BACKGROUND…..

Rwanda Convention Association (RCA) is a private initiative that started in 2004 as a non-profit organization dedicated to contributing to the development of Rwanda’s education, private sector, technology, and the media.

This year (2010), the award giving ceremony was held in a colorful ceremony during the just concluded 2010 Rwanda Convention that took place in Boston, MA, from 28-29, May, 2010.

CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION…

The RCA awards committee invited the general public to nominate outstanding Rwandans and Friends of Rwanda based in the United States and/or Canada for recognition.

The RCA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE is the most valuable award while the other winners were to be selected basing on online polls from these five categories; 

RCA investor award, this category is for a Rwandan or friend of Rwanda in North America who has been active in the promotion of Rwandan investment personally, as well as, in professional capacity.

RCA Youth award, this award goes out to a Rwandan Youth who has worked hard in his/her community to aid in cultural awareness and promotion of Rwandan history 

RCA artist award, this for an Outstanding Rwandan artist based in North America that has excelled in their craft such as a singer, painter to mention but a few.

RCA Friend of Rwanda award, in this category, a person that is non-Rwandan based in North America who has been active in the promotion of Rwandan culture and history, and also in the promotion of investment in Rwanda.

Humanitarian Award, this category goes to a person who has dedicated their efforts to the promotion of social welfare, community development, and African development.

RCA 2010 AWARD Winners….

 H.E. President of Rwanda Paul Kagame added to his large collection of honorable recognition by taking the top prize of RCA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE.

The RCA honored His Excellency Paul Kagame for good leadership, promotion of the private sector and building a knowledge-based economy that has laid a foundation for great achievements in all sectors of Rwanda.

He has greatly improved the education sector through provision of free primary education, as well as creating the Presidential Scholars Program that gives students the opportunity to pursue higher education in the U.S, U.K, South Africa, and Asia.

Next up on the podium was Rwandan musician and songwriter Jean-Paul Samputu who won the 2010 RCA ARTIST AWARD.

Samputu was recognized as the founder of the Mizero Children of Rwanda, a non-profit public charity with branches in Nyanza, USA and Canada.

The RCA HUMANITARIAN AWARD was scooped by Dr. Denny Snyder, who is the Managing Director of Medical Missions for Children (MMFC) and was honored for the impact MMFC has had on the Rwandan youths.

The undisputable RCA FRIEND OF Rwanda award was won by Alexander Dauge-Roth, the founder of the Friends of Tubeho Association.

The world renowned entrepreneur Mr. Michael Fairbanks walked away with the RCA INVESTOR AWARD.

And finally the RCA YOUTH AWARD went to David Mwambari.