TWO RWANDANS, Richard Gihame Rwema and Fredda Umutoniwase, are set to represent the country in the Miss and Mister Deaf International, slated  for April 2022, in Brazil.

Rwema will represent the country in Brazil after making his debut in the just-concluded Mr Deaf Fashion Africa contest held in Tanzania from September 26 to October 1.

He was, however, not able to win a prize at the contest despite impressing  the judges with his catwalk.

Umutoniwase has, on the other side, always been interested in participating in beauty contests in the region but financial constraints always barred her from taking part in Miss Deaf Africa.

Having done well in Miss High School at Gatagara School, she is now looking for support to participate in the Miss Deaf International contest in Brazil.

Rwema also had to sell his artwork to be able to fund his participation.

Prince Nahimana, the founder of Kigali Art Gallery, hailed the two global beauty contest aspirants for their confidence to proudly represent the deaf community and Rwandans in general and show what they can offer to the world through the upcoming Mister and Miss Deaf International.

"It was an honor to be represented in Tanzania and we are proud to be represented at such world-class beauty events like Miss and Mister Deaf International in Brazil,” Nahimana told The New Times in an interview.

"It instills power and strength and we are looking forward to introducing a beauty pageant and a fashion event for deaf people in Rwanda,” he said.

Rwema and Umutoniwase are both artists, with the former serving as a fulltime creative graphic designer from Kigali Deaf Art Gallery while the latter makes jewelry, beaded bangles and earrings at Uwezo Youth employment for Disability people.