Meet the veteran journalist and face of Rwanda Television

Evelyne Umurerwa is one of the longest serving Television Presenters/ News Anchors in Rwanda. She started working for Rwanda Television in 1998 immediately after high school and now hosts a women show that airs once a week. . With a 15-year-career in television, Evelyne talks to Women Magazine‘s Doreen Umutesi about fulfilling her childhood dream. “As a child I always wished I would work on television someday and I greatly admired television and radio presenters. As a result of my passion for the job, my first interview left the interviewers surprised that I was not nervous at all. The day after the interview, I started work as a presenter,” Evelyne narrates. She adds, “Every child wants to live their dream and I believe when you do something that you love, you perfect it. However, when you take on a career you never wished for you will regret it.” She also says that her field of work has taught her how important it is to keep time. “It’s unacceptable not to keep time in this field of work. Even when you fall sick, you have to inform the producer in time so that they can slot in someone to sit in for you,” she reveals. Born in Nyarugenge District to the late Edward Nsababera and Blandine Mukasekuru, the 36-year-old attended Centre d’ Enseignement de Secondaire de Kigali (CIESKA) before she started working on television. She currently holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences from Kigali Independent University.“I usually enjoy the way our viewers get surprised when they meet us in person. Sometimes they don’t believe that it’s me and they whisper to each other asking if I’m the presenter on television. It is something that I’m used to. In fact, I’m always happy to know that people acknowledge what we do. I frequently get people walking up to me and thanking me for the women show that I host. This gives me great encouragement,” Evelyne expresses.The joyous presenter hosts a show on Rwanda Television in Kinyarwanda called ‘Iterambere ry’abagore’ literally translated as Women Development. “Women today work very hard although they face different challenges. One of the main challenges that women face, especially those that want to start a business, is insufficient capital. They are now confident and ready to take on any initiative. But I’m happy to say that Rwandan women, whether young or old, are empowering and uplifting one another and this is inspiring.” She also says that she is not quitting the television business any time soon. “I love and enjoy what I do. My job gives me the chance to spend time with my family. My 12-year-old daughter plans to be a television personality like me,” she reveals. She advised anyone who would want to be a great Television presenter or news anchor to learn from the best in the world. “I watch a lot of television. Plus, I make sure that it is a variety of TV stations. This has helped me perfect what I do. When you watch different presenters, you are able to learn from them and get different tips on how to be a great television personality,” Evelyne advises. The mother of two got married to Jean Marie Uwizeye on January 8, 2000 and they have been blessed with two daughters. On how she spends her leisure time she says, “I dedicate most of my free time to my family. I also have time for my friends. I also enjoy swimming, going to the gym and sauna to stay in shape. In fact, I’m a member at the gym at Umubano Hotel.” When asked what challenges she faces in her day-to-day work she confides that it has been smooth sailing for her. “ I have not faced any challenge so far”, she admits.