Students express hopes for MDGs in paint and crayon

SOUTHERN PROVINCE MUHANGA—The Young Women’s Christian Association of Rwanda (YWCA) has awarded the best students for excelling in paintings expressing the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Olivier Irashimwa, of Petit Seminaire-St. Leo, emerged as the best of the best walking away with prizes from each of the categories contested in the competitions. Thirteen out of 63 students in total walked away with cash prizes and scholastic material worth over Frw1.4 million as eight secondary schools throughout Muhanga district participated in the painting competition. The colourful functions were held at St. Andre Kabgayi on Sunday October 28 and were sponsored by the United Nations Volunteers and the UNDP. Also present was Hon. Ezekias Rwabuhihi, Joyce Yu, the Deputy Executive coordinator of UNV, Thomas d’Aquin Yameogo, the UNV-Rwanda programme officer, Epiphany Mujawamaria, executive secretary of Zoe ministries, RRP+ officials. “The students were fully engaged in the competitions and this project is aimed at creating awareness of MDGs among young Rwandans,” said YWCA president Pudentienne Uzamukunda. “The paintings will be put on major poster and calendars throughout the country so as to educate other residents on the importance on achieving the MDGs.” Both international and local visitors appreciated the paintings and urged the next generation to play a lead role in sensitizing and implementing the goals, to be met by 2015. Hon. Rwabuhihi insisted that most Rwandans should know the MDGs by heart. He also added that Rwanda should have family-planning methods put in place. The MDGs include: Eradication of extreme poverty; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality & empowering women; reduce child mortality; improve maternal health; combating HIV/Aids, Malaria & other infectious diseases; ensuring environmental sustainability and developing a global partnership for development. Ends