Author: Cynthia Rutagengwa

When Jean Michel Habineza alongside Teta Christine, and Alex Kambanda, started iDebate Rwanda in 2012, the vision was clear: to mould young minds into articulate, informed, and confident individuals ready to make a mark in the world. Twelve years later, iDebate has not only grown to enhance the critical thinking and public speaking abilities of these young people, but also instils confidence, fosters a culture of reading, and prepares them to represent Rwanda on the global stage. Like every great initiative, iDebate has an interesting backstory. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a Master’s in Social Entrepreneurship,…

Anime lovers, rejoice! Are you wondering about the best anime to start watching this summer? Say no more. One of my friends called me yesterday to ask what I was doing, and when I told him that I was watching anime, he scoffed, calling it “kid’s animation.” I was like, “What? Hell nah.” He laughed and said gently, “Nawe ndakubuze,” which means, “I’m losing you too.” But trust me, dear readers, after you read this, you’ll be hooked. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or a newbie just dipping your toes into the anime world, this will give you a clue…

After several months of intense astrological activity, the universe is giving us a break in June and July. These months bring plenty of positive changes, making it the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine, go on adventures, and meet new people. Yes, it’s summertime! The energy now is all about fun and friendly interactions, encouraging us to get out into the world and make new connections. Rumor is that each zodiac sign will have a lucky day this summer. So, dear SENS readers, here’s what you can expect based on your zodiac sign. This summer is about joy, socializing, and…

Who says you need a full face of makeup to look fabulous? Sometimes, all you need to feel like a million bucks is a trusty concealer. This doesn’t mean you have to go completely bare-faced, but sometimes a lighter touch is just what you need. Have you thought about just using concealer? Yeah, that’s right! Whether you’re rushing out the door or want to keep it simple, a long-wearing formula can mask imperfections and even your skin tone. Milly Beauty, a professional makeup artist at Her Majesty Cosmetics, shared her expert tips and tactics with SENS Magazine. Here’s all you…

Father’s Day, dedicated to honoring and celebrating the father figures in our lives, takes place this year on Sunday, June 16. Though the day is less celebrated than Mother’s Day, celebrate fathers, spouses, step-fathers, brothers, or role models. The celebration began in the early 20th century in the United States, thanks to a woman named Sonora Smart Dodd. Sonora’s father, William Jackson Smart, was a single dad who raised her and her five siblings after their mother passed away. She admired her father’s dedication and hard work and felt that fathers deserved a special day just like mothers, who already…

This spring, I’ve collected some great looks inspired by the newest trends fromCosmo and TikTok. You don’t need to wander through fashion magazines like El or Vogue because I’ve got eight beautiful makeup looks that will easily take you from winter to summer. Keeping it basic is still popular, but on our list, we’re going bold with brown lips, chrome eyes, and that cool “just woke up like this” mascara look. Imagine peel-off masks that have been airbrushed to perfection, laying the groundwork for the upcoming pearly skin trend. As the seasons change, our makeup routines change too. April and…

Q: Is it okay to lie about your age on a first date? A: “Go ahead, if you want to lie, lie. Women, whenever you feel like lying, go ahead and lie. How many times have you been lied to? Just jump in with a lie and say, ‘Yes, I’m 22,’ because he’s going to tell you he’s not married too.” – Steve Harvey Here’s an interesting fact about Rwanda: over 78% of its population is under the age of 35. Many of whom are currently raving in the pursuit of love, relationships and all that’s in between. Safe to…

Since 2022, prices of food, transport, and living in Rwanda and around the world have fluctuated, more so in their rising than falling. Unfortunately for the working-class population in the country, salaries and wages have not been raised to match the rates. On Wednesday, April 24th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., SENS Magazine visited small businesses across Kigali, from the lively marketplaces to the tranquil neighborhoods, to see how they deal with rising prices and how they use the little profits they gain in their daily lives. We met with hardworking owners who tackle this issue in hopes of…

In true and strict Rwandan culture, having sex before marriage is generally not accepted, as it is in many other African countries. This view stems from the notion that marriage represents maturity and understanding of sex. However, things have changed. Talking openly about sex is more common in the younger generation, and being a virgin may even be considered embarrassing. But, it is vital to ask: Can young people discuss sex with their parents? Even though addressing this matter with parents can be uncomfortable, should it seem inappropriate for children to ask their parents about it? First and foremost, let’s be clear: discussing sex…

All photos by Getty Also known as the Met Ball, the Met Gala is one of the most anticipated events in the fashion world, and this year’s edition did not disappoint. Hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the gala saw celebrities, designers, and fashion enthusiasts come together to celebrate the opening of the annual fashion exhibit. For SENS, these stars stole the spotlight with their stunning outfits, leaving our jaws dropped both in awe of their creativity and efforts in pulling out the theme of the year: ‘The Garden of Time’. Zendaya, the American actress and singer, was our red…