KIGALI - Rwandans living in US and Canada are set to recognize outstanding Rwandans and friends of Rwanda who have played a significant role in the development of their country.

The awards have been organised by the Rwanda Convention Association (RCA), brings together Rwandans living in North America.

In an exclusive interview with The New Times yesterday, the Director General of Rwanda Diaspora Directorate, Robert Masozera, confirmed the news and revealed that the awards will be presented in five different categories.

"It is true that RCA will be holding the ceremony and the nomination for the different categories are in progress to determine who deserves the awards,” he said.

According to RCA president, Urusaro Bakuramutsa, the awards also aim to recognize Rwandans and Friends of Rwanda who have helped bring Rwandan awareness within the international community through investment, humanitarian work, specific craft, and or youth development.

"The development of Rwanda has been led by both Rwandans in Rwanda, and those in Diaspora. Consequently, RCA takes pride in recognizing efforts of those who aid to promote the rebuilding of a new united and strong Rwanda," Urusaro said.

The five categories up for nomination include; RCA investor award; Youth award, artist award and the Friend of Rwanda award which will be given to a non-Rwandan based in North America who has been active in the promotion of Rwandan culture and history, and also in the promotion of investment in Rwanda.

There is also the Humanitarian Award which goes to a person who has dedicated their efforts to the promotion of social welfare and community development. 

The award giving ceremony will take place during the 2010 RCA convention in Boston, scheduled for May 28 to 31.

Rwanda Convention 2010 will be the platform for what according to the RCA website is called the "New Age of Rwanda”.

"2010 brings an era where the Diaspora and the international community can play a big role in the development of Rwanda. As we move into a new era where investment, capacity building, and good governance is the leading plight in Africa, and especially Rwanda,” says the statement on the website.

The goal of 2010 convention is to provide a professional networking environment where both the Diaspora and foreign investors can partner in the rebuilding of a new strong East Africa.

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