Showing posts with label Rwanda. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rwanda. Show all posts

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe To Deliver Keynote at Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) 2023 Conference in November in Kigali

 


Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF)
 

PRESS RELEASE
Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe To  Deliver Keynote at Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) 2023 Conference in November in Kigali
Dr. Moloi-Motsepe is the Co-founder of the Motsepe Foundation, one of the largest foundations on the continent

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CAPE TOWN, South Africa, August 17, 2023/ -- The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (https://www.AWIEForum.org) has confirmed that esteemed South African businesswoman, philanthropist, and fashion entrepreneur, Precious Moloi-Motsepe will deliver a keynote address at the 2023 edition of their prestigious annual AWIEF Conference and Awards.

AWIEF2023 Conference and Awards will take place on 9 and 10 November 2023 at the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda, in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and Innovation of Rwanda, Private Sector Federation (PSF) Rwanda – Specialized Cluster, and Rwanda Convention Bureau.

Dr. Moloi-Motsepe is the Co-founder of the Motsepe Foundation, one of the largest foundations on the continent. The work of the Foundation is aligned to 12 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined by the United Nations, demonstrating its commitment to promoting sustainable development and making a positive impact on the continent.

She is also the Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, and the Founder of African Fashion International (AFI), a globally affiliated enterprise that champions African creatives and facilitates their entrance into global markets.

Currently in its 9th year, the award-winning AWIEF Conference is Africa's leading entrepreneurship event and provides a powerful platform for bringing together thought leaders, policymakers, development partners, and stakeholders in the African entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem for high-level discussions on Africa's economic development challenges and proffering inclusive solutions.

By bringing together a pan-African and international representation of business owners, leaders, and communities, the AWIEF event promotes intra-Africa trade, shines a light on achievements and acts as a catalyst to network, share knowledge, engage in dialogue, and learn from experts and peers across the continent’s borders and beyond.

With the theme Leveraging the Power of the Digital Economy: Innovate, Redefine, Empower, this year’s event aims to boost inclusivity, enhance partnerships, and empower startups and enterprises in the digital economy.

About her participation in AWIEF2023, Dr. Moloi-Motsepe said: “If we work together and act decisively, we can attain gender equality in our lifetimes. Using the power of the digital economy to drive African female entrepreneurship and innovation is a key dimension of this journey. I am excited about AWIEF2023, and proud to be a participant. Let’s use the opportunity to meet, learn, collaborate, and inspire, and in so doing build the momentum we need to empower all the women of Africa.”

Irene Ochem, AWIEF Founder and CEO said: “We are honoured and excited at the participation of Dr. Moloi-Motsepe in AWIEF2023, an exemplary global philanthropist and businesswoman. She is a leading advocate and driving force for the advancement of women in leadership and gender equality and serves as an inspirational figure and role model for women in business.”

Dr. Moloi-Motsepe joins a powerful global speaker faculty for AWIEF2023, including H. E. Paula Ingabire, Minister of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda, Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura, Secretary General, FIFA, Clare Akamanzi, CEO, Rwanda Development Board, Cosmas Zavazava, Chief of Department, Partnerships for Digital Development, International Telecommunication Union, Yvonne Manzi Makolo, CEO, RwandAir and Chairperson, Board of Governors, IATA, and Eleanor Nwadinobi, President, Medical Women's International Association (MWIA).

To register for AWIEF2023, follow this link: https://apo-opa.info/3OHNxPI
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).
 
Media enquiries:
Riana Andrews
Email: info@awieforum.org

SOURCE
Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF)


Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B Joins Fight Against Skin Bleaching in Africa

PRESS RELEASE
Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B Joins Fight Against Skin Bleaching in Africa
In collaboration with UNESCO, Cardi B's Skincare brand is set to mitigate the devastating effects of trends in skin bleaching in the tropical regions of Africa

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LOS ANGELES, California, March 8, 2023/ -- Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B, a leading beauty brand, announced today its commitment to fighting against the practice of skin bleaching in Africa. Skin bleaching, also known as skin lightening or whitening, is a dangerous trend that has become prevalent in many African countries, where it is associated with beauty and social status.



Edith F. Gibson



Are you tired of seeing harmful skin-bleaching products advertised and promoted to achieve "beauty" in Africa? The popular rapper has recently announced the projected launch of her own line of skincare products that are designed to celebrate melanin-rich skin and discourage people from using dangerous chemicals on their bodies. In this article, we'll dive deeper into why Cardi B's brand is such a game-changer for African beauty standards and how it can help steer the conversation away from harmful beauty practices.

Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B believes that all skin colors are beautiful and aims to promote self-love and confidence through its products. The brand's decision to act against skin bleaching in Africa is part of its larger mission to empower women and promote positive body image. By joining forces with UNESCO alongside Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame. The country has enforced a ban on skin-lightening products with the president stating “these practices are quite unhealthy among other things. Includes use of prohibited chemicals.”

While other administrations such as Ghana followed suit on Rwanda’s efforts the country too has issued its own ban on skin-lightening products. The acting chief executive of the authority, Mimi Darko said “Ghana has banned these types of products, there will be no importing of such harsh and damaging products to this country.”

It is no secret that skin bleaching is a big problem in Africa. According to a recent report by the World Health Organization, an estimated 77% of women in Nigeria use skin-lightening products. This number is even higher in other countries like Togo (88%), South Africa (80%), and Senegal (59%).

"I'm proud to be part of a brand that stands for inclusivity and celebrates diversity. Skin bleaching is a harmful practice that perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards and can have severe health consequences," said Cardi B, CEO of Kulture Wave Beauty. "We want to help women embrace their natural beauty and feel confident in their own skin."

Why Kulture Wave Beauty is different.

Cardi B's skincare brand, Kulture Wave Beauty, is partnering with UNESCO to help mitigate the devastating effects of skin bleaching in tropical regions of Africa. Skin bleaching is a dangerous and harmful practice that can lead to serious health problems, including cancer. Kulture Wave Beauty's line of natural and safe skincare products will help to combat the harmful effects of skin bleaching and promote healthy skin practices in Africa. This partnership is an important step in raising awareness about the dangers of skin bleaching and promoting healthy skin care habits in Africa.

Kulture Wave Beauty is a beauty brand founded in partnership with the Grammy-winning artist Cardi B and KWBI Management, LLC. The brand offers a range of high-quality six-phase skincare product line that is designed to celebrate diversity and promote self-love.

Cardi B has launched her beauty line and is using it to combat the harmful practice of skin bleaching in Africa through a partnership with Delight Cosmeceutical Labs (https://apo-opa.info/3mCVkUB), which formulates the products for the skincare brand. The lab's leading esthetician, Edith F. Gibson, has a 5-year contract to work with the UNESCO field office in Yaoundé, Cameroon, to combat the practice of skin bleaching.

The line, called Kulture Wave Beauty, includes a range of products designed to nourish and protect the skin. The products are made with patented scientific technology and natural ingredients which are free from harmful chemicals.

Cardi B is committed to helping women of all colors feel beautiful in their own skin. She hopes that by offering a quality alternative to skin bleaching products, she can help put an end to the dangerous practice.

Kulture Wave Beauty will be available online, and in-store and will be expanding to stores across Africa in the near future. The line is set to be released in Six separate phases.

UNESCO Partnership Objective:

The problem with skin lightening in Africa is that there are several reasons why women bleach their skin. Many believe that it will make them more attractive to men, while others think it will help them get ahead in life. Some simply want to fit in with society's standards of beauty. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that skin bleaching is extremely harmful to your health.

Bleaching agents contain toxic chemicals that can damage your skin and lead to several health problems. These include liver damage, kidney failure, cancer, and even death. In addition, bleaching your skin makes you more susceptible to sun damage and can cause premature aging.

"We believe that by working together, we can create a world where all women feel empowered and beautiful, regardless of their skin color," said Cedric Yengo the Chairman for KWBI Management (www.KWBIManagement.com). "We hope that our commitment to this cause will inspire others to join the fight against skin bleaching in Africa."

If you're considering bleaching your skin, we urge you to think twice about it. There are plenty of other ways to achieve the look you desire without risking your health in the process. This partnership is set to achieve the following.

1. To initiate the creation of networking systems to mitigate the devastating effects of trends in skin bleaching in the tropical regions of Africa.

2. To expose scientific technology and a better approach to tropical skincare for stakeholders in the field while reiterating the need for further research and training of more professionals.

3. To raise awareness of the wealth of biodiversity of tropical regions of Africa and its potential to benefit local communities in and around biospheres.

Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B is an inspiring initiative and a huge step forward toward fighting skin bleaching in Africa. The fact that such influential public figures like Cardi B are taking a stand against this issue sends out a powerful message of hope to people all over the world. Kulture Wave Beauty also serves as a reminder that we need to respect each other's differences and embrace our uniqueness, no matter what it may be. It’s important for us to keep talking about this issue so that more people can become aware of its consequences, for only then will the real change begin to happen.
KWBI Management, LLC.

For more information about Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B and its commitment to fighting against skin bleaching in Africa, please visit the brand's website at www.KWBIManagement.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KWBI Management,LLC.
 

Disclaimer:
The information contained in this release is as of March 2023. The content is for information purposes and as such, should not be construed as legal, tax investment, financial, or other advice. The release contains forward-looking statements.

Media Contact:
Cedric Yengo
Kulture Wave Beauty by Cardi B
press@kwbimaangement.com
775.260.3119


Monday, December 13, 2010

A Letter from Rwanda: Seed of Discord – are they truly human?

Rwanda Genocide Memorial (Photo Credit: blog.digitaltavern.com)



Seed of Discord – are they truly human?

A report of Sam’s visit to Rwanda and on the trauma of the Rwandan Genocide by Samuel Olu, a Nigerian reporter and Christian minister.


It is 1.45pm. The high school students are on their way home listening to the world news in our native language Yoruba . So interesting and captivating that the trouble of ethnic unrest and violence around the world formed a major part of the news. The Iraq war and that in Bosnia Herzegovina was alarming. However few years later, I was too busy as an undergraduate (in 1994) to listen to any world news just at the time that the horrible incident called genocide occurred in the central part of Africa-

Rwanda. I thought Africans would be celebrating the release of Nelson Mandela and dethronement of apartheid as well as looking forward to constructive African nations but, once again came a dirty blow on the land that was hardly known by many people including Africans. More also, I searched for almost 3 -4 minutes before locating Rwanda on the African map.


I arrived in Kigali on 9th September 2002 on a bright day with light showers. I had a fulfilled journey as I stepped down from a Kenya airline and being driven through the capital city of Rwanda where business activities and life goes on peacefully. Though, I took a clue form some Rwandans about their country but it was short of the information relayed to me before leaving Nigeria.

"Amahoro," they greeted me! The people of Rwanda are welcoming and for few days of my arrival I got to know about their unique dance pattern and music. I had a taste of their local food- shapati and matoke (cooked unripe banana). I was able to see President Kagame’s non-elegant lifestyle with simple dressing. He will obey traffic lights and goes everywhere without this enormous entourage of escort that we have in Nigeria.

Transportation is cheap in Kigali and I didn’t find it difficult to spend Amafaranga (Rwanda currency). However it wasn’t long before I realized that the community I came into was void of real comfort and shrinking inside.

Known for Genocide

Our house help is a young and hardworking man. Many like Athanas have to do any kind of work to survive and take care of their families. Sharing his experience, he said, ‘we journeyed for days through forest to Burundi eating Avocado; we dare not stop for long in order to save our lives.’ Athanas hardly communicates in English , however, the utterance of his speech reflected the struggle he had gone through during the genocide period.

During my stay, the situation in the country was not as serious though. Taking my time to settle down at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Kigali with my Nigerian host; Jean-Marie, a Rwandan gave testimony that his sister that he lost contact with since 1994 came back and that is an answer to his prayer. I was overwhelmed with news about people who died of AIDS, women with HIV, orphanage, street children, incomplete families-father, no mother, and children without parent; and deep cry of the young people for their lost ones.

Then I began to esquire about this act that is called genocide. Just as Adolph Hitler’s evil war to wipe out the Jews in Germany, thus the Hutu–led Government purposed to eradicate the Tutsi from the surface of the earth. Cruel, ungodly, crazy, why and for what reasons are words that were sprinkling down my cheeks. Therefore, I decided to visit Gisozi Genocide centre to find out from a reliable source:


What happened on a day that the sun refused to shine?
When humans put judgment in their hands, their unmerciful ally-friends looked at them slaughtering themselves; while enemies outside helped those inside and the delivers came forcefully to unite their people
.

My experience

• Visit to Gisozi



Amakuru you are welcome to Gisozi our visitors, she greeted- ‘this is where part of the remains of over 800,000 Rwanda's Tutsis and Hutus who were slaughtered in the terrible genocide of 1994 were buried and their bones are being kept’. She went on explaining the catastrophic incident involving the killings of Tutsi and the moderate Hutus that did not support them by Hutus and the Interhamwe (those who fight together).




Come and see burial ground and caskets! What are inside? Only bones-mass burial of discovered bones. Inside the hall are guns, machetes, skulls, bones and clothes stripped from the dead people displayed on different shelves. I thought, I have had enough until I heard, ‘some of these killers cut off the wombs of pregnant Tutsi women; they said they wanted to see how Tutsi children would look like.’ At this point I started to suffer emotional pain that left me with improper eating and loss of appetite for nearly a week. I couldn’t get my head off this incident anytime I remember the Gisozi memorial Genocide centre.





My visit to Gisozi humbled me and gave me a different meaning to life
.


• Walking on the bones

My attitude charged and I became more compassionate and getting closer to my dear friends because I wanted to share the feelings of their pain and the new life they found themselves after the 100 days of genocide. I promised to give myself to help rebuild the country.


Whenever I am walking up and down the hills of Kigali or traveling along the boarders through Uganda, I never stopped thinking about living among the dead and walking on the dry bones of the departed souls. In every province in Rwanda families of the dead people are still picking up bones in order to give their loved ones a resting place.



• April experience


Every April, during the memorial of the genocide, the documentary of the killings is relayed on television and I saw many people who were traumatically affected and would end up in hospitals, because they could not imagine the cruel ways their children, husbands, wives and relations were “macheted”.
The scars of the Rwanda genocide cannot be easily wiped out of a loving heart.

Aftermath of Genocide
Majority of young men and ladies are breadwinners of their families, they have their old and young ones to care for. Some are head of families because there is no older person again. Few have opportunities at their late age or twenties to start primary and secondary education. The day I saw an old woman walking on our street at Kacyiru, I wept because I thought all of them are dead and no wisdom hairs to counsel and give moral support to the young ones.


Who will give them hope?


Several NGOs, churches and UN workers were available afterward to give support. Moreover it is unfortunate, while the UN council were only concentrating on the Arusha peaceful meeting between the government of Habyarimana and the RPF in April 1994, they failed to address the underground master plan of the Hutu killers and unable to found a way to disengage the crooked acts of the Interhamwe who had been preparing for the days of trouble.

During genocide, the international community including the sleeping giant of African did not intervene. Per-adventure, the umbrella of the UN Security Council was not extended to Rwanda-the tiny country isn’t worth attention, it is not a gulf region. After all, what good can come out of the Afrique- Rwandese?

Seed of discord
An African adage says, if one asks a lame why his load bends, he replies that you should not look at the top but look below. Underneath the genocide is a seed of discord that had been planted for over 78 years and it has grown to produce the root of hatred, stem of wrath, branches of unforgiveness, leaves of bitterness, flowers of disunity, and, fruits and fragrance of death.


The Belgian colonists on their arrival in 1916 saw the two major ethnic groups that speak the same language and follow same tradition as distinct entities, and they brought an idea of segregation by producing identity cards classifying people according to their ethnicity. They also considered Tutsis as superior to the Hutus and this idea of Hutus being inferior to their Tutsi neighbours developed into the first series of riots in 1959 where thousands of Tutsi were killed. This eventually led to the present president’s parents to leave Rwanda for Uganda.


After the independence in 1962 the Belgians gave power to the Hutus and it was time for them to take revenge on the Tutsi who they thought had moderated them. All through 1959 to 1994, the peak of violence the people that use to live in harmony and having intermarriage now live in fear and danger.


Where were the African kings and rulers when the evil doers struck?
They will have to live with the sorrow as well: those who discovered Rwanda and gave it up; those who colonized and planted the seed of discord; those who allowed themselves to be made cats and dogs and brainwashed; those who killed neighbors and friends and wives; those supposed to protect lives but turned to killers, rapist; the clergy that meant to be people’s shepherd but gave them up to be killed; and those that eradicated the children of tomorrow
.

Lament

1. O the land of plains and hills
With beautiful terrains;
Why did you swallow the blood of your sons and daughters?
Those born to beautify and make you glorious
2. O the river of Lake Kivu
The water destined to source of life to the people
Where fishes and crabs used to live,
now filled with flesh and bones of humans
3. Who will console you?
The promising nation of peace
Like the Biblical Rachael that wept and refused to be comforted,
Abayarwanda crieth for the souls of her departed children.
4. Rise-up to a glorious day
after all the ruins
Let your sun be no more darkened
And the sun of righteousness shines over you (with healings in his wings)

Conclusion
Under the government of National unity there are no more separate ID cards. The traveling passport bears the identity of a unified Rwanda country. The jobless youths are finding their way back to school as unemployment gradually decreases and economy improves.


I sighted some precious stones at ‘Musee National, Du Rwanda’ (National Museum of Rwanda). I was wondering this nation is blessed and has potential for greatness though landlocked. Why the diversion from the source of their God-given productive land filled with riches in cattle and agricultural produce. I believe the music, the smiles and the enthusiasm of the vibrant dwellers will keep them going for years though rebuilding their fallen places. Developments are in progress in the educational sector, and a bi-lateral relationship with other countries is a good move on the part of the government. It is good to see in attendance the UN Secretary General Ben ki –Moon at the 15th Anniversary of genocide.


However as much as we can’t forget the April through July of every year, so we keep asking the question- those who planted the seed of discord, the people that perpetrated the genocide, those who heard and did not respond; are they truly human? To be truly human is to love your neighbour as yourself and do good to others as much as you will want them to do to you (and sacrifice if need be).
Comeza cyani , Comeza Rwanda through the people of peace. Amahoro


Notes:
1. Yoruba people are from Nigeria West African speaking Yoruba language
2. Amahoro means peaceful greeting
3. spoken languages in Rwanda are Kinya-rwanda, Swahili and French
4. "How are you?"
5. Another source suggests there is another minority people-group called Twa
And the sun of righteousness shines over you (with healings in his wings)



Sunday, April 4, 2010

SC Johnson Grows Sustainability Around the World

2 Apr 2010 16:52 Africa/Lagos


SC Johnson Grows Sustainability Around the World

New Ad Stems from a Flower

RACINE, Wis., April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- SC Johnson believes a flower can change a community. The company's latest ad, titled "Flower," highlights the company's work with partners in Rwanda. For more than 40 years, SC Johnson, A Family Company, has purchased pyrethrum (py), a botanical insecticide that is extracted from chrysanthemums, from East Africa for use in some of its pest control products sold around the world under the Raid® and Baygon® brands.

At one time, the East African region produced over 70 percent of all py traded in the world* and was a major source of cash for many of the farmers. In 2000, 90 percent of the Rwandan workforce earned their living from agriculture and exported crops accounted for approximately 40 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).** Pyrethrum farming has met a lull due to inconsistent harvests and lack of stable business processes.

"We're working together to develop sustainable agriculture and business practices that will strengthen these communities," said Chairman and CEO Fisk Johnson, the fifth generation leader of SC Johnson. "As a family company we're motivated to do our part to make the world better."

SC Johnson is one of the world's largest purchasers of pyrethrum. Through the company's partnership with py farmers, SC Johnson hopes to improve the consistency of the py crops which will lead to significant returns for the farmers, their families and their communities. Pyrethrum is also a sustainable resource. In keeping with SC Johnson's commitment to sustainability and the Earth's resources, the company prefers to use botanical pyrethrum if an adequate supply can be reliably sourced.

Production of the dried flowers was approximately 300 tons in 2008; the company hopes to increase the yield to 1,200 tons this year in Rwanda, so that it can introduce more Raid® and Baygon® products formulated with py.

Approximately 300,000 jobs in the East African regions are attributable to the growth and stabilization of the natural pyrethrum industry, with an increasing number of women in management. Working with the local schools, SC Johnson offers the farmers and their families education in business planning, organization and sustainability. And with the income derived from consistent, reliable py farming and more effective business processes, SC Johnson helps hundreds of children to attend school each year.*

Johnson and citizens of Rwanda are featured in "Flower." The story of recent trips to the py fields is captured in the dialogue. "Behind this flower," Johnson says in the ad, "is a powerful story." The story is one of helping families around the world, that reinforces the company's commitment to developing sustainable solutions for the future.

For more than 120 years, one of SC Johnson's founding principles has been to work to make the world a better place for our families. The company's py work is part of the company's overall sustainability efforts. Among the other ways the company is making a difference:

-- Malaria education support for families and communities from Brazil to
South Africa, including three South African provinces with endemic
malaria
-- Member of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and
Malaria (GBC), and sharing business expertise, infrastructure and
reach to help improve public health
-- Dengue exposure prevention and awareness programs in Thailand,
Indonesia, the Philippines and India
-- Partnerships with Base of the Pyramid (BOP) communities in Kenya on a
shared-toilet cleaning program to provide families with more sanitary
bathrooms
-- Founding member of Conservation International's Team Earth movement
and focusing on climate change and reducing the company's carbon
footprint
-- Sets aside 5 percent of pre-tax profits globally for corporate giving
- nearly four times the corporate average - and works with partners,
such as Conservation International, Clinton Global Initiative and the
United Way
-- Subsidiary companies around the world contribute an average of 2
percent of pre-tax profits and partner with local foundations



"Flower" will run on several cable networks, including Animal Planet, ABC Family, NBC, CBS, Discovery Health, The Weather Channel, Hallmark, HGTV, National Geographic and various print publications beginning April 3.

To view the new ad and to learn more about SC Johnson's environmental history, visit www.scjohnson.com

About SC Johnson

SC Johnson is a family-owned and managed business dedicated to innovative, high-quality products, excellence in the workplace and a long-term commitment to the environment and the communities in which it operates. Based in the USA, the company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of household cleaning products and products for home storage, air care, and insect control. It markets such well-known brands as GLADE®, OFF!®, PLEDGE®, RAID®, SCRUBBING BUBBLES®, SHOUT®, WINDEX® and ZIPLOC® in the U.S. and beyond, with brands marketed outside the U.S. including AUTAN®, BAYGON®, BRISE®, ECHO®, KABIKILLER®, KLEAR®, and MR. MUSCLE®. The 124-year old company, with more than $8 billion in sales, employs approximately 12,000 people globally and sells products in virtually every country around the world. www.scjohnson.com

* World Business Council for Sustainable Development "Dedicated to Making A Difference" Case Study, 2004

** U.S. Department of State Background note on Rwanda, December 2009, http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2861.htm

Source: SC Johnson

CONTACT: Jenny Taylor, Director - Global Public Affairs of SC Johnson,
+1-262-260-2440

Web Site: SC Johnson


Monday, November 9, 2009

The Rwandan Report

« on: Today at 03:33:13 PM »


I was in Rwanda from September 2002 to July 2003 for the primary mission of music evangelism. However I was able to work in a church as a Music Director, Youth Leader, Prayer Coordinator and Minister.

I was also given the opportunity to teach at the Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA) Rwanda as a music teacher. I taught in English through an interpreter, because the school’s language of study is French.

At the Rwanda Music Academy, I led a team of Youth and members of the choir to Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre, Kigali: where the remains of 800,000 Rwanda's Tutsis and Hutu who were slaughtered in the terrible genocide of 1994 were buried with their bones displayed as well. It was a shocking moment for me such that I could not eat well as I was emotionally disturbed for over five days.
The scars of the Rwanda genocide cannot be easily wiped out of a loving heart.

Every April, during the memorial of the genocide, the documentary of the killings is relayed on television and I saw many people who were traumatically affected and would end up in hospitals, because they could not imagine the cruel ways their children, husbands, wives and relations were “macheted”.


~ By Sam Olu, Middlesex University

N.B: The complete Report from Rwanda is going to be published before the end of 2009 on Nigerians Report.

E-mail : publisher@americantimesonline.com


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