http://www.newtimes.ro.rw/index.php?issue=14109&articles=23654

International Women in Rwanda Football Team

Good people

This has nothing to do with my trainings and consulting activities, neither does it concern also my paintings but this is the other side of me that keeps me moving and probably well motivated for all that I do. To be true, I'm motivated that all that can somehow impact on people's lives.
So I feel I should share this other side and this very exciting new experience with you.

For those who do not know me very well, I love sports in general. I play tennis, swim, do aerobics, do daily walking. But then, I have never touched a football before. Infact, I do not understand anything about football. I only become fanatic and patriotic for specific matches that concerns my country.

Some months ago, I was contacted by Dr Diane Gashumba, the President of the National Council of Women in Rwanda. I guess she contacted me because she knew that I had many friends both local and international. Well, I must admit that I have too many friends. I'm also part of a Women association here in Rwanda and as a treasurer, I'm often associated with projects generating funds.

Dr Diane's project was to associate women living in Rwanda to create an event that could generate funds for the 1$ Campaingn. She told me and I know that women can play an important role in the socio economic development of our countries.

The 1$ Campaingn is a national charity initiative aimed at pooling resources together for construction of shelter facilities for hundreds of homeless orphans.

It encourages Rwandans withing the country and especially from the Disapora to donate at least 1$ for this project. For more information and donation, please log on to : http://1dollarcampaign.org/

I humbly accepted to be part of this event because I think that expatriates living in a country should be part of what is happening in that place; especially to improve on the lives of the local people. In all the countries I hyave lived in, I have always been part of local associations one way or the other.

Coming back to this football match; I was asked to mobilize international women living here in Rwanda to team up and play a fundraising match against the Women Parliamentarian.

For those who do not know, Rwanda is the first country in the whole world to have the majority of Women as the assembly. 54% of the parliamentarians are Women. Rwanda leads on this even in front of Sweden.

So these brave woman ( brave because none of them had actually played football before...most of them were not as slim as you could imagine to run for 60 minutes on a football field) accepted to play a football match to create awareness on the 1$ dollar campain.

That is how I started looking for international women in Rwanda who could team up for this match. I must confess that it was not an easy task. Getting the information to the women in my club got too complicated and I had to use kigali life at the last minute to invite women to join.

Kigalilife is a yahoo network of people living in Rwanda and an excellent way of adverstising events and knowing what is happening in town. There are about 600 people registered on it as at this time I'm posting this.

The other big challenge was to convince these women who had never played before to play a match that will be opened to the general public. I had to convince them that they did not need to be real footballers .

Thank God; we managed to have more than 20 volunteers. And until, the last minute, many people were still interested in joining our team. Prior to the match, we had 2 different practices with René such a cool and nice coach.

Then after the rather very interesting practices where we had to learn some of the rules of the game, we were faced with another challenge that was to get sponsors. That is how Ecobank sponsored the 40 jerseys for the two teams.

In order to create awareness on this event, I was interviewed on Radio France International (RFI) on Amobé Mévégué's talk Show Plein Sud. This show was aired on the whole continent. The journalist was so much impressed by this initiative of Women here and talked about the many positive things happening in Rwanda.

So here we are on this exciting day of October 10th à 2PM at the Amahoro Stadium.

The entrance fees to watch the match were 1000; 3000; and 5000 FRW. During the match, there were 3 mini soccer matches of children. Many musicians entertained the public and right after the match, many stayed behing to enjoy the music.

All the proceeds were offered to the One Dollar Campaign.

I'm so grateful to have been part of this project and I'm even much more grateful to have met these wonderful women who formed our team ( April, Kaatje, Molly, Judith, Odette, Jen, Tracey, Lynley, Julie, Caitlin, Marie, Anne Charlotte, Ivon, Christy, Becky and myself Sandra)

God bless you all

Sandra Idossou

Here is the team International Women in Rwanda Football Team

( IWRFT)

We were finally 15 people of 8 different nationalities.

And this is the parliamentarian team with the First Lady Mrs Jeannette Kagame playing Nb 16 in this team of brave and courageous women. They really need to be applauded. Most of them had never touched a foot ball before.

The two teams entering the Amahoro Stadium. We really felt like real footballers with the well organized ceremony that made us feel as if we were the shoes of Didier Drogba and the many african footballers we see as our idols.

Dr Diane Gashumba, the President of the National Council of Women is the main person behind this great idea. She also put on a jersey not only to introduce the Parliamentarian ladies to the First Lady but also to be part and play in this team.

Mrs Kagame greeting the referees accompanied by the President of the Senat. As you can see, the men were there to support us.

The First lady greeting our team. Was just too excited

These women are just too wonderful. Excited and greeting the public. The whole ambiance was fun and having a great time together.

Mrs Kagame impressed all of us as she played throughout the entire game. Beleive me, she is a real sport woman. A frist lady running for 60mn on the field is not something I have ever seen before in any other country. She even scored a goal.

She is standing here with Molly Brostrom, our Captain

Our team cheeringp up the public.

Together with the Parliamentarian and the children who played before us.

With the Prime Minister of Rwanda who came to cheer us up before the match started. It was such an honour to have all these people part of this great event.

Posing here with the kids football team that played just before us and the Women Parliamentarian.

With our coach and the kids team

This is our team at the Amahoro Stadium playing for a fundraising football match against Rwandan Women Parliamentarian

In the changing room while getting ready for the match.

We were simply just too excited. Most of us were playing for the first time a soccer match. Don't worry I wasn't on al the photos. I was most at time the photographer.

In this team, we have 8 different nationalities who came together for such a noble cause.

In the changing room talking about our tactics

Women Soccer Match kicks off with First Lady in Parliamentarian Team

First Lady on Target

First Lady Jeannette Kagame greeting members of Nyampinga FC, the Rwandan team, yesterday. (Photo/ J Mbanda)

BY LINDA MBABAZI

One Dollar Campaign charity matchYesterdayNyampinga FC 5-3 IWRFTAMAHORO STADIUM - Rwanda’s First Lady Jeannette Kagame inspired Nyampinga FC to thrash International Women in Rwanda Football Team (IWRFT) 5-3 in yesterday’s One Dollar Campaign charity match played at the Amahoro stadium.

The first lady’s efforts rescued her side which had succumbed to a 0-3 deficit in the first half.

She scored her goal through a penalty which was awarded after she was fouled in the penalty area. Tamara Kabuye and Veneranda Nyihirwa scored a brace each to put Nyampinga in commanding lead.

IWRFT had earlier got their goals through Molly Brostrom who scored a brace and the other goal was scored by Lynley Mannell.

Sandra Idossou who featured for IWRFT praised the First Lady for her initiative in taking part in the match, saying that her presence motivated many women to play and even participate in the One Dollar Campaign.

The event was preceded by Children’s mini-matches which attracted youth from APR Academy, Etoile Sportive de Kigali and Muhazi.

The matches which attracted different age categories from 8 to 12 years opened the One Dollar campaign Charity match.

APR academy lifted the title after defeating Etoile Sportive 2-1 in the U-12 age category; APR played a 2-all draw with Muhazi in U-8 and earned a 2-all draw against Etoile in the U-10 age category respectively.

The match was aimed at fundraising for the ‘One Dollar Campaign’ and was organised by the National Women Council (NWC).

The Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINISPOC), ECOBANK, Caisse Sociale du Rwanda, Utexrwa, Access Limited, Shamibourc, Audiotex, The New Times and Maxnet sponsored this charity match.

Local musicians namely Tom Close, Miss JoJo, Meddy, Sgt. Robert, Natty Dread, Intore Masamba and Uranana drama group graced the event.

Soccer Game to fundraise for One Dollar Campaign

(L) Dr. Diane Gashumba and Sandra Idossou, proudly showing off the jerseys women will wear during the match. (Photo/ J. Mbanda)

Soccer Game to fundraise for One Dollar Campaign

BY LINDA MBABAZI

IN a bid to fundraise for the ‘One Dollar Campaign’, the National Women Council (NWC) has organised a football game this Saturday at Amahoro stadium.

The afternoon game will be played between Rwanda’s women parliamentarians and a selection of women from different NGOs in Kigali.

According to the President of the NWC, Dr. Diane Gashumba, the event is aimed at supporting the orphans of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, adding that the event was targeting to raise Rfw10m.

Besides this game, a kids’ mini match between APR academy and Etoile Sportive de Kigali is also on the agenda.

Entrance fee ranges from Rfw1000, Rfw2000, and Rfw5000 VIP.

The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Sports and Culture (Minispoc), National Examination Council (NEC), Eco Bank, Caisse Sociale du Rwanda, Utexrwa, Access Limited, Shamibourc, Audiotex, The New Times and Maxnet among others.

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14043&article=20960%20http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=14043&article=20960

Lulusa's First Exhibition

Last week, Lulisa my Rwandan friend finally did his first solo painting exhibition at the Laico Hotel in Kigali.

Friends, Family members and art lovers graced this occasion that I made me to be the MC

The Minister of Culture and Sports graced the occasion by honoring the invitation to this opening ceremony.

The Minister addressing the audience

Lulsa and her mother who supported him right from his childhood to develop his artistic talents.


Addressing Lulisa at the ceremony.

I was honoured to be the Maître de Cérémonie

Mes coups de Coeur de Vacances

The following are pictures of some paintings that I found during my last vacation. I'm definatily sure that they will be of great inspiration when I start painting probably next week.

This piece is one of my old paintings I did when I was living in Accra, Ghana. I made this for a very good friend of mine in Ghana. I was so happy to see it still hunged where it was when I left Accra two and half years ago.

I loved this acrylic painting that was done by a Ghanaian artist. Found this at Oxford & Beaumont, a lawyers offices in Accra. Just loved the headgears the women had. Reminded me of the nigerian woman.

I found this in a the lobby of a hotel called Oak Plazza located on the Spintex Road in Accra. This represents the Ghanain Adinkra symbols.



This was also in Oak Plazza Hotel in Accra. Loved the combination of read and yellow, my favourite colours. The adinkra symbol " Nkyinkyin" meaning twistings is actually what I used for the logo of my company Shei Consultng www.sheiconsulting.com
It is the syombol of toughness and the ability to withstand hardship

I found this painting at a wine bar in Cotonou called "Art sur Vin"

Sandra's Paintings at a Galerie in Kigali

At the request of many of art lovers, Sandra's Paintings are now available at the "Ma Maison Galerie" located at the Union Trade Center [UTC] in Kigali and also at the Laico Hotel Umubano.

Many customers could now easily buy my art pieces.

Photos will follow

House Show Article in the Newspaper

http://newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=13985&article=18655

When Art sells homes

Expo day at conso house show 018

BY PENINNAH GATHONI

With the financial crisis clogging everyone, exceptional methods are required for one to able to present their property in a more appealing manner that persuades buyers to make a purchase.
Houses on sale are coming up daily in Kigali and hence buyers continue to be torn between the numerous choices available.

Investors and homeowners concerned with selling their property quickly and profitably need to be more creative in presentation.

Last Sunday Golf Course Estates Nyarutarama hosted a house show that had prospective competing for the executive houses and the art pieces buyers on decoration.

The new estates were styled with Sandra Iddosou paintings and different furniture to stage a home setting that would have the buyers’ think of the houses as a possible residence for them and their families.

Home staging is a method that enables property owners to sell their home quickly by making their houses more appealing and likeable for possible sale. First impression is key and hence the Golf Course Estate owners had flowers also decorating the desirable interiors to accentuate the homeliness of the houses.

Iddosou revealed that the possible buyers who came by were impressed with the décor and wanted to buy the house with everything in it - from the furniture to the art pieces and furniture that decorated the homes.

In essence many came looking for homes and they found just that in the art and décor that showcased relaxed safe heavens for those present.

The paintings drew more buyers to the show. The houses that are fully equipped and all mirrors that allow for an exquisite view of the golf course and the beautiful scenery of Kigali.
The eight, four bedroom executive houses come with a swimming pool each.

According to Iddosou the open house event was a success as well as her paintings exhibit. The choice is now up to the new owners to keep or not to keep the beautiful art that now colour the new house walls.

With the open house event success perhaps people have started realizing the need to present not just a house to their buyers but a home.

House Show with Sandra's paintings

Here are some photos of the my paintings at the House Show held yesterday Sunday July 9th at the Golf Course Estates Nyarutarama. This is an executive estates with 8 rooms ready for sale.

The house show attracted both my friends Art lovers for my new paintings since my last exhibition in June and some prospects interested in the Houses.

Enjoy the journey

The Golf Course Estates on sale at Nyarutarama, Kigali.

The view of the house is just amazing. The golf course is visible from the house.

The 4 bedrooms house is an open house. No matter where you are, you have a view outside. Even from the bathrooms, you can see the golf course.

This is an american open kitchen fully equipped


There are 3 different areas to put in sofas and enjoy the beauty of he scenery.

This dining table is done by a new & local carpentry company in town specialized in fine furniture. I exhibited some of his furnitures as well during the house show.

This is another small sitting area that my friend Lulisa and I baptised "our blue corner" because of the blue paintings we put there.

Here is the main entrance of the house with the painting "Tourbillon"

Were these two guests comtemplating the idea of buying the house????

With my friend Irene who could't resist in front of my Ghanain Framed Kente, the traditional Cloth.

Some guests admiring both the paintings and the finishing of the house.

This is really an executive house.

Another guest comtemplating the open kitchen...i'm sure he was already imagining his wife and children playing around this extraordinary kitchen!!!!

And next to the kitcehn, is my framed picture called " The Future of Rwanda"

Jeanine and Feza still finding it difficult to chose among the paintings.

Thank God, they finally decided to buy "Tourbillon" and Uzin'Ibindi"

Just loved these big flower pots the owner of the houses put right in the middle of the siting room.

With Mami, my good friend from Access Bank who is a great art amateur

Behind the flower pots, the most sought-after painting " L'air Du Temps". Almost every visitor wanted this painting that is unfortunately not for sale. I made it for Giap, my hubby some 3 years ago at a very particular time of his professional life.

With Conso, the owner of the house.

Ladies admiring "Opportunities" and down "Les regards Croisés" and "Rwanda Nziza"

Love this other side of the sitting room with "Open Minded"

Mami still wondering if she should put in again her salary

into the purchase of another painting????

With family members of the owner of the house.

Another family member of the owner of the house.

With Irene, her Kids and Madelaine

Many liked " La germe" probably because of the contrast of the three colours.

"Family Compound" and on the bar of the kitchen "Uzin'Ibindi"