Rwanda’s greatest 2011 Landmarks

This year emerged with massive and inexpressible blessings for Rwanda. All throughout the year, Rwanda has gained recognition for its efforts in developing the country. Below are some of the major events, that Society Magazine felt reached the pinnacle of success. Youth Just recently, our very own President Paul Kagame was honored with a a by the organizers of the Young Achievers Award. This Award was in recognition for his efforts in inspiring the young generation in Africa to yearn for change and a better livelihood. Whereas the award was given to the President, it was an achievement worth celebrating and a great moment for Rwanda. Sports In the Sports World, Rwanda’s Under-17 team reached the World Cup finals and participated at the U-17 Fifa World Cup that was held in Mexico, in the months of June and July this year. While the under-17’s worked their way up there and made us proud, the disabled didn’t disappoint us either but rather gave us reason to be hopeful that Rwanda is making tremendous progress in the sports arena. The national sitting volleyball team secured a slot at the 2012 Paralympics games, which involves people with disabilities. Environment Whilst Rwanda was doing wonders in the sports world, it also won the 2011 Future Policy Award, which was in recognition of the country having the worlds most inspiring and innovative forestry policy. There were three winning policies but Rwanda’s emerged top for most effectively contributing to sustainable development and conservation of forests for the benefit of both present and future generations. ICT Besides that, 2011 has been one of a kind for Rwanda in the technology department as well. The richest man in the world and Mexican billionaire, Carlos Slim, set foot on Rwandan soil this year. The Tycoon came alongside other global telecom experts during the Broadband commission. Rwanda being the host for the Broadband commission this year has been one of the massively remarkable things that happened in the country. Carlos Slim’s visit must have definitely been a big inspiration to Rwanda and left the nation not only dreaming big but acting big as well. Transport Rwanda Air also became the first Airline in Africa to order and receive the Boeing 737-800 with the sky interior concept. The Boeing was most certainly a big boost to the Aircraft Industry in Rwanda and a force not easy to reckon with for the neighboring countries’ Aircraft industries. Entertainment In the entertainment industry, we had the American RnB Singer, Sean Kingston perform in Rwanda and record a collaboration single and video with our very own artist, Tom Close. It looks like every sector was wide-awake working day and night since lots of progress has been recorded from every corner of the country. Education 2011 saw the Ministry of Education also launch the 12-year-basic education program after successfully implementing the 9 year basic education program. This means that with effect from next year, every Rwandan child will be entitled to free education for the first 12 grades. Can this get any better!! As a country, the achievements that have been made this year are immeasurable and we might not have enough space to exploit them all but we are sure going to try. All this is attributed to the efforts of our great leader, good governance and obviously the Rwandan citizens. We hope that next year will even be better!! Go Rwanda!!!! Happy New Year to you all. maria.kaitesi@yahoo.com