Rwandatel,  the main organizer, and co-sponsor of Miss Rwanda, yesterday revealed the grand prize for the winner during a press conference that was held at Kigali Serena Hotel.

Speaking at the event, the Corporate Communications Manager of Rwandatel, Cleophas Kabasiita said that Miss Rwanda will win a grand prize of a brand-new car worth Frw24million. While the 1st and 2nd runner-ups will bag $10,000, and $5000, and have a holiday trip to South Africa and Kenya respectively.

A total of 13 Miss Rwanda 2009 finalists were presented at a press conference, as two of other contests were absent for personal reasons.

According to one of the trainers, Jolie Murenzi, the girls are still undergoing an intensive training in a boot camp in Nyarutarama, one of Kigali’s well-off suburbs, where they are being  taught different issues, including; speech, elegance, catwalk, the Rwanda’s culture, history, and current affairs in other countries.

Murenzi outlined some of the challenges the contestants forced, especially at the first week, citing among others missing their families, isolation, and inability to express themselves.

"At first, the girls were shy, and couldn’t easily express themselves. But they’re now ready for the competition,” Murenzi said.

She added, "The girls are having a healthy diet and body workouts every day. "They sleep as early as 9 p.m and wake up at 5 a.m for the physical exercises.

Francis Egbuson, Rwandatel’s Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) said, the prizes for the winner, 1st and 2nd runner-ups for Miss Rwanda beauty contests will be different and bigger.

The finale for Miss Rwanda is scheduled to take place on December 18 at Kigali Serena Hotel—tickets at Rfw10. 000 and Rfw20.000 for VIP.

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