The first Lady of Rwanda Madam Jeannette Kagame has called upon female students to bear in mind that their future is prepared. This was at the occasion of the visit of the first lady at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) on Saturday, 02 March 2013 during an interactive talk under the theme: “Begin with the end in Mind. This talk was organized by Imbuto Foundation in line with the program of Young Women’s Empowerment Forum and in the framework of Women’s month which is due to begin on 08 March 2013.

The Acting Rector of NUR, Prof. Manasse Mbonye in his welcome remarks thanked the first lady to have found time for this historic visit and the choice of NUR to host such an important event. He added that these discussions will go a long way to guide ladies in their everyday life. Prof. Manasse Mbonye informed the first lady and other guests that NUR runs several programs regarding the spirit that a healthy mind needs a healthy body. Here, he mentioned the program on fighting HIV/AIDS and unwanted pregnancies, providing the service of voluntary counseling and testing , accommodating the first year female students upon their arrival, these efforts among many more.

Madam Jeannette Kagame told girls that they should know that what they will be in future is a result of their acts in present. She said: “You have to set goals and principles to achieve the best of your future. Today, girls are very lucky because they have the government that takes care of them. This is a golden opportunity for you. What you are sowing now is what you will reap”.

In this interactive talk, women leaders shared personal experiences on university realities about the following topics: up-keeping, preserving one’s personal values and responsibilities, accountability, responsibility and consequences of one’s actions, successful transition from a home-based environment to a campus-life, and unwise lifestyles and resulting health risk effects Minister of health, Dr. Agnes Binagwaho in her address to the young ladies, recalled that though sex is natural there are ways to manage sexual desires in order to prevent succumbing into health hazards. She mentioned abstinence and use of condom during sexual intercourse. Honourable Seraphine Mukantabana , the Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs who also addressed young ladies explained that girls who justify involvement in prostitution as a result of poverty are wrong. She said: “Prostitution is not a solution to poverty instead a girl who is responsible can create opportunities which may be sources of financial means”.

Hosianne Nduwayezu, a student in first year Computer Science expressed that such interactive talk was full of important messages necessary for the good conduct of girls to succeed in life. She recommended other girls to take into consideration all pieces of advice presented during this talk as they will help them to build a bright future.

Women leaders who were present at the event include the Minister of Health, the Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs, the Vice Governor of Central Bank, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Gender and Family promotion, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and other high female officials.

Female students in the auditorium of NUR.

Colonel Callixte Kanimba,a high official in 307 Brigade Command and Dr. Desire Ndushabandi, the Vice Rector of Administration and Finance.

Prof. Manasse Mbonye, the Acting Rector delivering his welcome remarks.

The first Lady addressing female students at NUR.

One student giving her points of view during the interactive session.

Students ,First Lady and women leaders sharing joy of the event.

By Jean Baptiste Micomyiza