Excelling beyond academics : UR students shine in culture and creativity

UR students have once again demonstrated their excellence beyond the classroom, emerging as top performers at the National Cultural Dance and Poetry Competition for Higher Learning Institutions. Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Arts, the competition brought together 10 cultural dance troupes and 11 individual poets from universities and higher learning institutions across the country.

In the cultural dance category, UR was represented by teams from Nyarugenge, Huye, and Busogo campuses. The Huye Campus troupe secured first place, winning a prize of 7 million Rwandan francs, while the Nyarugenge Campus troupe finished third, earning 3 million Rwandan francs.

Nyarugenge Campus troupe during their performance

UR students also excelled in individual categories. Cyuzuzo from Busogo Campus was named Best Dancer, Felix from Huye Campus won Best Singer, and Isimbi emerged as the overall best performer of the competition.

Speaking at the event, Sandrine Umutoni, State Minister in the Ministry of Youth and Arts, noted that the competition aims to encourage students in universities and higher learning institutions to appreciate Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage and explore opportunities to turn it into viable ventures. She also commended the participating institutions for their support in making the event a success.

Photo sections showing troupes and individual students who scooped awards for their outstanding performances at the National Cultural Dance and Poetry Competition for Higher Learning Institutions, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Arts. University leaders also attended the finals in support of the participants

“You are the reason this competition was possible, and we thank the institutions that supported participants, including facilitating logistics for the troupes and poets,” she said, praising both the students and their institutions.