his soccer coaching career in the US
children
36. Silencing children; a key
sign of violation of Children’s Rights
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
3
EDITOR’S NOTE
T
he link magazine is a youths forum for awareness creation on the four main aspects of life which are; education, environment, gender and health. We chose to communicate the above four life aspects mainly because they affect our daily lives, once not well communicated and understood clearly, yet the youth affect them much and they are also affected more than any other age group of our society today. The link magazine believes that any mistake with any of our focus areas like education can lead to a mess in the rest of the other focus areas of life. The link magazine focuses on youths in the education system as one of its key pillars for not only, national but also global development where we address issues such as girl education and empowerment, career guidance and development, promotion of the writing and reading culture, through this initiative young boys and girls in high school and university students as well as other concerned members of the society write their opinion, analysis or ideas in what we call “sharing knowledge for development”. In our monthly print and regular online publications we also cover environment related issues such as environment conservation, preservation, protection, global warming and climate change for us to ensure a collective effort for a healthy and clean environment. On gender, we write and encourage students in high school and universities to write their views and opinions on gender based violence, human rights, women empowerment, gender balance among other gender related issues for awareness and empowerment. Whereas on health, we address reproductive health issues, general health concerns and issues where experts write or respond to the youth’s concerns for good health. The link magazine saw the need for awareness creation especially to the youth who in most cases spend much of their time at school with little access to information for their guidance. The link magazine team believes that once the reading materials are provided to the students on a regular basis as well as involving them in writing of the published content, we can positively impact the world positively. We therefore, pave way for specialists in the above focus areas, students and opinion leaders to impact the world through writing. And to the youths this is your platform for you to interact with the world and seeing your concerns addressed. We shall keep engaging with you in your clubs and associations from your respective institutions of learning for balanced, interactive, informative and educative publications. editor@thelinkmagazine.org
Edward Rutabingwa Editor
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Umwalimu SACCO transforming teachers’
standards of living although a lot has been achieved in the short run. This has given the cooperative a positive prediction for the future as they target to sustain 100 percent of its members around the country.
ACHIEVEMENTS The cooperative has demonstrated high capacity of timely and quick payment of the teacher’s salaries. Since 2010, UMWALIMU SACCO has managed to reach its profitability zone while growing since it realized a net profit of RWF 972,214,573 after tax with 75,746 as active account holders around the country.
Umwalimu Sacco branch By THE Link reporter
R
wanda is a country whose leadership minds and serves its population therefore, in order to move with its people it decided to establish” UMWALIMU SACCO” a savings and credit cooperative aimed at transforming, changing and removing teachers around the country from poverty. Today, hundreds of teachers have benefited from this program which has also resulted to positive changes in the quality of education for students around the country.
Because of Rwanda’s mountainous geographical location various strategies have been laid in order to reach all teachers around the country and all members of UMWALIMU SACCO to have access to loans, their savings, also sustaining their daily household expenditure and development issues. The program which started sometime back has been experiencing positive results which are being observed by everyone around the country. UMWALIMU SACCO has put a lot of efforts and done more to fulfill its obligations and still doing more
Permanent savings of Rwf 9,257,547,242 were got from 5% of the member`s monthly net salary because 50,038 of the teachers are paid their salaries through UMWALIMU SACCO while 91% of them have already been granted UMWALIMU SACCO loan and others are still paid in other financial institutions because of their commitments with those institutions. Since 2010, the loan ceiling has progressively increased from Rwf 3,000,000 payable in 2 years to Rwf 15,000,000 payable in 15 years; starting 2013 the maximum loan offered depends with the borrowers’ financial capacity of repayment. After receiving the new Government Financial Support, the interest rate was reduced to 11% per annum for the public teachers’ income generating projects and mortgage loans. Cumulative granted loans to members
EDUCATION & CAREER
Rwf 83,757,205,962 the biggest portion has been invested in construction and small businesses. UMWALIMU Sacco has managed to open thirty branches, meaning one branch in every district of Rwanda. By using software, the partnership with 414 Imirenge SACCOs which facilitates money transfer is now operational; the Branch Managers of the 2 remaining Imirenge SACCOs have been also trained, meaning that UMWALIMU SACCO members, by this year 2015 will be accessing financial services through all Imirenge SACCOs where IT is possible. Computerization of all its day- to-day operations is being done online. Three hundred UMWALIMU SACCO teachers’ representatives, meaning 10 from each district have been trained on the saving culture so that they can educate all Rwandese on saving culture, specifically from primary school. 2627 teachers (3 teachers’ representatives at the district level, one teacher from each sector, and one teacher from each cell where a school exists) were trained in an entrepreneurship development, Entrepreneurship Awareness, Business Plan Writing Skills and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Management; UMWALIMU SACCO has elected representatives from the District level, Sector, Cell and at school center levels that help in monitoring of service delivery and recovery of bad loans. Establishment of a funeral mutual fund whereby each member voluntarily makes a monthly contribution of Rwf 300 and gains a benefit support of Rwf 300,000 in case of death of a spouse, when the deceased is a child the support is Rwf 200,000. This fund is already operational since September 2010; beneficiaries were 1,177 with amount of Rwf 290,200,000 at the end of December 2014 remaining with a reserve of Rwf 550,388,065. As an initiative that was spearheaded by President Paul Kagame in 2006,
7
Umwalimu SACCO continues to receive government support in order to enable it spur the socio-economic growth of Rwandan teachers as envisioned in the country’s goal.
Furthermore UMWALIMU SACCO plans to continue mobilizing funds from other financial institutions in order to finance teachers’ projects to sustain their financial growth.
The government has pledged to finance the teachers’ cooperative with Rwf30billion for the next 10 years, and the money will be disbursed in installments. In the 2012/2013 budget, the government allocated Rwf5billion to the teachers’ cooperative while another Rwf1billion will be allocated in the following year’s budget. The remaining part of the Rwf30billion will continue to be disbursed in installments for the 10 years period. According to Museruka, part of the government funds is meant to create a guarantee fund to simplify the loaning process for poorer teachers. “18% of the funds that the government has availed are to create a guarantee fund for teachers with no collateral.”
UMWALIMU SACCO plans to maintain and strengthen teachers‘ representatives at sector, cell and school center levels and those teachers will help in monitoring and control of service delivery.
The impact assessment survey of UMWALIMU SACCO services has been conducted, and has been disseminated publicly since 11th December 2014. UMWALIMU SACCO was recently approved to participate in Rwanda Integrated Payment Processing System (RIPPS) and this will speed up the process of handling the daily transactions and improve the service delivery.
Future Plans UMWALIMU SACCO is planning the Launch of new products like; one lap top loan per teacher, solar energy loans, teacher’s cooperatives: small businesses, modern agriculture, and livestock. Helping teachers in getting mortgage loans reimbursable in 15 years; Mobilizing teachers to look for loans to finance income generating projects than consumer loans. More involvement of teachers’ representatives at district level in management of nearby branches specifically in loan granting.
As the cooperative is growing faster, the operation space offices has become so small; as a solution, for acquiring the head office premises the preferred option was to buy an existing strategically located house using a loan from BRD, building branch offices with unconventional method, whereby the district officer in charge of infrastructure and the three district teacher’s representatives would be responsible for the branch construction works as a team instead
The government has pledged to finance the teachers’ cooperative with Rwf30billion for the next 10 years, and the money will be disbursed in installments.
of hiring construction companies. This kind of solution needs approval from Central Bank. According to the Government new scheme, in 7 coming years, almost all teachers will have been granted loans and paid through UMWALIMU SACCO and the cooperatives will be having enough financial capacity to give loans as quick as possible.
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Money not the answer to education progress:
Kagame By Alex Kamanda
R
ecently, HE President Kagame attended a forum in Dubai aimed at discussing on the future of education and other related issues. On the Panel was also the former British Premier Tony Blair, President Paul Kagame challenged the audience to look beyond funding as their main challenge because finance has at times not been the main challenge towards any development initiative. Tony Blair supported the President’s sentiments regarding education financing saying that the biggest problem in the sector is not fundamentally about the money. According to Blair, money is half the answer to the education progress, and further the replication of best practices on education in different parts of the world for global development. Both said this, in a discussion dubbed;
“The Way Forward: What should be the sustainable development agenda for education? How do we achieve it?” ought to find out ways of going beyond the achievements made under the
Money is half the answer to the education progress, and further the replication of best practices on education in different parts of the world for global development.
millennium development goals. President Kagame highlighted the effective measures in renewing the focus on education towards quality rather than access through the use of technology which is considered as the targeted weapon of development in Rwanda. Rwanda, a country of a thousand hills, has embarked on technology development while education has been very crucial because of its vision of building a technological and knowledge based society to build quality skills in all domains of life. President Kagame believes that, technology is right at the centre, and that’s why Rwanda has chosen to form partnerships with the leading technology firms in order to maximize technology’s impact on skills. Regarding the way forward beyond the millennium development goals, the President said that the only sustainable
EDUCATION & CAREER
9
TVET students during their vocational lesson. change is one that invests in systems and prioritizes ownership. Based on his personal past experience with teachers, Kagame praised the dedication of teachers who despite difficult situations dedicate their life to educating children. He shared with the audience his first experience at school back in the days when he was still a refugee in primary school in the neighboring countryUganda. According to him, conditions were very difficult, but his teachers went far beyond the call of duty, to ensure that displaced children acquired education neglecting the situations which were there during that time. During that time, teachers would teach whether there were buildings or not, students would be taught under the trees, whether there were books or not,
lessons would move on whether teachers were paid or not, they kept teaching and students would keep studying and these situations never even stopped them from acquiring first grades. Those days, teachers instilled values of resilience, responsibility and selfreliance, which Kagame says until today, it continues to guide Rwanda’s work, including ensuring access to education for all Rwandan children. In his life president Kagame was inspired by Augustine Nyabutsitsi one of his primary school teachers who sacrificed to promote education for all students through risking rejections. Nancy Atwell a teacher from the United States emerged this year’s winner of the Varkey Foundation Global teachers Prize with a forum’s signatory prize of 1 million dollars.
This year’s prize is the largest of its kind and was established to shed light on the importance of teachers in transforming communities. The ten finalists of this year came from Afghanistan, India, Haiti, Kenya, USA, Cambodia, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. It is the third time the global education and skills forum was taking place since 2013 where it emphasized on the subjects of education, equity and employment, and was held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai. The annual forum brings together over 1000 high level delegates from over 50 countries around the world.
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Boarding a home away
By The link writer
I
t has always been a big celebration for teenagers in boarding schools leaving for holidays, but turns to a tap of tears when it reaches returning back to school, that’s why I wondered the reason why this issue has occurred and still occurs to different generations in the life cycle. Based on various understandings from different families, the aim of parents choosing to send their children to boarding schools is because of college preparation, diverse curricula and individual attention from faculties and their advisors. Most of the important thing they put in place is that boarding school experience provides students with many distinct advantages like acquiring special abilities that translate into high achievement in college, in graduate, professional schools and in their careers of choice. Many Parents emphasize that Boarding School graduates get to know more about various issues in school
like; Studying, Budgeting their time, Setting goals for themselves, thinking independently, getting along with others, accepting responsibility, being active participants and not being passive recipients Most of them also say that boarding school students learn more about themselves and gain self-esteem by trying new things and taking risks. Most teachers say that most boarding schools offer hundreds of afternoon and weekend activities that teach students important lessons outside the classroom, these carefully supervised programs allow students to explore new interests while cultivating new talents and dreams. Mutabazi Johnson a former teacher at Kabuga high school said
that boarding school graduates take more from their experience than just college preparation and self-discipline, Self-esteem, critical thinking skills, while supportive, lifelong friends come among the many rewards of a boarding school education.� Besides the parent’s choices of sending their children to boarding schools, children had something to say about their life in boarding school, a home away from home. Twenty year
EDUCATION & CAREER
11
schools
from home old Eric Mugisha a high school student believes that students who attend boarding schools don’t depend on their parents, that’s why they learn making decisions on their own and this has made them feel more independent. Meeting other people and understanding more about different lives has been a positive impact, which has also supported students in their academic preparations and boosted their
performances in schools.. Most boarders say they got mature in boarding schools and that’s where they learn to think analytically that’s why most college professors always want to know which schools they attended back in high school. Most lecturers never get surprised when they learn that most of their best performing students in colleges attended boarding schools. Although most of the parents choose sending their children to boarding schools considering that the best students come from there, a lot of immorals are learnt from there like, Drug abuse, Prostitution, Drinking, Stealing and Snicking. Before parents consider sending their children to
boarding schools, a huge decision should be made after a family discussion so that they fully consider both the potential, negative impacts and the possible advantages to their children. Parents should also remember that, children who attend boarding schools spend far more time there than at a day school, therefore, this impacts on their social and psychological development as well and their educational progress on the other side. Impacts of boarding schools on students differ depending on which kind of school a student opts for, because different kinds of boarding schools are available. Some of them are weekly boarding, full boarding, and day boarding, when a child stays at school for an extended day, usually eating all their meals at school but sleeping at home every night. Therefore, when a child is spending all of his or her time at school, this can result into extreme periods of stress for children. This can also occur within day schools too, but may be
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
The 1st challenge parents face, is failing to get their children to buy into the idea of going away to school. Unfortunately, making this kind of decision alone does more harm than good.
particularly intense within a boarding school environment and during exam periods when all of the kids in a certain age group are feeling tense and concerned; this can rub off on other students to create a frenzied environment. When children go to boarding schools there will inevitably be some implications on their home environment and this may be difficult for a child to adjust being at home, during holidays. With extra academic
and extra-Curricular opportunities in boarding schools, children may have less time to be alone with their thoughts and personal interests and this might mean less time for things like reading, or, for older children having a parttime job or any of the other important developmental activities that can be offered to children living at home. Often the boarding school days are highly structured with lots of rules and regulations, this can lead to some children wanting to “rebel” against the grain but obviously this depends on the individual school and the nature of the child. Parents should probably begin to think more seriously about a student’s high school and college plans and with that in mind a parent can check and limit on the challenges. The first challenge parents face, is failing to get their children to buy into the idea of going away to school. Unfortunately, making this kind of decision alone does more harm than good, that’s
why the trick is to get children think that going away to school is their first idea. Beginning the process of shaping a child’s decision at least 3 to 4 years before hand and if a member of a family currently attends a boarding school, parents and relatives should schedule to visit them in school. The more comfortable a child feels with the idea of going off to a boarding school, the happier he or she will be in the boarding school environment. As a child begins to progress through different grades, parents should begin to discuss with them their academic plan for their high school success and beyond. Through that, none of this can be difficult for a parent or child to accomplish; parents should be role models to their children to avoid future grievances as the proverb says that charity begins at home.
EDUCATION & CAREER
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Tips for Career Success By Saturday January
E
ach and every individual has their dreams and great ways to Success. However, Success is like a ladder and thus one cannot climb it with their hands in the pocket. I consider the following as the key steps to Success.
D
espite the varying faiths and religions in the world today, one needs to pray hard for God’s guidance, protection and wisdom. Most of the celebrated success is just under God’s control. Putting ones deeds and actions into God’s hands is very important as far as the journey to Success is concerned.
O
ne ought to have a Vision in their lives. Without a vision, one has no sense of direction and thus will likely lose focus and can easily be swept away by the wind of this world. One has to be focused and target driven. Some people miserable settle for bitter relationships and jobs they really detest because they lack focus. Therefore, Focus is all what it takes for one to be happy. And one cannot focus unless they have vision.
H
aving mentors is yet another important tip. Who on earth can succeed and is self reliant in terms of wisdom. Every day, there is room for us to learn. A mentor should be someone who has what to tell, and above all, a Success. A mentor should be someone you look up to so as to help you also trail into the way of Success. With this, experience is shared and various pieces of advice are given, all in the name of Success.
A
nother aspect, always neglected is Cooperation and team work. No one ever did things alone however smart they are and succeed. Team work eases work. A given task in any company or organization becomes tiresome and hectic if some of the members assigned some duties either do little or do nothing at all. Thus, this is very important; “Two heads are better than one.”
A
fter heavy work, one needs to rest. “Work without play made Jack a dull boy.” Having time for oneself is very paramount in the way of Success. Always have time to identify activities and interests that can rid us of stress and fatigue. Trust me; this will keep you young and flexible.
P
atience is one thing that each one ought to have in abundance in order to succeed. Sometimes we give up or let go in times of challenges. We need patience and faith that things will be better. Patience keeps us optimistic to real our Goals. For life’s journey has never been straight; it’s full of ups and downs. We need Hope to keep us going, Faith that will give us courage to face the uncertainties of Life and finally Love that will help us succeed. saturdayjanuary@gmail.com
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Rwanda’s 2014 top academic performer TELLS HIS
success story
David Mwesigwa the A’ level 2015 academic star
D
avid Mwesigwa is a student from Cornerstone leadership academy Rwanda,
He emerged the top performer in the last year’s senior six national examinations. The Link Magazine’s Edward Rutabingwa caught up with David Mwesigwa and had a one on one interview with him about his academic success in the 2014 ‘A’ level national exams. Follow the discussion below.
Tell us about your academic background and life I began attending my school in 2008 at Bubaare sec school where I was a regular fees defaulter and often a problem to teachers because I used to be absent during class time since I would be sent home for school fees. I spent 4 year at Bubaare secondary school where
I completed my ordinary level and passed with 34 aggregates in 8 subjects which was a second. Later on, I joined cornerstone leadership Academy Rwanda after doing an interview with 1200 students country wide and only 40 were needed to join the school. This school is sponsored and we were only required to take personal effects and the rest would be catered for. Joining this school was my first break through to
EDUCATION & CAREER
have a peace of mind and a conducive atmosphere to concentrate and make it to the top in the whole country with full points 73/73 in HEG/ENT (History, Economics, Geography and Entrepreneurship) in other wards I got A,A,A,A,S in the above subjects that i had registered. While at cornerstone, I was led to accept and believe CHRIST as my lord and personal savior by my HEADTEACHER Mr Karamuzi Johnson and the wife madam Rosette karamuzi who were and are still my guardians taking care of me. Accepting JESUS CHRIST became my key role in the complete change of my attitude towards life and it gave a lot of hope which has been the key pillar for my success story I share today with The link magazine.
What did you do to achieve this success? To begin with I want to say that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom knowledge and understanding. I don’t remember anything to do with school life that I did without praying. I recall going to our school chapel after the evening preps to commit my life and books into God’s hands. PRAYER is the only foundation that gave me courage to believe that I can also make. In prayer I realised that there is nothing impossible FOR HIM who is able to do exceedingly above all man can to. One day in an accounting lesson we did a test and I got 71% which is a ‘C’ in grading, i was discouraged and felt hopeless that i would not get an ‘A’ at the end of term exams. But towards the end of the lesson i asked myself if anything can fail JESUS CHRIST. I made up my mind to go with my books to the school chapel and i pray 4 them, which i did that same day. I remember telling GOD in prayer that i am tired of poor grades in entrepreneurship, I asked HIM to change my story, from that very term i began to score only ‘A’s in all the subjects. The fear of GOD can change everything and with prayer the sky is the limit.
I also knew that all success requires hard work and commitment. You must pay the price for what you want in order to achieve it. I spent a lot of my time reading books than playing and making fun all the time. I gave up a lot with the non essentials to gain much with the essentials. I realised that although school had various activities to involve in, books were my first priority. I gave books the first choice and decided to read in and out of season. I would be at home reading in holidays instead of walking around the town. For me in relation to hard work, i believed that the level of my sacrifice would determine the level of my success, which indeed worked for me. “Hard work pains but it is rewards in the end”.
Ones’ attitude determines performance at all costs.
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I chose to remain positive even when class work was not going okay at school. I can not lie that I was never discouraged by teachers, fellow students or else performance itself; for sure i was and not once but many time. What helped me was the fact that i kept positive and always expected things to change for the better one day, i never lost hope but kept expecting much in future. When your attitude is positive, you don’t get tired, you keep pressing on for something better but when it is negative you give up easily. I made up my mind to keep positive regardless of the circumstances around me which helped me in my studies.
I gave myself time to improve; In addition to hard work and determination, i also never feared when ever my marks were too low. I always knew that the process matters a lot. Even a journey of a thousand miles is begun by the first step. When i noticed the low performance, so i realised i needed time to improve on my grades. That’s how i kept encouraging myself to push on amidst low grades and finally i made it.
How do you feel about the success that put you to the top in the country? I feel grateful and rewarded for my trust in the lord and hard work. I feel he has not let me down, I also feel overwhelmed by joy to see myself at the top in the country. I just feel excited in a way that no one can ever imagine.
Who do you owe this great success? God almighty takes the lead; he is the number one reason i celebrate this success. my trust in him is not in vain. Secondly, my dad Mr mugisha Fred and my mum ketra; they have been positive and supportive ever since I began to go to school. Without them i would not have made it. I am so grateful to them. They even struggled much to raise my school fees and requirements. I am so proud of them. Also, my two guardians; karamuzi Johnson and Rosette karamuzi, they are my great mentors in my life, inspirational and very developmental. I love their faith in Christ. They are even a reason i knew Christ and successful.
What’s your message to the rest of the students and youth? My message to the youth is that life can only give u what u work for and not just what you wish. They should learn that success is real when worked for. It is meant for everyone who works hard and smart. We have great days ahead of us. Let’s not waste time but stand in the gap which we are meant for. Thank you very much David and we wish you the best in your career.
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Why do youth drop out of school for the
music industry
By Richard Mugarura
industry is more than just a talent, and a big job which requires passion.
wanda government has done a lot to support youth education through various subsidizations in areas like education, medical insurance and other categories.
According to music specialists and Producers, music career requires a lot of commitment and a lot of compensation or recognition for one to be successful in that area of specialization. “It doesn’t help that there is so much mis-information about how to get into the music industry and what to do once you’re there. So, here we have a few home truths about the music business. Some are musicians, some are for people on the business side of things, and some are for everyone. Some are encouraging, and some fall into the category of reality
R
Today, some youth relocate their dreams neglecting their chances of enjoying the ripe fruit from the government forcing and diverting their career into the music Industry. However, in life choosing a career path is a big deal, but deciding to take a shot at the music industry is a major step, because working in the music
check. Said Producer Mark”
Understanding music doesn’t mean you know more about the music business In most cases, pointing out on a negative note is unappreciated by victims, but this one is really a big one to get out of the way up front - and I believe this is a lesson everyone has to learn the hard way. Having a
EDUCATION & CAREER
music pub quiz on a lockdown, going to tons of shows, being able to rattle off a list of labels and these sorts of things do not automatically make you able to book the shows or run the labels and so on. There are special practicalities in the music business that are simply not apparent until you actually have to say, make sure the manufacturing is on schedule and the review is really going to be published when promised. Before running to the industry the youth should understand the relationship between labels, distributors and retail. Some questions that should be put forward are; you don’t really “get it” until you “get it” and that won’t be until you experience the process from the inside rather than experiencing it as a fan. There are two different worlds and the victims of the story should not get me wrong because I will always say that repeatedly, “Loving music and knowing
a lot about it is required if you want to do well in the music industry, but some people who run music businesses and those who force themselves into it, don’t know much about music and are just music skaters, that’s why the house of cards in most cases always collapse in the wrong turn”. However, don’t enter into the music industry with the idea that a lifetime of music nerd-dom has made you a music expert. Not only will you annoy people, but you’ll also die wrong and miss out on the chance of really learning what makes things tick for yourself. In my interviews with victims, I came to find out that some of the youth who dropped out of school to follow the music career have remained stagnant in the industry and up to now they haven’t been successful in their career because their dreams haven’t come true on the ground. Ange Marie Claire says that at the Age of 16, she dropped out of school in Senior three, “this incident occurred after i was offered school fees and I decided to go for song recording. On
17
my first day in studio I fell in love with my producer, who later impregnated me”. Ange said, ever since that day I ended up dropping out of school at an early age, when I asked her about plans of going back to school, she laughed and replied “am not ready, because am taking care of my family with two Children. She ought to be a Doctor in her childhood but today she runs a small business as a Sole-proprietor and she advises the youth to stick to education because it’s the key to success. Josh aka Polly, also, at the age of 19, he was inspired by Rwandan rapper and PGGSS4 winner Jay Polly and has a dream of becoming Rwanda’s future rapper. He dropped out of school in senior four; currently, he roams on the streets of Nyamirambo struggling to conquer the local lime lights. He has no plans of going back to school but only to keep on his dream career with only one song known as “Birababaje” which he released in 2011. His song has never been aired on any local radio station in the country. Currently, he lives with his family in Biryogo, a suburb located in Nyamirambo sector of Kigali city. Jacques Nkurunziza, Jacques is exceptional at the age of 18 whereby he plays football at the same time with a big dream of becoming a popular soul artist. He is inspired by King James’ songs and videos; he dropped out of school in senior five, and currently living with his family in the suburb of Kibagabaga where he plans to hit the floor through promotion and financial assistance. Through the policy raised by H.E President Paul Kagame, a few years after genocide, over thousands of Rwandans have benefited and enjoyed a lot of free services from the government.
High school students attending their lesson in class
This has led Rwanda the country of a 1000 Hills to be among the best countries in Africa and the world at large in supporting its citizens through the education sector and other sectors.
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Campu By Donath Gahigana
A
ccording to various interviews with different university and former university students, life at campus shows how most people dream of reaching there but finally the journey ends up unaccomplished. Life at campus is like a high risky road to success whereby most people predict the beginning and the end remains on either right or wrong turn. In university life, every person dreams of becoming somebody in future through that road, i remember during our early childhood when somebody would ask us what we would wish to be in future and most people would reply saying they wished to be presidents, doctors, lawyers, lecturers, journalists, and other professionals. But unfortunately, things turned bizarre and a few people managed to achieve their thoughts in our generation today. Said John, a former Student at Kigali Institute of management. Based on the survey, many teenagers have failed to reach where they wished to be today because of different drawbacks in life, while other gifted ones have passed away on their way to reach their goals. Some of the few causes were accidents, failure due to finance, wars,
genocide, loss of morale and motivation to success, diseases and other factors. Although most of these teenagers lose their dreams to success, others are still struggling hard in the battle to build-up themselves through universities and various businesses in some sectors who lack possession of skills for success due to lack of perfect concentration and determination. Secondly, when you analyze all these thoughts, you can find out that the only way out is to pass through campus life, whereby most people think it’s the easiest life to live after high school, yet the worst and difficult than others. Ask me why? Most students put a lot of efforts and determination struggling to join university, after high school in order to pass with high grades to secure government scholarships at campus. Surprisingly, what happens at campus later is uncertain, because on the final scene you may realize that most of the brightest students fail to graduate from universities due to absence of support, moral dignity and motivation to defend their scholarships. Others fail due to relocation from different environment to new environment; others fail due to the rules and regulations, leadership, lecturers and academic programs
EDUCATION & CAREER
19
uslife a high risky road to success from their particular universities which contribute a lot to the failure of different students. Due to the above factors, including rules and regulations which were on a tight sleigh, many students from different local universities around the Country lost their government scholarships after a few years on campus. However, this wasn’t a big issue because the number of private and government universities was on the rise whereby the costs of education have gone down due to the competition from different universities around the country. Today, Rwanda has 23 institutions of higher education with 11 public and 12 private and since the fall of 2013, the Rwandan government announced the merge of all public universities, leading to one public university, University of Rwanda, with six colleges.
Graduands celebrating their achievement
Besides the introduction of different institutions of higher learning in the country, Rwandan government has also managed to form a national strategy for information and communications technology (ICT) which is co-ordinated by the Rwanda Information Technology Authority (RITA) designed to serve as the national body to support the development and the implementation of the National Information and
Communications Infrastructure in both public and private institutions. The Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) is actively promoting the use of ICT in schools and is co-ordinating the One Laptop per Child project in the country. Following the history of Rwandan campaign on higher learning, the first university in Rwanda, the National University of Rwanda (NUR), was established by the government in 1963, with 49 students. During the academic year 1999-2000, the number had risen to 4,550. In 1997-98 and according to the information from the website of MINEDUC today the number stands at 26,796, as 39% of the students are female. Above that Rwandan standard of education has become successful following bodies overseeing educational standards in the country like, Division of Construction and equipment which Sets standards for classroom/school construction, National Examination Council which Sets standards for grades and progression to the next stage of education. Department of planning which Sets and monitors standards on system performance indicators and the General Inspectorate of education which Inspects and advises on standards adherence and compliance. The writer is a student of; UR Huye campus
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Career plans: Students speak out
I
always hear it’s good to start planning for your career at a young age. Though I’m in form 5 arts but I haven’t found anything yet am passionate about that can be my future career. Is there any advice you have for my situation? Yours’ Derrick
I
like Marketing and I was planning to study that course at the university. But I always hear people say that, anyone can do marketing with or without studying it. Is this true? Please advise me, I’m confused because that’s my passion. Joy, form 6 Dear Joy I would encourage you to go ahead and do the marketing course at the University since it’s the course you like. It’s better to do a course one likes than doing the one not in your interest. It’s not true that anyone can do marketing because marketing has principles and ethics as well as many other key lessons that one needs to professionally do marketing. People who have not studied marketing but they practice marketing, they struggle as opposed to their professional counterparts.
You are right Derrick, it’s good to plan for your career at a young age and I believe it is still early for you to begin working on your career since you are in form 5. The advice for you is that seek career guidance from your teachers and other resource persons around you for you to decide on your career. There are a lot of career opportunities for you Derrick with your arts subjects you are studying.
W
ill getting an MBA or any other type of advanced degree be a good use of time and money since I can’t find a job? Francis, form 6 Dear Francis, you can’t cross a bridge before reaching it, yes it’s true an advanced degree is key to ones’ professional, career development and performance in most cases but you need to focus on your current level of education first as you dream to achieve more academically.
H
ow can I start planning for my future career while still at high school? Mutoni, form 4. Dear Mutoni, it all begins with knowing what you want to be in future in terms of career. As a student I advise you to focus on your studies, perform well and excel because your performance will have an impact on your career. Also, basing on your combination try to know which courses you are likely to do at the university after high school for you to stay focused and setting your academic goal.
I
score high grades in class but I only study to pass exams and nothing further. How can I be passionate about my studies? Janet, form 3 Janet, it’s good that you score highly in your studies therefore scoring highly and passing well with nothing that remains in your memory after the exams is a big issue. We study to understand and to help others after school or exams. Dear friend read to understand because it has immense benefits for you and to the society as well.
EDUCATION & CAREER
I
I
Dear Alloys, there are so many courses at the university that you can enroll for in the area of management, journalism, law, social sciences, education among others, however for your particular choice you can see the teacher in charge of academics for guidance or visit the universities’ course catalogues for more information.
Dear Justus, if you have means to study without that job; I would advise you to quit that job for you to further your studies. But if you do not have support for your studies, talk to your employer about your plans to go for further studies for him/her to allow you go for an evening study program as you work during day. do not be puzzled, you started an education journey which you must complete so get admitted to a university now rather than getting attracted and blindfolded as well with that temporary job.
’m at high school studying Arts subjects but I’m not sure of a good course that I should study at the university. Though I would like to take a course, that creatively expose me to the outside world. Please suggest for me a course that you think would be good for me? Alloys, form 6
I
s it true that the course you study at the university is the only factor that determines your future career? Robert, form 5
’m a high school finalist and recently I luckily got good paying job, though it is time demanding. But unfortunately I need to start my university. Right now am puzzled whether I should quit and go to study or continue and study later. Please advise me on what to do? Yours Justus
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M
y parents forced me to join sciences for my A ‘level studies but honestly I don’t enjoy studying any science subject at all. Is there any chance that I can study art courses at the university with my science background? Diana, form 5 Dear Dian sorry for being forced to do sciences at A’ level, but if you passed them in senior four and in form five, go ahead do them and pass your for university education then after secondary you will find a variety of courses from which you will choose the one suiting your interest.
The student’s’ concerns were responded to by; Bagambe Paul, an experienced educationist.
Yes but not always. The course that one does at the first degree acts as a channel to advance in the same area but still one can cross to another course for example most people doing MBAs are from other professions whereas others become entrepreneurs choosing to do business.
A career master guiding teens
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
By SATURDAY JANUARY
T
he Good Almighty God has given us wisdom and knowledge so that we can ably share and pass it on and help others to improve their well being and improve their way of life. We need the zeal and enthusiasm to do different things with a lot of care in an effort to improve all the aspects of our lives. Important to note is that the feeling one gets having helped others in one way or another is that no amount of money can buy. Is it not said that, “A candle looses nothing when it relights other candles”? We ought thus to help each other as much as possible because it’s the way to go if we as a people are to be a step ahead. My advice and humble request is that we need to have friends of benefit; friends to build us and not to destroy us. It is when we are surrounded by successful or people with vision and sense of direction that we live to realise our dreams and live a more comfortable and meaningful life. Thus, we need to see our future and destination in our hands and hold the bull by the horns to reach there or at least die trying. After all, there is no one who ever gave their best that they regretted it. With this, we can trail into the great City of Success. Let failure be far away from us and let’s even not mind about its spelling. There is nothing that hurts like being called a failure in life especially when we do not live to our expectations in any field. Therefore, let’s do a great deal to empower others to Succeed. I strongly believe that this will lead us to the opportunity of being instruments of Joy, peace and Love; which will come with wonderful things into our lives characterised by Happiness as a result of untold Success. One important thing that we ought to know right is that Success depends on many things BUT especially on the individuals themselves. This without saying includes choices. In short, Life is all about the choices we make.
EMPOWERING OTHERS TO
SUCC
EDUCATION & CAREER
Life is full of many directions, requiring a meaningful choice
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It is the Choice that we make that determines our destiny in most cases. Choice is very broad. Therefore, when I talk about choice, I simply mean a meaningful and Godly choice; not that one pushed by other factors like hatred, jealous and greed among others. This is why many people think that living a miserable life is one’s choice because each person is born with potential to work and be somewhere. However, we should not take fate for granted because it sometimes plays a big role in our lives. If a young girl for instance; from a well to do family opted to leave school and run away from home to go and get married to an old man, fit enough to be the father and thereafter, she is infected with Aids. Shortly after, the man dies and leaves her with nothing but pregnancy and Aids! This could have been a wrong choice in the first place instead of concentrating on her studies and a wrong choice again to engage in unprotected sexual relationship. It would be fate at its best that innocent as she is gets infected with Aids that soon and the old man dies that early. But important of all, the Choice she made in the first place was the root cause of all the misfortunes that come after.
CEED IS A REWARDING ACT
Let’s not blame God and fate for the poor or unrealistic choices we make because this does no good. Living in a world of regrets and unhappiness is such a stressing kind of life. So, let’s take care as we make choices. We have to get to the chances and opportunities at our disposal, utilize them maximally in order to squeeze the best juice out of it. Faced with need to make one decision from the many alternatives, a meaningful Choice taken is the way to being safe. This leaves no room for regrets. So we have to always listen to our inner conscious and make Wise Choices. It is important to ask for advice from friends and any well wishers but we have to take care and let them not decide for you the final choices since we all live our lives personally. I wish you the soberness that you need to make superb choices. The writer is a teacher at Riviera high school
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
The next page of life with
Education
By Uwase Samira
I
t’s always education the next page of life when we leave our lovely homes and go back to school, and it’s a solution to the unpredictable future when we take our lessons into practice.
Education is a road to better lives, though some of us may not think of the same. Some take this for granted but it’s always nothing but a Golden chance. We all need Education simply because we need to develop ourselves in some kind of way. We really need to develop ourselves in terms of communication, technology, life skills and lots more. Don’t we get all this from Education? To my understanding, Education can be acquired from both within school and outside school. However, most of it is got from school. It’s obvious that if one profitably uses this kind of education got from schools or organized centers of learning, he or she is better off and stands a higher chance of living a more meaningful life than he who did not go to school at all. It’s a little embarrassing and annoying for someone to go to
school and never shows any impact the formal education has had on him or her. It’s also ironical that some people who have all it takes to join school simply misuse their precious chances while those who love schooling hardly get the money/ tuition and all it takes for one to go to school. Therefore, in developing a competitive world like today’s needs, people who have at least had a chance to look at the black/ white board, have gone a step ahead and done the best out of them instead of sitting home. I am of the view that Education today should be more focused on Practical subjects rather than theoretical subjects. I am sure that if this is done, then there will be a good number of graduates who are job creators rather than job seekers. Education, if taken with great care and attention can thus work as a positive response to our lives. We ought to make good use of it. Let us, who have the chance to learn embrace the opportunity with open hands and utilize all the available chances, however limited they are. With this done, then we can live better lives and have a reason to be proud of whoever contributed to our studies. The writer is a student at Riviera High School, Form 3.
EDUCATION & CAREER
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How
sacrifice
&
responsibility are key in the journey to success
By MUTIIMA NICOLE
A
s youths, we face some problems and fears about getting work. Many of us have been mis-guided by realizing that the secret of success in work is a very respectable post where one can easily become a millionaire and acquire high social status. The point is that we have to understand the meaning of work and relate with success and personal abilities that’s why we have to avoid negative attitude towards any kind of work. One can ask her/himself this question “am prepared to pay the price?” Nelson Mandela was quoted to have said the, “ There is no easy walk to freedom and success anywhere and many of us will have to pass through the value of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the
mountain top of our desires.” Keep always in mind that you have a big role to play. Wake up from your dream with all your energy and be ready to face the world. Put in more effort with faith and courage. Trust me; you will attain inner peace, happiness and above all success. You too can develop yourself by using your God given gift of intelligence, knowledge and by reasoning positively, efficiently and effectively. You have got to know that there is a possibility of becoming a better person if you wish to. The gift has already been planted in your heart by God. It’s up to you to become aware of your particular gift and develop it as early as possible. Keep what you have and don’t cry for what you do not have. Love what you already have and you may become a successful person. Many people go around the world looking for happiness which they call freedom. They try to avoid that kind of work that demands great responsibility and sacrifice. If you are one of them then note that there is no success without self denial, sacrifice, suffering and failure at some points in your life journey. I would like to end by saying that success IS NOT A CHANCE BUT A CHOICE. The writer is a student at Riviera high school
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Diploma in Information technology CISCO Certificate Diploma in business Bridging in mathematics Bridging in English
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MASTERS PROGRAMMES • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Masters of Science in Project Management Masters of Business Administration Masters of Science in Energy Technology Masters of Science in Human Resource Management Masters of Construction Project Management. Masters of science in Agricultural and applied Economics . Masters of Science in Software Engineering Masters of Science in Computer Systems Masters of science in Applied Statistics. Masters in Leadership and Governance Masters of Science in Mass Communication Masters of Science in Entrepreneurship Masters of Science in Economics. Masters of Science in FINANCE. Masters of science in Public health.
• Masters of science in information Technology • Masters of science in Procurement and Logistics • Masters of Executive MBA • Masters of science in Development studies • Masters of science in civil Engineering
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PhD in Business Administration. PhD in Human Resource Management PhD in International Business PhD in Leadership and Governance. PhD FINANCE PhD in Mass Communication PhD in Development Studies PhD in Entrepreneurship PhD in Computer Science. PhD in Information Technology PhD in public Health PhD in Project Management PhD in Supply Chain Management
Phd by thesis in various other Programmes also available
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Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology “Setting trends in higher Education, Research & Innovation” Box 3373 Kigali Tel: +250 787 888 881, +250 787 888 882
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Rwanda government committed to end
Gender base By The link reporter
O
ver the years, Rwanda through the Ministry of Gender and family promotion, the government of Rwanda has remained committed to the promotion of gender equality and ending Gender Based Violence (GBV). Supported by political will at the highest level, Rwanda has managed to establish strong policy, legal and institutional framework to prevent and respond to Gender Based Violence which is regarded as a serious violation of fundamental Human rights all over the world. Some of the strong Policy frameworks include the National Policy against GBV and its Strategic plan of 2011, Institutional mechanisms against GBV including the creation of community prevention mechanisms, community policing, anti-GBV committees, and anti-GBV desks in RNP and RDF among others. The establishment of ISANGE One Stop Center (IOSC) in 2009 was a way to provide inter-disciplinary services for victims of GBV. In July 2009, ISANGE One Stop Center was started in Kacyiru Police Hospital, as a pilot project. Therefore, following its positive impacts, the Rwandan government decided to upscale the model to the whole country up to the year 2017. Ever since 2012, the country has embarked on a full-fledged national scale up above the model in health facilities across the country.
Currently, a total of 9 IOSC are operating in different districts around the country and some of them are in Gicumbi, Rusizi, Ngoma, Nyagatare, Rubavu, Gakenke, Bugesera, muhanga, Gasabo and are also integrated in district hospitals; Based on the current status of IOSC, the number of IOSC raised to 14 by the end of 2014 while at the end of 2015, a total number of 26 IOSC’s will be operating throughout the country in order to provide a compressive package of psychosocial, medical, judicial and legal services to GBV and child abuse victims around the country. Under the support of the world bank, 17 more IOSC’s will be added by the year 2017 as the standard of staffing in IOSC at district hospitals will be composed of 1 on rotation, receptionists, hospital psychologists, police officers, security officer already attached and one staff who will be working full-time at the center.
Funding and coordination IOSC is also funded by the, Dutch embassy through UN whose current supporting scales up to 23 IOSC while other initiatives include; the World Bank Project, Joint Program with the UN WOMEN and SIDA. However, the Coordination will be done by the National Steering Committee composed of MIGEPROF, MOH, MINIJUST, RNP, One UN, UN Women, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNHCR.
GENDER
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ed violence The standard staffing in IOSC at district hospital coordinates with the joint program to Identify sites and equips the IOSC as it ensures adequate and standard services, leading to Investigation, forensic Evidence and leads to provision of legal services, Management and disbursement of Funds.
Achievements by IOSC Among its main achievements, more than 8,000 GBV victims have been supported since the establishment of IOSC. High quality and availability of holistic services have been provided to support GBV and child abuse victims: This increase is due to the partnership with different agencies involved in the implementation of IOSC projects. Increased awareness of the population on the negative effects of GBV and child abuse has been the order of the day in Rwanda and has contributed a lot in the reduction of the high rate increase in child abuse.
The first lady (center) launching Isange one stop center in Nyagatare district
GBV and child abuse cases have reduced through changed attitudes and behavior among communities and institutions and also, effective management and coordination system for GBV and child abuse has been strengthened at all levels. Finally, among other numerous achievements, all GBV and child abuse
victims/survivors in Rwanda including refugees have had access to holistic and timely services through the OSC model.
The establishment of (IOSC) in 2009 was a way to provide inter-disciplinary services for victims of GBV. In July 2009, (IOSC) was started in Kacyiru Police Hospital, as a pilot project.
Challenges faced Although the program has been successful for years now, a few challenges have been experienced on the way forward and some of them are; inconsistency in awareness raising activities in communities, inadequate follow-up of victims once they return to their communities, legal aid unavailable on a consistent basis in some places. Lastly is like, some GBV victims don’t report on time to the IOSC after the alleged offence has been committed.
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Esperance
the young Rwandan dentist who turned to
charity activism By Richard Mugarura
A
kayezu is a young Rwandan lady, who was born and raised in Manila, a town located in Philippines, after graduating in the faculty of dentistry at the University of Manila she returned back home with her family to do charity work. Currently, she is the founder and operator of a local non-government organization known as children day light foundation which supports the vulnerable as she also pursues her career of dentistry in hospital. The link magazine had a one on one talk with her, on how she came along with that idea at a young age a thing which is thought by a few. According to her, it’s not easy to perform the two jobs at the same time, but she loves to work and considers giving back to the society as part of her passion and obligation, and it needs a lot of sacrifice. Another challenge she is facing today is failure to acquire sufficient finances in order for the support to reach a big number of people which is her main target in the long run. “I have been serving and volunteering the public through my non-
governmental organization to the most I can with my budget, some friends and family support trying to fight against discrimination against disabled children and poor other poor families”.
About her accomplishments
our resources, last year we managed to support others in gatagara and other areas around the country. This is among the projects done each year especially, during the commemoration period of the 1994 genocide which left a massacre of over 1million Tutsis.
For the past three years, I have been running different charity projects through my foundation(children Daylight foundation)as we are committed to helping the poor in attaining a better quality of life and building a better future with their own hands.
However, she also noticed that being closer to them, increases their morale because they manage not to feel lonely and desperate in their usual daily life, a thing which makes them forget the past in order for them to concentrate on building their future.
“I believe that it is very important, because it is not easy to find volunteers, my main role has been to use my meagre resources to finance most of these activities with the help of my single mother and my family members, therefore I have managed to witness steady growth of the Foundation from year to year, requiring more resources to reach out to more communities. Akayezu added”
Therefore, she calls upon anyone interested in joining and supporting the foundation to boost its activities to be more welcome.
In order to fulfil my obligations of supporting the vulnerable, recently we managed to visit a blind widow and survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi known as Mukamanzi Felicite, and we managed to renovate her house through a contribution from
Although she runs this foundation, Akayezu says she foregoes various things in order to accomplish what she started, to support the vulnerable.
Rwanda is a developing country which has a big number of orphans and vulnerable people especially genocide widows and orphans from different areas located around the country, so if people especially volunteers come together, something can be done to support and improve their lives.
GENDER
Ms Esperance building the house for the poor
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Flora K Inspiring women to join the media industry
Interview by Richard Mugarura
R
wanda Broadcasting Agency’s popular female journalist Flora Kaitesi is one of the young ladies around the Country focused on inspiring the youth especially women to join the media industry in the country. The Link Magazine Writer Richard Mugarura caught up with her in an interview.
What’s your name and Background? My name is Flora Kaitesi. I am a trained journalist currently working as a reporter, News anchor and a TV host with Rwanda Broadcasting Agency.
How did you choose Journalism and who inspired you to the media profession? You will be very surprised that professionally I never wanted to pursue journalism, my first love was architecture but I have always had an inborn love for writing. I did it as a hobby and at some point in my career I just free-lanced for a newspaper before seriously pursuing journalism as a career. I must say I was inspired by the news readers I used to hear on radio, how they would capture my attention yet I couldn’t see them and how they would do a very good job of updating
people about current affairs. But you see that was in Nairobi where I was born and raised and where the media is more advanced than in Rwanda. So when the architecture did not work out as I had hoped due to various circumstances beyond my control at the time, I knew my fall back plan was journalism and because I loved it, it came naturally.
This is a tough one but I think the best moments or rather the highadrenalin-anxious moments is when I’m waiting to interview a high profile figure.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in your career? It was a bit difficult working in Rwanda, though I kept an open mind. I joined the media in Rwanda in 2008
and I started off at Radio Rwanda’s English desk as a news presenter. It was a different environment, it was male dominated – though the media in Rwanda is still male dominated- and things were just being done differently. It took me a bit of time to adjust and try to make a contribution to initiate change even in the slightest way possible. I loved being behind the microphone and knowing that someone at the other end was listening at home on their radio or in their cars or phones. I had to learn to use the analog editing machines that use tape. At first I was shocked to see that those things were still used! Everything was different. It wasn’t easy but I kept going. For me that was my biggest challenge but I persisted. Another challenge was the incredible amount of selfcensorship that was happening around me, it felt like people were too used to a conventional way of doing things such that anything that I did or said that was perhaps within the confines of the law but was frowned upon. But like I said, I kept going.
How do you find practicing Journalism in Rwanda? It’s different. But it’s great. I’ll tell you why. Being a journalist in Rwanda means that you have to be mature in your thinking and practice. You can’t afford to be reckless; you have to
GENDER
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Kaitesi maintain high levels of professionalism or step aside and allow those who can do the job professionally to do it. Here’s why I’m saying this, practicing journalism in Rwanda shapes you to become an even better journalist than you thought you were, it teaches you responsibility and professionalism. In addition to this, it is global knowledge how the country has transformed so fast over the years, development journalism is not something held in high regard in other countries but in Rwanda it probably tops the list and with this comes the juicy and controversial matters that journalists like such as blowing the whistle on incompetent and corrupt leaders and holding them accountable. There is still a lot of untapped potential in the media in Rwanda, but the direction is good.
How would you compare the media freedom in Rwanda and else were in the world? I love this question and the answer is quite simple. Watch TV in Rwanda and watch it in say Uganda or Kenya. If you have a keen eye, you will note the difference. Getting the scoop on political bickering is not necessarily media freedom.
What are your best and worst moments in your Career? This is a tough one but I think the best
moments or rather the high-adrenalin-anxious moments is when I’m waiting to interview a high profile figure. The worst is when I’m trying to beat a deadline and my story still has loose ends. That can be quite frustrating.
What advice can you give to the female uprising journalists in Rwanda and else were? I advise them to stay focused. Never let opportunities to improve yourself professionally pass you by. Always try to be a step ahead.
Have you won any awards so far? If my mother’s words of encouragement and my late grandmother cheering me on are anything to go by, then I have too many awards. But to answer your question, I was awarded best innovator in 2010 while I was still at Radio Rwanda. Hopefully more awards are on the way.
Any future Plans? The sky is the limit. Like I said earlier there is still a lot of untapped potential in the Rwandan media so watch this space. Thank you for your time with us and The link magazine wishes you a successful career.
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Miss Rwanda
to contribute to a knowledge based economy by Kamanda Alex
O
n 21st February 25 2015, Rwanda witnessed the victory of Kundwa Doriane as a new Miss Rwanda for this year. The high school graduate aged 19 was representing the Northern Province. Kundwa, who first won the Miss Popularity title, was followed by Kigali City beauty queen Vanessa Raissa Uwase and Lynca Akacu Uwase from the Eastern Province. It was not easy for Doriane to emerge the winner because all the Miss Rwanda contestants for this year were not only beautiful but also smart as compared to previous Miss Rwanda beauty contests. The 2015 Miss Rwanda wants to promote talent development among the youth and ultimately contribute to the country’s goal of becoming a knowledge based economy. She said youths in Rwanda like others elsewhere are endowed with different talents that are not developed and that she has come to help the youth achieve and exploit their potential for their socio-economic development. Though she never disclosed the strategies to employ for her to achieve her plan of contributing to a knowledge based economy, she will need support from the ministry of culture and sports, donor agencies as well as the corporate world. With this support, the journey to the realization of her plan for talent development to the Rwandan youth will be a reality. She will have to pick some lessons from the 2014 Miss Rwanda Colombe Akiwace. Miss Colombe faced a number of challenges including lack of funds and unfulfilled promises by organisers which hindered her to accomplish her planned activities and her ultimate goal. We pray that this doesn’t happen to Miss Rwanda 2015 since she has a good plan for the Rwandan youth.
Doriane Kundwa unveiling her project to the audience during the Miss Rwanda final contest
Street Life
a Living Hell for children
GENDER
35
Children on the street looking for what to eat
S
treet children is a term used to describe children experiencing homelessness living on the streets of a city. Listen to the cry around you, to the blasts that tell you so much in silence. Look at the poor homeless kids without what to eat or drink, without hope for a new day. Their only sin was not to have a place to call home, a mother to cry to, a father to support them and siblings to count on for. The pain of being all alone in this world kills them slowly but surely. Their dreams all burnt to ashes because of how their society treats them with indifference, the stare that’s shouting to you are unloved and hopeless. I have come across so many stories but this one of a homeless street girl stole my attention. It’s about a girl who lived on the streets when she was seven years old, after the death of her mother and her step father kicked her out of the house. She felt all alone and miserable, she slept under bridges, begged on the streets, covered herself with newspapers throughout the cold nights, Life for her was a living hell.
No compassion, no love and care was ever shown to her. She endured all this and the most painful time of her life was when she was raped. She cried for help but nobody came, she screamed and tried to defend herself until she couldn’t, all this was because she was unlucky to have a home. She shared a lot with me and her only wish was “I wish I had a place to call home” she said tocrying. After hearing a lot about the suffering of these homeless street children, I advocate for foster homes, which come to give these children what they really need, a home, family, care, love and support. These children crying day and night for their rights for a new home, a new vision, to rebuild their dreams, to love and to be loved in return to have a place to call home and wake up each day with the hope to survive. Let’s not ignore the crying children, we teach them how to love, give them attention and care. Let’s be close to them as their foster Families because they need love and a better life. UWASE DOVOTHA, KAGARAMA S.S
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
A child not attended filled with loniless
Silencing
children; a key sign of violation of Children’s Rights
A
child is a person and not a sub person over whom the parents have absolute possessory interests. The term “ Child ” does not necessary mean minor but can include adult children as well as non dependent. Different Countries around Africa formulated different organizations to protect children from being abused and to advocate for vulnerable children. A good example is Rwanda where it has National Children’s Council (NCC)
catering for Children’s well-being. Different organizations were also set up to protect and advocate for children’s human rights like Amnesty International, UNICEF, Compassion international among others. Not too many people are aware of the different kinds of abuse the children undergo- not because they don’t care but because it is not publicized enough for anyone to do anything
GENDER
about it. Human rights groups have mainly focused on the rights of adults rather than children chiefly the reason why the maltreatment of children has not yet been solved, let alone anyone should be tolerated anywhere. On the night of November 20th ,1989,The United Nations General Assembly adopted the world’s most widely ratified treaty in the world. They put together the “Convention on the rights of the child, placing children’s rights on the world’s agenda”. The Convention had promised children around the world the right to life, education freedom and health care. It is every child’s right to have a say on the things that affects his/her life. However, some children are either too young or too truant to make solid decisions however here we are going to discuss the rights and to what extent that the children can decide on their way of life. Children have the same rights as adults even though they are a vulnerable group. Children have particular rights that recognize their special need for protection and also that help them develop their full potential. Children are not hopeless objects of charity or property of their parents. They are recognized as human beings and the subjects of their own rights. A child is a family and a community member with rights and appropriate responsibilities for his/her age and development stage. Children should enjoy their basic needs of life as rights rather than privileges accorded to them. A child has a right to have a say in all decisions and matters that concern him or her, to be listened to and his or her opinion taken seriously. When this is done, it will enhance understanding and mutual respect between children and adults. The participation of children in decision making protects them more effectively from abuse and exploitation. when we understand and respect children’s own experiences,
we are able to create better protection mechanisms and the children themselves can act as active agents in their own protection. At times children are abused because they can’t freely express their feelings in society. Children’s rights are defined in a wide spectrum of economic, civil, political and social rights. Economically some children are ignored on property ownership which is unfair, and some children around the world are given heavy punishments like corporal punishments. This is the reason why the convention on children rights (CCR) formulated rights to empower the protection of children from all sorts of abuse.
From UK to France, you do not have to see people lining up at immigration offices. We need to do the same on every African border post to facilitate free movement of people.
Children also have a right to participation; they have a right to their own programs and services and to take part in them. This includes decision making and involment in discussions. Some rights allow children to grow up healthy and free. This include; freedom of speech, freedom of thought, freedom from fear, freedom of choice and to take decisions and ownership over one’s body. The United Nations Convention on the rights of the child (CRC) provides a frame work for addressing not only rights to child protection care and adequate provision, but also for participation.
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The views of the child are given weight according to the maturity and age of the child. A child can participate in the sense of knowing that one’s actions are taken note of and may be acted upon. The extent of children’s participation will vary from and within societies. Every child is entitled to acquire a name and nationality. All children registration should be upon birth. in my country a child is registered within eight days after birth. The child’s name, birth date and parent’s names are recorded. When a child is given a name at birth, he or she is not given an opportunity to choose a name for him or herself. The parents do this for the best interests of the child. The child however, can decide to change his or her name upon reaching the age of maturity. in this case the child is denied a right to participate in choosing a name at first but at later stages of development; The child can participate in the same way by changing to his/her desired name. Children should be allowed to choose their names when they are mature enough. A child has a right to be protected from all forms of punishment or discrimination regardless of their age, race ,sex, religion, status, their expressed opinions, activities and beliefs of the family members. As much as a child has a right to religion, to express their opinion or equality regardless of their age. These are sometimes restricted by their parents or legal guardians. For instance children are not at liberty to join a religion without parent’s influence. It is not because the child is denied its freedom to worship but it’s for the best interest of the child. To achieve this, parents should use mouth talks to show the mistakes of their children because this creates mutual friendship between the child and their parents rather than harassment. Nshimiyimana venuste, Form Six, Kagarama S.S
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Environment conservation and preservation key for ecosystems survival
Environmental Preservation & Conservation differentiations By Edward Rutabingwa
P
eople concerned with protecting the environment will often use the terms preservation and conservation. Let’s know in detail what preservation and conservation of the environment exactly mean.
the fact that mankind is encroaching onto the environment at such a rate that various wild landscapes are being given over to farming, industry, housing, tourism and other human developments.
These two terms are often confusing and are generally used interchangeably to mean the same thing, although differences exist. In this article we will briefly discuss about environmental preservation and conservation and their major differences.
And we lose much of the natural areas. Preservationists also strongly support the protection of the environment against human-centered activities. However, some adopts less human-centered approach to environmental protection, placing a value on nature that does not relate to the needs and interests of human beings. But by preserving and conserving the environment we can make a healthy atmosphere to live in.
Conservation of the environment simply implies the sustainable use as well as management of natural resources which include wildlife, water, air, and earth deposits. There are renewable and non-renewable natural resources. Conservation of natural resources generally focuses on the needs and interests of human beings, for instance the biological, economic, cultural and recreational values. Conservationists have the view that development is necessary for a better future, but only when the changes occur in ways that are not wasteful. As far as preservation of the environment is concerned, it tries to maintain the present conditions of the nature or Earth which are not yet touched by humans. This is because of
Considering preservation and conservation of environment. Rwanda environment management authority (REMA) is viewed or seen as the setting aside of earthly resources for preventing damage normally caused by contact with humans or by certain human activities, such as cutting trees, mining, hunting, and banning bush burning, only to replace them with new human activities such as tourism and recreation. Furthermore, regulations and laws may be enacted for the preservation of natural resources. Being earth friendly is very essential as this will save our planet at the time making a better place to live in for us, for future generations.
ENVIRONMENT
Q&A with Dr. Vincent Biruta, Rwanda’s Minister of Natural Resources
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Developing Natural Resources while Protecting the Environment
D
r. Vincent Biruta, Rwanda’s Minister of Natural Resources, discusses the exceptional investment potential of Rwanda’s natural resources in sectors from agriculture and forestry to foodprocessing, tourism and mining. He also emphasises Rwanda’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage by encouraging “green” development.
European Times: Can you highlight some of the investment opportunities Rwanda’s natural resources offer? Vincent Biruta: Rwanda has the potential to develop its natural resources in many sectors, including mining, agriculture, water infrastructures (for drinking water, irrigation and hydropower), tourism and forestry, among others. To make the most of this potential, the country needs more direct investments and new technologies. For example, some mines in Rwanda can only be exploited on the surface without the right equipment and technology. Foreign investors could help Rwanda take its economy to the next level in both capacity and job opportunities. The government is particularly looking for investors who can invest in value addition to our natural resources, including minerals resources, here in Rwanda before exporting them.
European Times: What is the Rwandan government doing to encourage protection of the environment? Vincent Biruta: The government of Rwanda has put several laws and regulations in place to protect the country’s natural resources and prevent companies from exploiting them in a harmful way. Rwanda is looking for green, sustainable investment projects. European Times: Why should international investors choose Rwanda over neighbouring countries like Burundi and Uganda? Vincent Biruta: Unlike many African countries, Rwanda is economically and politically stable and has developed a very good business climate. Registering and operating a business is easy in Rwanda now. Rwanda offers a wide range of investment opportunities in many sectors and niches, and investors should view Rwanda as a hub of the East African Community with all its economic potential, including in the mining sectors in the DRC and Uganda. Rwanda has already attracted significant foreign investment. Two examples are Phoenix Metals, whose
Karuruma Tin Smelter will be the first certified conflict-free tin smelter in Africa, and the UK’s New Forests Company, which is focusing on value addition to the forest resources of 11,000-hectare Nyungwe forest buffer zone. Rwanda has many major projects that are open to foreign investors, including a 20,000 hectares mining concession (Gatumba) which contains eight blocks for large-scale mining and 12 blocks for small scale mining. The opportunity also arises in partnership and joint ventures with local mining companies in the areas of financing, capital equipment, technical support and competitive mineral trade contracts. European Times: What is your personal message to international investors? Vincent Biruta: Come to Rwanda! The investment climate is very pro-business and the government is dedicated to working with international investors to stimulate Rwanda’s economic growth and improve the lives of our people. This Q and A was first published by The European Times in March 2015
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
By Eric Kabera
R
wanda is a hilly country and it’s affected by climate change like any other nation on planet earth. Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. Rwanda has an estimated population of eleven million, which is considered by experts to be too high given its surface area. The resulting high population density puts robust pressure on land use and natural resources, and the necessary extension of agriculture to cater for the high population often leads to deforestation. In Rwanda, climate change is altering agricultural and trade patterns by increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events which has an impact on season’s disturbances that frequently misinform farmer’s behavior like planting dates, dry spells and management practices. As a result of this the latter leads to lower yields, increase of crop diseases, reduction of water resources and flooding make the population insecure. Climate experts believe that Climate change impacts in Rwanda are intensified by the setup of Rwanda’s topography, traditional agriculture practices, poor planning of construction and non-protection of River banks, Lake Shores and poor management of marshlands. The country has previously been hit by deadly floods that have negatively impacted the country’s economic growth. The drought has also hindered different sectors especially agriculture as this
Climate
How Rwanda positions its threatens the country’s food security. According to reports from Rwanda Environment Management Authority, a government’s environment regulatory agency indicates that the lethal flood that hit the country in 2007 led to the government to spend an estimated money worth $4million to $20million in just two districts. The report shows that the estimated total economic loss of 2012 wet season flooding in Rwanda that includes agricultural loss, livestock loss and infrastructure was estimated at Rwf58.3billion and this represents about 1.4 percent of the overall GDP of 2011/2012. The aggregate models indicate that the additional net economic costs on top of existing climate variability could be equivalent to a loss of almost 1% of GDP each year by 2030 in Rwanda, excluding extreme events and damage costs can also increase over time with development as more newly developed assets become vulnerable, even if exposure levels remain constant. The estimates of medium-term costs to address future climate change are $50 - $300 million per year by 2030, an excess of $600 million/year is estimated if primary development activities of social protection and accelerated development are included.
New fund to mitigate climate change launched. However Rwandan government on
11th Oct 2014 launched the first ever environment and climate change fund that would help to mobilize the monetary funds to deal with the climate change effects in the country. Though it was officially launched, the fund had been operating in a project phase since October 2012 and has now mobilized Rwf59Billion to fund various projects. According to officials,
ENVIRONMENT
change
self to prevent its impact through investment and employment. The Fund for Environment and Climate Change (FONERWA) will be the engine for green growth in Rwanda, mobilize and channeling domestic and international financing to public and private environment and climate change projects. According to officials the green fund will support the projects that align with government’s commitment to a strong and prosperous green economy. The Rwanda’s Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi while speaking at the launch observed that it was imperative for such initiatives to be established for the country to prevent and fight the effects of climate change in the country. He observed that the latter had impacted Rwandans and it needed serious intervention.
A terraced terrain in northern Rwanda to prevent soil erosion
18 projects have been approved for funding and are at various stages of implementation. These projects cover a wide range of development areas including Natural Resources and Ecosystem Management, Electronic Waste Management and Renewable Energy investments. The projects are all aimed at promoting Rwanda’s green economy
“Climate change is real and its impact on our daily and national lives, in all sectors, is huge. Rwanda has taken a relentless and proactive approach to mainstream environmental and climate change policy across the economy” the prime minister said. Rwanda has been at the forefront in fighting climate change and environmental degradation. The country banned the use of plastic bags and the law was passed in Rwandan parliament. Rwanda, china, Taiwan and Macedonia are among the countries that have put a total ban on polythene bags with the aim of protecting environment. Among the prominent figures who
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have even internationally recognized to be behind most of Rwanda’s environment protection is Dr Rose Mukankomeje the Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority. She notes “We must protect the environment to achieve growth and build a green economy. Sustainability is crucial and the fund will help Rwanda to achieve this,” Rwanda in its Vision 2020, Include the protection and management of environment and the objective set out is to significantly reduce pressure on natural resources, particularly on land, water, biomass and biodiversity, and reverse the process of environmental pollution and degradation. The country intends to embark on transforming from an agrarian economy into a knowledge-based economy. This would imply alleviation of the pressure on arable land; and reducing the proportion of people earning their livelihoods from agriculture from 80% in 2000 to 50% by 2020. The report released in September this year by American Meteorological society investigated the cause of climate change. Scientists investigated that Of the five heat waves studied in the report, humancaused climate change-primarily through the burning of fossil fuelswas found to have clearly increased the severity and likelihood of those events. On the other hand, for other events examined like droughts, heavy rains and storms, fingerprinting the influence of human activity was more challenging. The influence of human-caused climate change on these kinds of events was sometimes evident, but often less clear, suggesting natural factors played a far more dominant role.
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Lake Burera and Mt Muhabura view
VIVA FOR EVER;
By Kirenga Calvin
“
The sun rose from the East and its golden rays shone upon the beautiful land, the Land of A Thousand Hills”
When I was standing, I looked at Rwanda from afar and I saw the beautiful land rise and the golden rays from the sun shining upon the land, so beautiful! When I looked back over the ages, I saw dark clouds swallow up the land, the beautiful rivers turned red and the echoing screams of Mother Rwanda cried out for her children, “Who can help?” But there was no answer. I looked at her with her red eyes and there was no hope. I felt nothing but pity. It has been long since I saw the rays but there is hope for this mother as the sun sets to the West, we always believe it rises next morning and this is our hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel. “Stand up! Rise and shine. For I am here to rise you up again.” “Imana y’u Rwanda iratashye.” The new hope
cries out. The setting sun and the darkness symbolize misery but we are the rising sun. No more darkness. Never again we declare! Then I saw mother Rwanda stand up with strength once again. I saw the big smile of hope on her as she stood. But when I reflected a bit, I saw the inheritors of the new hope bringing back the hope of today but what about tomorrow?” The mother cried out. So dear brothers and sisters, who belong to the same bone from the labor of our dear Mother Rwanda, lets stand up and build our land. Yes, our ancestors committed mistakes but we say no, let’s build from where our fathers have found. Let’s give Hope to Rwanda and the future generation. Yes we can make it and Yes I believe together we can. Riviera High School, S.6 Arts
ENVIRONMENT
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BASIC TIPS to PRESERVING THE
ENVIRONMENT By Dennis Agaba
N
owadays slogans such as: “Think Green”, “EcoFriendly”, “Save the Planet”, or “Global Warming”, are becoming very popular. In fact, all of them encompass a series of movements which have the same purpose: make people and governments aware of the future of our planet. The most important contribution to save our planet and keep it as it is known today must be done by governments, reaching a global agreement in order to reduce the carbon emission rates in every country as well as implement new policies to protect endangered species and ensure biodiversity by reducing massive logging and bush fires. In addition, some fishing practices as deep-sea bottom trawling must be banned. However, in our daily life we can support the purpose of the
slogan “Save our Planet”, making a personal contribution just by following some simple tips: striving hard to recycle, using public transport instead of our cars, reducing electricity and water consumption, or taking eco-bags with us when shopping. Furthermore, installing solar panels in our houses or using renewable energy will help to keep a cleaner environment and save money. Replace our old car for a less polluting vehicle such as electrical or hybrid. Finally, all of us can make a personal effort looking after our planet by joining the green movement trying to stop the destruction of the earth. Nevertheless, as governments worldwide are not able to reduce some practices, global warming will never end. The writer is a student at UR College of business
Elephants enjoying well conserved Akagera National park in the Eastern Rwanda
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
By Pontian Kabeera
H
IV/AIDS pandemic is a general world crisis whose impact is to be felt for generations and generations
to come.
For over two decades ago, HIV/ AIDS epidemic has spread, uncompromisingly affecting people of all walks of life and more so ruining the most productive segments of the population in the entire world. For it is very absurd that the plague is very eminent among the young generation between the ages of 15-35. These are the years when many are in their teens and they want to fully utilize any opportunity that comes their way. With the ever increasing technology and its components such as phones and computers, and the desire by the youth especially girls to live a comfortable and modern life, many unhealthy relationships with Sugar mummies and Daddies have come up. These are one of the major agents of the scourge to the innocent youth.
What causes the disease? So many factors are attributed towards the spread of the disease. Among them include, mother to child transmission; especially during delivery, accidents and of course the most predominant one is through unprotected sex with an infected person. When it comes to University students, some University lecturers, other people who hold offices around as well as business people around the universities take advantage of the students. They get these very desperate students and take advantage of them in an effort to give them marks and other material benefits like money and outings. “I must graduate at whatever cost; I am beautiful. I will use my beauty to compromise,” one girl student
AIDS
in Higher Institutions of Learning said, adding that her legs would save her. Such is the situation in higher institutions of learning. Justine Imananimwe; the Dean at the University of Rwanda, College of Business and Economics says that the University has well stocked clinics with outstanding counselors whose sole purpose is to always get back to those students who are infected and give them a word of encouragement.“It’s our culture before the year begins; we first do blood
It is recommended that regular training programs for VCT facility staff should be established and increased in order to impart new knowledge and skills to respond to the needs of the youth.
all
testing so that we can revise ways of dealing with students fairly,” she says.
She adds that they work with all government hospitals when it comes to such cases in order to give the victims special attention and guidance.
More to that, she says that last year, they didn’t get any student with Aids but she stresses that students who are infected fear testing with the University fearing that the information may leak and all students get to know their status. She says that they usually have orientation week for “freshers” and during that time they get counselors to come and talk to the students on a variety of things in regard to health. One fourth year medical student of Butare preferred to remain anonymous said, In Butare, it is very hard to find out who is suffering from the disease but the University has put in much effort to increase the awareness towards students about that killer disease. They have the club dubbed as the University league against AIDS and the University also put up the Department of Counseling with the sole aim of reaching out to students with the infection and other complications that torment victims. This department is managed by a qualified medical Doctor. They have another to create the awareness of the disease within the campus and this through distributing condoms to each and everyone to ensure that incase of anything, then at least there is some protection.
Prevention Voluntary counseling and testing is one of the key components of HIV
HEALTH
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It was also noted that age and sex of the respondents, medical check-up behavior, and getting new partners were the key determinants of attitudes towards Voluntary Counseling and Testing. Furthermore, the assessment of perception regarding the effectiveness of Voluntary Counseling in behavioral change and HIV prevention indicated that majority of respondents perceived VCT to be an effective instrument for shaping behavior and prevention of HIV/AIDS transmission.
prevention strategies aiming at sexual behavioral change. This has been backed up by strong evidence from researchers to support the precept that voluntary counseling and testing is both effective and costeffective as a strategy for facilitating behavior change. This study was carried out by Mzumbe University (MU), Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Morogoro region, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) in Dar es Salaam region. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceptions and attitudes towards voluntary counseling and testing of a sample of University students, and to investigate the possible barriers affecting participation in voluntary counseling and testing programs in Tanzania. The data collection process involved conducting interviews using a survey questionnaire with University students and Internet research.
They also focused so much on group discussions. Sessions were also conducted to elicit information about HIV/AIDS and voluntary counseling and testing from the students. However the key findings of the study showed that the trend of VCT is increasing. This is due to the fact that the number of people who have tested has been increasing for the past five years and investments in establishing new facilities have also increased. Regarding the attitude and the perception towards HIV testing, majority of respondents indicated that they were willing, but not ready to test in the near future. The findings also indicated that even if the centers were close to the University, with maximum confidentiality, the attitude towards VCT would not change. However, the attitude seemed to change given the availability of more care and support by the medical personnel.
Based on the findings, it is recommended that regular training programs for VCT facility staff should be established and increased in order to impart new knowledge and skills to respond to the needs of the youth. Besides, the ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Universities should adopt an integrated planning approach in which HIV/AIDS plans are included in the comprehensive plans. This would allow HIV/AIDS activities to obtain financing share from the annual budget. Marietu S. Tenuche and Olayiwola A. Erinosho of Kogi State University carried out a study on Aids in higher institutions of learning in Nigeria. In their response to the pandemic,they collected data from 132 institutions and 7505 staff and students in eleven randomly selected institutions spread over the six geopolitical zones into which Nigeria is administratively subdivided. The institutions are generally a benefit to Voluntary Counseling and Testing as well as anti-retroviral treatment. However they found out that despite the heightened awareness on the scourge, high risk sexual behavior is still predominant judged by the number of respondents that acknowledge sex with multiple partners in their institutions. In their conclusion they realized that there is still great need for HIV/AIDS control policy and activities in order to check the spread of the disease.
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
RBC IN THE
SENSITISATION CAMPAIGN ON EARLY HIV/AIDS TESTING
R
wanda Biomedical Center is embarking on a country wide campaign against HIV/ AIDS and it intends to sensitize all people on HIV/AIDS in all the districts. With its campaign against HIV/AIDS epidemic, RBC in collaboration with SFH Rwanda took the campaign to Rusizi district in the western province. The focus was on prenatal transmission of HIV/AIDS where they strongly urged mothers to always go for early HIV/ AIDS tests to reduce on the number of children who acquire HIV through this way of transmission.
By Norbert NIYITEGEKA
M
other-to-child HIV transmission is one of the high rating ways through which Aids spread. One of the reasons behind this issue is that people are still not yet convinced about the importance of early testing. Statistics show that among 27,000 Rwandan children living with HIV, 90% contracted the virus during pregnancy, childbirth or through breastfeeding. According to the World Health Organization, the rates for this kind of transmission can range from 15 to 45% in the absence of any interventions. But this rate can also be reduced to levels below 5% with effective interventions. It is in this case that the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) relies on the above situation and urges the mothers
to go for early HIV testing to know their health status. Actually, a pregnant woman should do HIV testing four times a year in order to know her health status for her not to infect her child. As RBC’s moderators explained to the public, the mother can infect her child while in delivery and breastfeeding period as well as during pregnancy period. Sensitized people stressed that men from Rusizi still fear HIV testing and want to get response from their wives’ results. Mukamana Anastasia said: “Most of the time, our husbands do not accept to accompany us and we choose to stay home without going for the test”. RBC representatives told them that they don’t have to miss out on testing because health centers now test single partners if their husbands refused to come together with them.
In addition to the above initiative, RBC also sensitized people from Rusizi district on abstinence and the use of condoms in case of failure for youth to abstain. Youth currently appear to be among the key population that need awareness as well as protection from STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Activities of sensitisation have been taking place in Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Karongi, Rutsiro, Ngororero, Nyabihu and Rubavu districts in the Western province. This campaign will continue in the Eastern and Northern Provinces of the country to ensure the AIDS pandemic is reduced. The Ministry of Health has committed itself to accelerate progress for the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) with the goal to eliminate new pediatric HIV infections and improve on maternal, newborn, child HIV survival and health.
HEALTH
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QN. I’m ashamed to say this but still I need help. I’m addicted to pornography to the level that they’re the only kind of movies I watch often. How can I end this addiction dear doctor? Jimmy, 17years old. Doctors’ Response: Dear Jimmy, watching pornography is very bad to your health. It will affect your mental and behavior attitude toward sex in future! You can end this addiction by getting interested to other games or other things that can occupy your brain besides pornography. In addition to that, you can visit the nearest health center for counselling.
QN. My name is Sheila in form 5,I was advised by my friends to always take a lot of pain killers every time am in my menstrual periods thus assuring me that it takes away all the pain that I normally experience. Am scared to do it. Dear Dr is it healthy? Doctors’ Response: Doctors’ Response: Dear Sheila, this is not a good approach, the pain killers you take as advised by your friends may do harm than good to your health! Its better you approach a gynecologist to handle this issue. QN. Dear Dr, my blood group is O, and I heard my friends saying that with such a blood group one is safe from acquiring HIV/AIDS when you have unprotected sex. Is this true? Catherine, Senior 3. Doctors’ Response: Dear Catherine, this is not true, HIV/AIDS, is acquired regardless of what blood group you have, if no protected sex. You better do away with sex until you get married.
QN. I’m Mugabe Robert, 20 years old and in form 6. My penis is very small and am afraid it still looks like it was when I was ten years old. Dear Dr I’m I normal like others? Please let me know for I’m worried. Doctors’ Response: My friend Robert, small penis is not an issue, if you do get erection and it enlarges and you have beards and pubic hairs! If all these are missing, then you should visit a gynecologist but all that is okay do not get worried for a small penis, the size should not worry you as long as you erect. QN. My name is Diana, 18years old, senior five. Whenever I’m in my monthly periods, I extremely suffer from backache to the point of failing to stand. Dear Dr Is this normal? Doctors’ Response: Dear Diana, this is not normal if it reaches a point of failing to stand. You should see a Doctor to examine you properly.
QN. Dear doctor, I exclusively enjoy being with boys than girls all the time. Some of my friends told me that I might be developing homosexual feelings. Could this be true? Yours, Steven, aged 21. Doctors’ Response: Dear Steven, I do not know really if you have homosexual feelings while you are with your fellow boys, but this is not related to homosexual feelings. If you have them, try to get rid of it by getting friends of the opposite sex. However, being with your fellow boys more than girls has no problem to worry about. QN. I’m 20 years old now but honestly I have never experienced any sexual feeling for a boy no matter how people tell me that I’m attractive. Dr, could I be having a problem? Confused Jane, in senior 6. Doctors’ Response: Dear Jane, being at the age of 20, and you do not have sexual feelings, its ok, and you still have other things to do that bridge this gap. Keep it up, everything has its own time, if your time reaches and you do not get it, ask me this question a gain.
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HEALTH
Managing
cup over the course of your period.
Your Periods as a Teen By Lindsay Woolman
I
f you’re going through puberty you might have period questions. This normal part of adolescence can be both scary and exciting, so it’s helpful to know what to expect.
The First Time When you get your period for the first time, chances are you’ll be between the ages of eight and 17. Everybody has a different body and while some girls start their periods early in puberty, others must wait until later. There is nothing wrong with you if you are the last person you know or the very first. The average age for a girl having her first period is 12 years old, but everyone goes through these stages at various times.
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What’s Happening Inside the Body? The first time you get your period, it’s known as “menarche.” This simply means your reproductive system has matured and you’re releasing hormones that stimulate the ovaries. One of the internal signs of maturity is that your ovaries release an egg about once a month-a process called ovulation. During this time, the egg waits to be fertilized and the uterus builds up a lining of blood and tissue to cushion the egg. If the egg doesn’t get fertilized, the lining in the uterus starts to break down. This typically happens about 10-15 days after ovulation. This is when your period usually starts. The blood that comes out is the lining from your uterus.
What to Expect Now that you know what goes on inside your body, here’s what happens on the outside. The first time you get your period it might be a huge surprise. You might feel a “wetness” down there and discover blood on your underwear. Typically, the blood can be anywhere from a dark rust color to bright red. Luckily, it doesn’t rush out of your body and you really only lose a couple tablespoons to a
Just like there isn’t a right time to start your period, girls have periods of various lengths, ranging from about two to seven days. It’s also common to have irregular periods, especially when you’re first starting them. Mood changes are sometimes apparent in the days before and during your period. You might also experience cramps, bloating, and pimple outbreaks. All of the physical and emotional changes during puberty are the work of your hormones.
Gear for Your Period If you’re having regular periods or suspect you might start soon, you’ll want to have some supplies on hand. There are two ways to absorb the blood from your period: pads and tampons. Pads are easy to use and worn outside the body on your underwear, while tampons are inserted inside the body. For first timers and early on, you’ll want to use pads. They stick to your underwear, are easy to use, and are made of highly absorbent material. Another good thing to have on hand is medication to help with cramps. While not everyone gets cramps, sometimes they cause a slight discomfort, kind of like a stomachache. There are various brands of medicine you can buy at the grocery store or a drug store that will help alleviate discomfort. A heating pad is another good thing to have on hand in case you need it. Most girls can function like normal during their period, play sports, and find that cramps are not that big of a deal. Talk to your parents about the supplies to have on hand when you get your period and let them know when it happens the first time. You want to make sure you’re covered.
Rite of Passage Getting your period is a part of life and questions are normal. Make sure you are prepared for your first period and don’t be afraid to talk to your parents and friends about it. This rite of passage will be happening for a long time, so get comfortable with it. Compiled by Ann, Riviera high School.
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
A depressed youth in a lonely situation
MENTAL
DEPRESSION A TEEN’S SILENT SOUL KILLER
HEALTH
M
any have heard of it but little cared, when someone talks about mental health care, many feel less concerned about the time the word mental approaches their ears because they only know that mental health care is for mentally disabled people themselves, they are mentally disabled. Mental health care is the most important thing one must do before any other thing. The ten’s silent soul killer therefore, is a psychological disease called depression. It has filled many teen hearts and minds, and soon killing them, so far more than one out of ten patients of depression commit suicide. Depression is when mind tells the body that it’s tired, and its common result is committing suicide. Some minds of teenagers are telling their bodies that they are tired. Why would a teen’s mind feel tired? I will share with you the following causes of teen’s depression today; Feeling of worthlessness due to their low grades, Social status mismatch with peers, Sexual orientation consequences, family life and environmental stress.
A teen patient of depression is likely to fail lessons, and his/her depression might aggravate if she/ he is intimidated. A teen with depression has the following symptoms: apathy, Complaints of pains including headaches, stomachaches, back pain or fatigue, difficulty in making decisions, excessive guilt, irresponsible behavior for example forgetting obligations, being late for classes and skipping school, also, loss of interest for food or compulsive over eating that results in rapid weight /loss or gain, memory loss, pre occupation with death and dying, rebellious behavior, sadness, anxiety or sleeping during day, use of alcohol or drugs and promiscuous sexual activity and loneliness among others.
The natural depression treatment measures: Many friends of ours suffer from depression but we don’t know, since we know the cause and symptoms, then take a look at the following natural depression treatment measures; Setting goals, doing physical exercises,
51
eating healthy, getting enough sleep, take on responsibilities, challenge negative thoughts checking with your doctor before using supplements as well as trying to have fun. The greatest medicine we can give to depressed teens is talking to them, appreciate and thank him/her to every good thing done, make them feel responsible, able and trusted, because it gives them hope, love and restores the esteem that was broken. Do not put blame on them for their failure to fulfill their daily activities, but instead make them feel how possible it is for them to win. Depression is a silent teen’s soul killer, and we are loud soul savers of teens. Time heals, and as the wise say “tomorrow will always make today a yesterday”, today will pass and tomorrow is always better. Let us forget bad things, let the past be passed and the last. If the depression aggravates, one must go for a psychological test and see things turning into a miracle. Save teens from depression, save the world. Iribagiza glory, Kagarama S.S.
Teenage girls playing soccer
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Why
locking hair rocks By Doreen Karakure
now.
F
Even though dreadlocks still have a negative connotation to some Rwandans, many women and young ladies are locking dreads like no one’s business.
or a long time now, dreadlocks have been perceived as a hairstyle for Rastafarians, a reputation that is surrounded by drugs and crime. However, this is changing in Rwanda and the trend is catching around many office ladies and the youth who lock their hair and still manage to look gorgeous. Dreadlocks have become the favorite hair trend for most women; they can be won by men and even children. “Women are choosing dreadlocks for simple reasons” says Ariane Uwera who has locks for the past 4 years. “They are easy to maintain and are cost effective, it saves many visits to the hairdresser and its fun having different styles in one,” she explains. Apart from being easy to maintain, locks are appropriate for any kind of lifestyle and season. “You can go swimming without worrying of destroying your hair, whether it rains on you or you pass through whirlwind, locks are no trouble. I have never regretted having locks,” says Miriam Kamahinda, a pharmacist who has locks for 2 years
“I wouldn’t care less about people’s misconception. I have locks and people tell me how great I look every now and then, besides they are great at maintaining the hair,” says Anita Musiime, a 24 year old University student. Actually having dreadlocks can be the most fun thing on a creative person’s head. “You can style your locks depending on your preferences, you can add colour and make it fun, you can make a puff or let it loose,” says Dativa Mukesha, an expert in dread locking. Although some people say locks look dirty, locking hair still has its great moments. If you want reasons why dreadlocks rock before adorning them, consider the following. Use Rubber bands to give colour and style to the locks, they even help roots and tips tighten, especially when dreads are new. They will give tension
that speeds up the locking process and prevent loose hairs especially when washing newer dreads Dreadlocks do not require the use of any chemical processes making them better for your scalp unlike other hair style that require your hair to be chemically straightened. The residue free soaps that dreadlocks are washed with actually increase hair growth and cause hair to grow thicker and faster by removing residue from the hair follicles. Dreadlocks are ideal for women who have busy schedules and businesses. If styled well, dreadlocks can be worn for a weddings, interviews and business meetings with no shame. Social events and corporate gatherings, they are good to go. You will just pass a dreadlocks saloon to style for you and the style can even last for weeks. Even though some people still have reservations about dread locking saying it looks inappropriate, for some especially the youth, it is one hairstyle that is less demanding and yet simply chic. It indeed rocks. The bad perception that has been always followed dreadlocks is fading away.
LIFESTYLE
55
Slim
suits a new trend today By Saturday January
F
or all the classy men out there, something exceptional and elegant is taking shape and massively getting popular in the world today. The fitting suits are on the market. As the trend of fashion was as early as around the 1950’s to 1960’s was concerned, here it comes again with a lot of intensity. Apparently, a fitting suit is the best way to define a man’s personality. Suits play a very vital role as far as the male gender is concerned, for they affect men’s life style and improves their character as well. Most of these suits, with slim fit are in vogue. They don’t need a major tailoring overhaul before anyone can wear them. They are carefully tailored with great durability, wrinkle resistance, and great finishing. It is important to note that these suits are available on the market in various colors; black, navy blue, silver white, coffee brown-but one can place an order to get the color of their choice to suit their taste, size and types such as single and double breasted. They can be worn on corporate functions, business meetings and without saying on weddings. They are also appropriate for grooms and masters of ceremonies. n case you need one, just move around town, in fashion stores and be smart. Let’s all move with the prevailing style. No room to be left behind whatsoever. We have a reason to look new in a new style.
The Link Magazine Publications Ltd.| Web: thelinkmagazine.org
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
Ndayisaba
the Rwandan professional lawyer &
100 meter champion
N
dayisaba Saidi is a lawyer by profession and 100-200 meter athletics champion in Rwanda, he pursues a double career, but this hasn’t stopped him from representing the country at high levels. In an exclusive interview with The Link Magazine, he had the following to say regarding his career; At the age of 25, he is proud of representing his country (Rwanda) at
international levels but still calls for the ministry of sports to balance sports disciplines the same way. In order, to understand more on his journey from a teenager to a hundred meter champion, The Link Magazine’s Richard Mugarura Caught up with him this weekend during his free time as we had a one on one. He says its stressful and hard work but he balances it with studies at the same time but he says takes programming himself as
the key to his success.
What are your names and background? I am Ndayisaba Saidi Hamisi, born 1989 in Bujumbura the capital city of Burundi to Kagiriki Hamisi and Nyirabazungu Neema with 2 brothers and 4 sisters but currently I live in Biryogo a suburb in Nyamirambo sector of Nyarugenge district.
When did you begin your career? I started my career during the year 2004
Who inspired you to do athletics? I was inspired by my called Maurice Bizimana who always motivated me to do athletism since he always told me I had the talent
Have you won any medals before? Yes I won my first gold medal in the East African University tournament which was held in Tanzania
Any future plans so far? Currently my plan is to participate in the next upcoming Olympic Games competition which will be held in Brazil, and after that participation am planning to be a coach, that’s why am working hard through training day after day.
Who sponsors you?
country in the world 100-200 meter championship but it needs a lot of sacrifice, support and determination though is working hard to reach were I want to be..
Any achievements so far? Through my career of athletism I have managed to achieve a lot, because I managed to pay my tuition fees because of athletism that’s why I dedicate being a lawyer to my career.
Any chances of participating in the upcoming Olympic games? Yes, am expecting to participate in the upcoming Olympic Games championships
Who is your favorite athlete? Iam a favorite of Usain Bolts because I love his speed and style
Apart from athletism do you have any other job or education profile? Currently I have no any other job apart from athletism but pursuing my master’s degree at the independent institute Adventist of lay of Kigali (INILAK) in International Environment and Land Use.
Are you married? No am single
What do you do in your free time? During my free time, I listen to music, make revision through my books and also discuss with my family, friends and relatives.
Any advice to the upcoming athletes? I advise all upcoming local athletes to work hard in order to achieve success because it’s a very difficult game
Iam sponsored by the club am running for, which is APR athletics club
What can you advise the ministry of sports?
What challenges do you face in your career as an athlete?
I advise the ministry of sports to take all disciplines the same through balancing games for example the perception between athletism, Basketball, football and other games to be the same.
I have a challenge to represent my
SPORTS
57
Moses Kamanzi at the training ground
Meet kamanzi a young Rwandan Pursuing his soccer coaching career in the US By Richard Mugarura
Coaching Career
Football club.
Background
I became interested in coaching during the year 2007, when I started coaching young kids aged 6-7years old.
After two successful seasons, that’s when I was transferred to Riverside Youth Soccer Club, that’s when we also participated in the league which was composed of 16 teams.
M
oses T. Kamanzi a bachelor’s degree holder at Wright state University, currently based in the USA (OHIO) was born and raised in Uganda where he grew up and playing football was one of his daily favorite activities Kamanzi acquired his FIFA license of coaching U-18 clubs last year after he had been coaching a major sport for the boys all year long.
It was a huge challenge but it was worth it because the first team I coached in the major league youth football was Bellbrook children’s club for two seasons and the results were amazing. It was in 2009 when I got my first coaching license that permitted me to train children below 10 years, that’s when I Joined Huber Heights Youth
We managed to be second on the league table and the top scorer in the league that season was Christian Kirenga a Rwandan who managed to score 19 goals. “Coaching is fun at the same time a huge challenge, when I lose a game, my heart pumps a lot! When I lift a
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The link Magazine | APRIL 2015 | Issue No.015
trophy at the end of the season or tournament that’s when I love every single minute of the game”. Kamanzi added
Any support to your Country I would definitely like to support my people, I like to see Rwandan football improve and be able to compete with other great African national teams like Ghana and Ivory Coast. I will play my role when I start running soccer clinics soon in the country (Rwanda).
Any advice Rwanda has got gifted and talented youths, but can’t be spotted if we don’t help them develop their talents; it all begins with empowering interested kids and helping them develop their talents for future use. There is a misconception when it comes to football and Europe, because many youngsters think they can’t play football unless they go to Europe, this is totally wrong. I am not advising them to keep away from European football, but it shouldn’t be the prime target because I have seen home-based footballers on the African continent do better than Europe based footballers. I know Europe has equipment, quality football and good training, which helps players to work on their skills. We can train players regardless of their geographical location and turn out to be great players and that’s my sentiment.
Any local players you Know Definitely, I know several Rwandan football players and coaches like Vincent Mashami, he is a good friend, I played with him back in days while in college and I also take this opportunity to congratulate him on his big achievement of lifting up the league trophy last year.
Have you won any trophies? It was in 2008, when I won the Miami Valley tournament as I was more than
happy when I lifted up the trophy for the first time when my team won on penalties.
experience which I would later bring back to promote football in my motherland.
Any contribution to Rwandan soccer so far?
However, it’s the game that creates big names although I admire players like Suarez, Yaya Toure and Rooney, I am more focused on achieving certain goals through hardworking.
There is always support, available for younger players, but I wish I knew what exactly could be offered? It’s easy to get equipment like; balls, shoes, and Uniforms etc. But this is not enough without training players, because training is so important. I know a lot about Rwandan football and I think soon or later football will be part of our culture. Football has put Rwanda on the global publicity in the most positive way; I remember when Rwanda qualified to participate in the 2004 African Cup of Nations finals held in Tunisia. It was one of the happiest moments to every Rwandan since Rwanda was still in the process of rebuilding itself from the darkest moments.
Any connections to big names in the major league soccer? Currently I am not so much connected to big names in the major league soccer but I am only connected to the game of football to gain
Football has put Rwanda on the global publicity in the most positive way; I remember when Rwanda qualified to participate in the 2004 African Cup of Nations finals held in Tunisia.
Club football and music favorites Am a diehard of the English Premier league while England (3 lions) is my favorite national team, Kitoko and Kayirebwa are my favorite local musicians, R. Kelly is my best musician and my best colors are those ones that make the Rwandan national flag.
Any Message to FERWAFA FERWAFA has done a tremendous job and my simple advice is to let us engage and invest in children, young people can be shaped into great players. Skills and talent can be developed at an early age through building junior academies at all ages can help Rwandan football.
Advice to young players My advice to the young players coming in the world of football is clear: Working hard is the key to success; a lot has changed in football nowadays. Coaching skills have improved; equipment is available, so there is no excuse to limit one’s potential to make dreams come true.
Personal life I am married with one son, I do scouting besides coaching and when the tournament begins, I watch all high school games with other scouts. That’s where I spot young talented skilled players who register for tryouts, and when a player performs well in tryouts, his chances of getting drafted in college or university on a full scholarship are high. That’s how in most cases some players end up getting drafted in second division league teams.
IZUBA NIRYA BURIWESE
2
YEAR
GUARANTEE
S2
Tel: +250 722 000 846 | www.notsrwanda.rw
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