Category: Uncategorized

  • Rwanda takes over leadership of East African architects' body #rwanda #RwOT

    Rwanda succeeded Tanzania following a handover ceremony held on October 9 during the EAIA Congress in Kigali, which brought together leaders and members of the institute.

    The ceremony also saw the approval of amendments to the EAIA constitution and the presentation of a draft five-year strategic plan outlining the institute's priorities.

    Awards were also presented to outstanding students who participated in a competition organised by an EAIA commission, bringing together architecture students from universities across the region.

    In her remarks, Nishimwe thanked the outgoing leadership for its achievements and expressed appreciation to members for entrusting her with the responsibility of leading the institute.

    'We appreciate the outgoing committee for its outstanding work, and we thank our members for the confidence they have placed in us. We will build on your achievements and accept this responsibility with a commitment to serving the entire region, for the benefit of every architect and the future of our profession,' she said.

    Nishimwe said achieving the institute's objectives would require collective commitment rather than the efforts of an individual leader or committee.

    'Achieving our goals will not depend on one person or one committee, but on all of us working together as one region united by a common profession. We must strengthen the sharing of professional knowledge and experience, improve cooperation among ourselves, and champion the value and development of architects, because the development of the region is not the responsibility of one country alone,' she said.

    The new leadership plans to strengthen the architectural profession, raise its profile and expand the role of architects in promoting sustainable development across East Africa.

    Nishimwe said she would prioritise raising awareness of the value of architects and ensuring they play a meaningful role in promoting environmentally sustainable construction.

    She added that the initiatives would help East African countries align their development efforts with international sustainable development goals.

    The institute also intends to deepen cooperation among architects in the region and strengthen engagement with other construction professionals, government institutions and organisations involved in the sector.

    Another priority is harmonising professional ethics and standards of practice across member countries to establish a more consistent framework for the profession.

    The new leadership will also seek closer cooperation with institutions responsible for registering architects and other bodies involved in regulating the profession.

    Nishimwe said the institute would further promote policies and legislation that support the profession, improve the quality of architectural education and training, and expand opportunities for members to share knowledge and experience.

    She said implementing these priorities would help East African countries work more closely together while strengthening the quality, recognition and contribution of architecture to sustainable regional development.

    Uganda is expected to succeed Rwanda in leading the EAIA under its rotational leadership arrangement, which allows member countries to take turns heading the regional body.

    The EAIA Congress 2026 at Kigali Serena Hotel brought together architects from across the region for meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing, and collaboration on the future of the architectural profession.
    Gloria Luce Nishimwe, the new EAIA Chair, signs to formally accept the handover.
    The AAT and RIA leadership teams during the handover of EAIA leadership.
    Mecky T'chawi, the outgoing Chair of the East Africa Institute of Architects (EAIA).
    The new EAIA Chair and head of the Rwanda Institute of Architects (RIA), Arch. Nishimwe Luce Gloria, thanked the outgoing committee for its outstanding work.
    University leaders from across the region were recognised for their contribution to advancing the architectural profession.
    The AAT Secretary-General (right) hands over responsibilities to the RIA Secretary-General.
    Arch. Nishimwe Luce Gloria during the leadership handover ceremony.
    Awards were also presented to outstanding students who participated in a competition organised by EAIA.

    Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-takes-over-leadership-of-east-african-architects-body/

  • Rwandan physicist Romain Murenzi earns top US science honour #rwanda #RwOT

    The election marks a significant milestone, as APS Fellowship is a distinction reserved for no more than half of one percent (0.5%) of the society's global membership each year. Unlike general professional memberships, election to fellowship requires peer nomination and approval by the APS Council of Representatives to recognize individuals who have made exceptional, lasting contributions to physics.

    According to the official APS citation, Murenzi was recognized 'for extraordinary leadership in leveraging science for peace and progress: creating opportunities for women and girls in science, championing STEM education in Rwanda and the developing world, and launching innovative programmes fostering sustainable global collaborations and excellence'.

    The recognition places Murenzi among a select group of international scientists whose contributions extend beyond technical research to encompass public policy, scientific diplomacy, and expanding access to education in developing countries.

    Murenzi is currently a professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, United States. His career spans decades across scientific research, higher education, public service, and global science policy.

    He served as Rwanda's Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Scientific Research from 2001 to 2006. In 2006, he moved to the President's Office as Minister Responsible for Science, Technology and Scientific Research, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT), a role he held until 2009.

    In 2009, Murenzi joined the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) as a senior scholar before becoming Director of its Center for Science, Technology and Sustainable Development. He later joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), where he directed the Division of Science Policy and Capacity Building in the Natural Sciences sector from 2016 to 2017.

    Murenzi also spent over a decade leading The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), an organization dedicated to advancing scientific capacity and research excellence in developing nations. He served as its Executive Director from 2011 to 2016 and returned for a second term from 2017 to 2023. During his tenure, TWAS expanded its education and training fellowships, elevated its role in international science policy, and strengthened scientific cooperation across the Global South.

    Additionally, between 2014 and 2015, Murenzi chaired the United Nations Secretary-General's high-level panel on establishing a Technology Bank for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), an initiative aimed at strengthening access to technology, scientific knowledge, and intellectual property for vulnerable economies.

    Rwandan physicist and former education minister Romain Murenzi has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society in recognition of his contributions to science and international cooperation.

    Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwandan-physicist-romain-murenzi-earns-top-us-science-honour/

  • At least 139 migrants dead, 84 missing after boat capsizes off Djibouti #rwanda #RwOT

    The IOM described the incident as one of the deadliest shipwrecks recorded along the Eastern Route, which connects the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula.

    The disaster highlights the dangers facing migrants travelling along the route in search of employment and better living conditions. The boat capsized during the sea crossing, leaving dozens of people missing as search and rescue efforts continued.

    The UN Resident Coordinator in Djibouti, Jose Barahona, said he was deeply saddened by the loss of at least 139 lives, including children.

    'Our thoughts are with the victims, the survivors and the families waiting for news of their loved ones,' Barahona said in a social media post. 'We express our solidarity and welcome the ongoing search and rescue efforts.'

    The IOM also called for greater action to prevent further deaths along the migration corridor, urging governments and donors to expand safe and legal migration options.

    'We cannot keep treating these deaths as normal. Safe and legal pathways save lives. I am asking governments and donors to act before the next boat goes down,' the organisation said.

    More than 900 people died or went missing along the Eastern Route in 2025, according to figures cited by the IOM.

    The route is frequently used by migrants travelling from Ethiopia through Djibouti to Yemen. Despite the risks, many continue to undertake the crossing in the hope of finding work and improving their living conditions.

    The journey exposes migrants to serious dangers, including overcrowded boats, shipwrecks, trafficking and exploitation. Those who reach Yemen may also face insecurity and difficult humanitarian conditions.

    Economic hardship, limited employment opportunities and conflict are among the factors that can push people to leave their homes in search of alternatives elsewhere. For many, the decision to migrate involves weighing uncertain prospects against the challenges they face at home.

    The Eastern Route remains an important migration corridor between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, with Djibouti serving as a transit point for people attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden to Yemen.

    At least 139 migrants dead, 84 missing after boat capsizes off Djibouti
    The IOM described the incident as one of the deadliest shipwrecks recorded along the Eastern Route, which connects the Horn of Africa to the Arabian Peninsula.

    Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/at-least-139-migrants-dead-84-missing-after-boat-capsizes-off-djibouti/

  • South Sudan officials must seek approval before travelling abroad, Kiir says #rwanda #RwOT

    Kiir restated the requirement on Saturday, October 10, while briefing an expanded caretaker government meeting in the capital, Juba, on his recent diplomatic visits to Kenya and South Africa.

    'President Kiir further reiterated his directive requiring holders of constitutional offices to obtain permission before travelling, emphasizing accountability and continuity in the conduct of government business,' a statement issued by the office of the President reads in part.

    The announcement follows the circulation of a document dated October 3 that reportedly restricts foreign travel by senior government officials and members of the organised forces for three months without presidential approval. However, the document's authenticity and implementation have not been independently verified.

    The reported restrictions have raised questions about the scope of the travel requirement, including which officials are affected and how the directive will be enforced.

    Kiir's latest remarks came after a six-day diplomatic tour of Kenya and South Africa, where he held talks with Presidents William Ruto and Cyril Ramaphosa on bilateral relations, the peace process and preparations for South Sudan's forthcoming elections.

    During his meeting with Ruto in Nairobi on October 5, discussions focused on electoral preparations and regional support for the planned polls. Kenya expressed readiness to provide assistance to South Sudan's electoral process, according to the South Sudanese government.

    In Pretoria, Kiir met Ramaphosa on October 7. The South African president emphasised the importance of implementing the 2018 peace agreement and ensuring an inclusive electoral process based on trust and cooperation among political stakeholders.

    The diplomatic engagements come at a critical period for South Sudan, which is preparing to hold elections on December 22, 2026, after years of delays since gaining independence in 2011.

    On September 22, Kiir dissolved the transitional unity government and the country's legislative assemblies and dismissed the five vice-presidents, leaving a caretaker administration to oversee government affairs.

    A two-week inter-party dialogue subsequently concluded in Juba on October 7, with discussions focusing on election-related issues and preparations for the polls.

    During Saturday's expanded caretaker government meeting, officials reviewed the outcomes of Kiir's foreign visits, progress in the inter-party dialogue and security preparations for the electoral period. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to holding elections in December.

    The requirement for officials to seek presidential permission before travelling abroad comes as the country navigates its political transition and prepares for the planned vote.

    South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reiterated that government officials holding constitutional offices must obtain permission before travelling abroad, as the country prepares for elections scheduled for December 2026.

    Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/south-sudan-officials-must-seek-approval-before-travelling-abroad-kiir-says/

  • Gov't consoles traders hit by Musanze market fire, assures support for restoration #rwanda #RwOT

    In a message of consolation issued on Sunday, October 11, the Ministry of Local Government expressed solidarity with traders, business owners, vendors and families affected by the fire, which broke out on Saturday afternoon and spread across the building.

    'The Government of Rwanda also assures its support and cooperation in the reconstruction of the market to enable commercial activities to resume,' the statement reads.

    The government commended the Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, local government leaders and members of the public for their efforts to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring commercial buildings.

    According to the statement, two people sustained minor injuries, while another 15 experienced distress and were taken to different hospitals for medical attention. Most have since been discharged, while two remain under medical observation.

    The authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, the government said.

    The blaze caused extensive damage to merchandise and resulted in substantial financial losses among traders operating in the market. The flames spread across several floors, destroying goods and affecting businesses housed in the building.

    Musanze Market was built in 2017 by Gorilla Investment Company (GOICO), a consortium of 89 private investors from Musanze District, at a cost of approximately Rwf7.5 billion.

    The multi-storey complex accommodates businesses selling clothing, electronics and other merchandise, as well as banks and supermarkets. More than 1,550 traders operate in the market, which receives an estimated 25,000 visitors daily.

    The Ministry of Local Government expressed solidarity with traders, business owners, vendors and families affected by the fire, which broke out on Saturday afternoon and spread across the building.

    Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/govt-consoles-traders-hit-by-musanze-market-fire-assures-support-for-restoration/

  • Pope Leo XIV to undergo lung surgery #rwanda #RwOT

    The 71-year-old Pope disclosed the development while addressing worshippers gathered in St Peter's Square at the Vatican for the traditional Angelus prayer, saying the nodule had been detected at an early stage.

    'Recently, during some medical examinations, doctors found a localized nodule in my lung,' Leo XIV said. He added that the nodule was 'detected at a very early stage and is well localized,' explaining that his doctors had recommended surgery to remove it.

    'The doctors believe surgery is appropriate. Following their advice, I have therefore decided to undergo an operation to remove it,' the Pope said.

    The pontiff confirmed that the procedure had already been scheduled for the coming days, although he did not disclose the exact date during his address. He also expressed gratitude to Catholics and other supporters for their prayers as he prepares for the operation.

    'I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers,' he said.

    According to Vatican News, the Pope's announcement followed medical examinations that identified the nodule, prompting doctors to recommend surgical intervention.

    Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the operation was scheduled for the beginning of the week and that the Pope's expected hospital stay after the procedure would be approximately one week.

    The surgery is expected to take place at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, a medical facility that has treated previous popes, according to international media reports.

    The Vatican has not disclosed whether the nodule is benign or malignant, and no cancer diagnosis has been announced. A lung nodule is a localized area of abnormal tissue that can have several causes and does not necessarily indicate cancer.

    The Pope also referred to his planned pastoral visit to Latin America in November, thanking the faithful for their prayers ahead of the trip.

    The visit is scheduled to include Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from November 6 to 17. Leo XIV previously served as a missionary and bishop in Peru before his election as pope.

    Pope Leo XIV became head of the Catholic Church in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis.

    The 71-year-old Pope disclosed his medical condition while addressing worshippers gathered in St Peter's Square at the Vatican for the traditional Angelus prayer, saying the nodule had been detected at an early stage.

    Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/pope-leo-xiv-to-undergo-lung-surgery/

  • Kenya's Kipchoge returns to winning ways with Melbourne Marathon victory #rwanda #RwOT

    The two-time Olympic champion secured his first marathon victory since the 2023 Berlin Marathon, finishing two seconds faster than the previous Melbourne course record.

    The 41-year-old, widely regarded as one of the greatest marathon runners in history, pulled away from his Australian challengers in the latter stages of the race before crossing the finish line at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), where he was welcomed by cheering spectators.

    Australian Thomas Do Canto finished second in 2:10:35, while compatriot Reece Edwards took third place in 2:14:33.

    Kipchoge said he enjoyed the course and the support from spectators who lined the route to cheer him on.

    'On the course, it was really wonderful; I enjoyed seeing people standing, cheering, and shouting my name,' he said after the race.

    The Kenyan runner said he deliberately increased his pace in the latter stages to test his ability to challenge the course record.

    'I believe that my body is still peaking, still able to compete with the next generation. The oldest athlete is still competing, but I am happy to run with the Gen Zs,' he said.

    'I increased the pace after 30km to see whether I can run well and beat the race record. My plan went well.'

    Despite having the opportunity to finish faster, Kipchoge slowed down as he approached the finish inside the MCG, waving to spectators who had gathered to witness his victory.

    Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya waves to the crowd after winning the Melbourne Marathon.

    The race featured a course that partly used the Albert Park circuit, which hosts the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, before finishing at the iconic cricket ground.

    His Melbourne victory marked the third stop on his global running tour, an initiative he announced in 2025 to compete in marathons across all seven continents, including Antarctica, over two years.

    The project, known as Eliud's Running World, aims to connect him with runners and communities around the world while promoting the unifying power of sport.

    His Melbourne victory followed a challenging start to the tour. He launched his global campaign in May at the Cape Town Marathon in South Africa, his first competitive marathon on African soil, where he finished 16th in 2:13:29.

    He subsequently competed at the Porto Alegre Marathon in Brazil on July 12,
    placing 12th in 2:18:04.

    New Zealand's Camille French won the women's race in Melbourne in 2:28:25. Australia's Sinead Diver finished second in 2:28:49, while Ireland's Nichola Sheridan took third place in 2:29:13.

    Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic marathon champion, having won gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021.

    He also held the men's marathon world record after running 2:01:09 at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, improving on the 2:01:39 he had set at the same event in 2018. His record was subsequently broken by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who clocked 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

    Kenya's Kipchoge returns to winning ways with Melbourne Marathon victory
    The two-time Olympic champion secured his first marathon victory since the 2023 Berlin Marathon, finishing two seconds faster than the previous Melbourne course record.

    Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/kenyas-kipchoge-returns-to-winning-ways-with-melbourne-marathon-victory/

  • Nathalie Munyampenda reflects on choosing Rwanda and opportunities for the diaspora (Video) #rwanda #RwOT

    Speaking at Rwanda Convention Canada 2026 in Ottawa on Saturday, October 10, Munyampenda said her decision to return was driven by her desire to make a greater contribution to Rwanda, where she believed her education and professional experience could have a greater impact.

    Munyampenda, who has lived in Rwanda full-time since 2017, first returned to the country to work for the government for two years before going back to Toronto. She later moved back to Rwanda with her family.

    She said her time in Canada helped her develop skills and experience that she could eventually use to contribute to Rwanda's development.

    'For me, I felt like I would have the most impact in Rwanda,' she said.

    Munyampenda explained that her decision was not about choosing between being Canadian and Rwandan, but about identifying where she could make the greatest contribution.

    She studied at the University of Ottawa before pursuing further education in the United States. She is currently undertaking doctoral studies while leading Kepler University.

    She said her long-term ambition had been to equip herself through education and professional experience to contribute to Rwanda or elsewhere on the African continent.

    Skills and experience matter

    Munyampenda cautioned Rwandans abroad against assuming that returning to the country automatically guarantees success.

    She argued that professional experience, practical skills and the ability to meet market needs are essential for those seeking to establish themselves in Rwanda.

    'You cannot be successful if you're not already successful here, and I don't mean that you're rich. I mean that you have some experience, some skills that you can sell on the Rwandan market in the same way that you could sell here,' she stressed.

    She encouraged young people to invest in their education and professional development before returning, saying they should aim to acquire skills that are in demand in Rwanda.

    Among the sectors she highlighted were aviation, energy, agriculture and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

    Munyampenda emphasised that Rwanda needed professionals with experience in the aviation and airline industries, adding that people with relevant expertise could find opportunities in the country's growing aviation sector.

    She also pointed to opportunities for those with experience in energy and agriculture, as well as people able to establish businesses in technical fields such as plumbing and other skilled trades.

    However, she stressed that contributing to Rwanda's development was not limited to businesspeople or investors.

    'We don't just need business people, we need artists, we need educators, we need sports people,' she said, calling on Rwandans abroad to identify how their respective skills could contribute to society.

    A role for young Rwandans abroad

    Munyampenda also reflected on how Rwanda could better connect with younger generations in the diaspora, particularly those who grew up abroad and may have limited direct experience of the country.

    She recounted meeting young people from across Europe at an event in Paris, noting that some had never visited Rwanda and did not speak Kinyarwanda.

    The experience prompted her to consider how Rwanda could tell its story in ways that help young people see themselves as part of the country's future, regardless of where they were born or raised.

    To illustrate her point, she drew on the fictional African nation of Wakanda from the film Black Panther, using it as a metaphor for a society whose people work together towards a shared vision.

    She compared Wakanda's fictional resource, vibranium, to Rwanda's people, arguing that the country's greatest strength lies in its citizens and their collective contribution.

    Munyampenda said Rwanda's development should be driven by Rwandans' decisions about the kind of society they want to build, rather than by the expectations of others.

    She highlighted accountability, unity and ambition as important elements of that vision, encouraging members of the diaspora to take an active role in shaping the country's future.

    'We have to build this Wakanda that we're talking about,' she said, urging Rwandans abroad to step outside their comfort zones and become part of the process.

    Building a shared future

    Munyampenda acknowledged that Rwanda, like other countries, faces challenges, including the cost of living and economic pressures. However, she said the country's commitment to addressing its challenges and building its future creates opportunities for those willing to contribute.

    She urged Rwandans abroad to consider how their professional expertise, education and personal interests could help address the country's needs.

    Her message was that returning to Rwanda should not be viewed simply as a change of residence, but as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the country's development.

    'Come with us, join us, take your place within our society, whether you are here or there,' she said. 'But we are building; join us as we build.'

    Watch the video below for more of Nathalie Munyampenda's reflections on her decision to return to Rwanda and the opportunities available to Rwandans in the diaspora.

    Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/nathalie-munyampenda-reflects-on-choosing-rwanda-and-opportunities-for-the-diaspora-video/

  • The Sunday scaries: Why young people feel anxious before Monday #rwanda #RwOT

    Unfinished assignments, work deadlines, financial concerns and the pressure to meet personal expectations can make the transition into a new week more stressful than expected. For some, even the thought of returning to school, university or work is enough to interrupt an otherwise peaceful evening.

    This experience is commonly known as the 'Sunday scaries' or 'Sunday blues', terms used to describe the negative feelings that can emerge as the weekend comes to an end and the next working week approaches.

    A study published in Frontiers in Psychology on September 4, 2026, explored this experience among employees, finding that it can involve anxiety, stress, fatigue, repetitive worrying and changes in behaviour.

    The researchers identified anticipated work challenges and difficulties maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal life among the factors associated with the experience.

    The researchers describe the Sunday blues as 'a multidimensional weekend-to-workweek transition experience activated by immediate triggers and shaped by broader work-life conditions.'

    One participant in the study described the feeling in simple terms: 'It's not very heavy, but I know it's there.' The statement illustrates how anxiety about the coming week can be present even when it does not feel overwhelming.

    Although the study focused on employees in the Netherlands, its findings offer a useful starting point for understanding why the transition from rest to responsibility can feel difficult.

    Researchers describe the Sunday blues as 'a multidimensional weekend-to-workweek transition experience activated by immediate triggers and shaped by broader work-life conditions.'

    The pressure of having life figured out

    For young people, the anxiety surrounding a new week may extend beyond Monday's schedule. It can also reflect broader concerns about the future, particularly among those navigating university, early careers and financial independence.

    Students may spend Sunday evening worrying about examinations, unfinished assignments or whether they are doing enough to secure opportunities after graduation. Those entering the workforce may be concerned about performance, job security, meeting expectations or balancing work with their personal lives.

    These pressures can become more difficult to manage when young people compare their progress with that of their peers, especially on social media, where career achievements, business ventures and seemingly successful lifestyles are frequently displayed.

    The result can be a sense that there is always something more to accomplish, even when a person has made meaningful progress, so rather than viewing Sunday as an opportunity to recover from the previous week, some may spend it worrying about the demands of the next one.

    A participant in the study captured how the feeling can intensify as the weekend draws to a close, saying, 'As the time is approaching, the negative emotion is getting more.'

    The pressure to be productive can also affect how young people spend their weekends. And some young people feel compelled to use every available hour to study, work, pursue side hustles or catch up on responsibilities.

    Others may spend their free time worrying about what they have not accomplished, making it difficult to enjoy the break they have been waiting for. When the weekend ends, they may feel that they have neither rested sufficiently nor completed everything they intended to do.

    The September 2026 study on the Sunday blues highlights how dissatisfaction with the weekend and concerns about upcoming work can contribute to this experience. It also points to the importance of maintaining boundaries between professional responsibilities and personal time.

    One participant also described the frustration of trying to meet personal expectations, saying, 'The overwhelmed feeling of not being able to do all the things I want to do, that's relatively a recurring feeling …'

    This suggests that preparing for a productive week does not necessarily mean filling every hour with tasks. Allowing time for rest and enjoyable activities can also be part of preparing for the days ahead.

    Although it may not be possible to eliminate every source of stress, a few practical changes can make the transition into a new week more manageable.

    Plan without overwhelming yourself. Setting aside a short period on Sunday to review the coming week's commitments can help make responsibilities feel more organised.

    A simple list of priorities may be more useful than trying to plan every hour. Protect time for rest. Taking a break should not always depend on finishing every task. Making time for family, friends, hobbies or quiet activities can help create a healthier balance between responsibilities and personal life.

    Maintain realistic expectations. A new week does not have to begin with everything perfectly organised. Focusing on a few important priorities can be more sustainable than expecting immediate progress in every area of life.

    Guidance from the UK's National Health Service on work-related stress similarly recommends identifying the sources of stress, focusing on what can be changed, setting boundaries and talking to someone trustworthy when problems become difficult to manage.

    Occasional nervousness about Monday does not necessarily indicate a serious problem. However, repeatedly experiencing intense anxiety, persistent sleep difficulties or exhaustion may be a sign that the underlying pressures deserve closer attention.

    If the feelings are affecting everyday life, it may help to speak with a trusted person, counsellor or qualified mental health professional. Where possible, students and employees can also consider whether their workload, expectations or working conditions need to change.

    Managing stress should not be treated solely as an individual's responsibility. Supportive learning and working environments, reasonable expectations and opportunities to maintain a healthy personal life also matter.

    So the end of the weekend does not have to feel like the beginning of another race against time. For young people balancing education, work, relationships and ambitions, learning to prepare for the week without sacrificing rest can be an important part of maintaining wellbeing.

    Monday may bring deadlines, unfamiliar challenges and responsibilities that cannot be avoided. But it also offers another opportunity to learn, make progress and adjust plans, so instead of spending Sunday worrying about everything that could go wrong, young people can begin by asking a simpler question: what is one thing I can do today to make tomorrow easier?

    Sometimes, a more manageable week begins with that small shift in perspective.

    The Sunday scaries: Why young people feel anxious before Monday
    Unfinished assignments, work deadlines, financial concerns and the pressure to meet personal expectations can make the transition into a new week more stressful than expected.

    Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/the-sunday-scaries-why-young-people-feel-anxious-before-monday/

  • Rwanda U17 edge South Sudan in AFCON qualifying opener #rwanda #RwOT

    The regional tournament brings together nine national teams from East and Central Africa, with the teams competing for qualification to the 2027 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

    Three matches were played on the opening day, with Uganda thrashing Burundi 8-0 before Tanzania defeated Kenya 2-0.

    Rwanda played the final match of the day, taking on South Sudan in front of a home crowd, although attendance at the stadium was relatively low. Entry was free.

    Amavubi dominated much of the first half, pushing forward in search of an early goal, but South Sudan's defence held firm to keep the score level at half-time.

    Rwanda came close to taking the lead five minutes into the second half when striker Munyembaraga Kelvin broke into the penalty area before being brought down by South Sudan defender Simon Lotelek. However, referee Dick Okello waved away Rwanda's penalty appeal.

    Two minutes later, the referee again declined to award a penalty after Ujeneza Patrick was fouled. He instead awarded Rwanda a corner, which Ujeneza delivered into the box for Shyaka Khalifa to score the decisive goal.

    Munyembaraga had another chance to extend Rwanda's lead but struck the post when through on goal.

    Rwanda held on to secure a 1-0 victory and begin their campaign with three points.

    Amavubi will next face Sudan on Wednesday, October 14. Sudan are scheduled to meet South Sudan on Monday, October 12, before taking on Rwanda.

    The 2027 Africa U17 Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Morocco between April and May 2027.

    Rwanda U17's starting lineup.
    Rwanda's Ndizeye Isaac challenges South Sudan's Aleu Deng for the ball.
    South Sudan's Simon Lotelek battles Rwanda's Ujeneza Patrick for the ball.
    Shyaka Khalifa scored Rwanda's winning goal against South Sudan.
    Rwanda U17 edge South Sudan in AFCON qualifying opener
    Rwanda got off to a winning start in the U17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

    Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/rwanda-u17-edge-south-sudan-in-afcon-qualifying-opener/