The National University of Rwanda (NUR) is hosting students who are doing their Masters Degrees in Development practice at Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. These students from two Dublin universities are in Rwanda for three months of internship in different areas according to the different fields of studies. This internship in Rwanda is a result of the joint program between the Trinity College Dublin, the University College Dublin and NUR. The students from these two Dublin universities are in Rwanda for three months of internship in different areas according to the different fields of study. The NUR Rector, Prof. Silas Lwakabamba who officially opened the two Dublin universities’ students visit at NUR welcomed them and proceeded with a brief presentation on Rwanda about various issues such as:

EDUCATION

During his presentation, the NUR Rector updated Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin students that Rwanda plans to form one university which will be called the University of Rwanda. He explained that if no change occurs, this decision will be put into practice in September 2012, period which coincides with the beginning of academic year 2012-2013. He gave also details about how Rwanda is committed to promote science and technology. As a way of eradicating poverty, Rwanda has established the policy of 12 years basic education free of charge. He explained how this education policy was initially 6 years of primary school, how it became 9 years beginning 2010 and now 12 years. Students were also informed that in 2008 Rwanda decided that the language of instruction would be English replacing French.

HISTORY

Prof. Silas Lwakabamba reminded the students that the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda affected negatively all sectors in the country including education.

FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION

The Rector tried to explain a little bit about Rwanda government policies including the fight against corruption. He said that Rwanda is one of the countries in the world which do not tolerate corruption regardless of the offender.

RWANDA MEMBERSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITIES

Prof. Lwakabamba spoke about how Rwanda is willing to partner with other countries by joining international communities such as its recent membership in East Africa Community and the Commonwealth.

SECURITY

Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin students were told not to worry about security in Rwanda as the country gives a lot of value to it by putting into place much effort in discipline and professionalism in the security sector.

LEISURE

Students were told that NUR cares about the role of leisure in life and that whoever needs to practice sports, grounds are available and for those who enjoy soccer, facilities are in place to enable them follow the European tournament which is ongoing.

Prof. Patrick Paul Walsh, the chair of the steering academic committee of the Global Masters in Development Practice Association who is the Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin delegation leader commends NUR effort to welcome and facilitate the process of the program. Prof. Patrick Walsh said: “We are satisfied of how NUR welcomes our students.NUR is playing well its role of supervision of the program and students are getting professional practices in their internship”.

In this interaction with the NUR Rector, Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin students were allowed to comment and ask questions. On the schedule for their induction they will be introduced to the Geography of Rwanda, Health Policies, ICT, Governance, Development in Rwanda focusing on Agro Marketing, EDPRS, and Vision 2020. They will get opportunity also to visit the National Museum of Rwanda and Murambi Genocide Memorial site.

The joint program between the Trinity College Dublin, the University College Dublin and the NUR in Masters Development Practice started four years ago. Last year, a batch of other Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin students undertaking Masters Degree programs came to Rwanda studying development practices and got the opportunity to meet His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda.

NUR Rector (in the middle)with some of members of Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin delegation

DPD Director,Prof. Herman Musahara facilitating the event

Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin students meeting last year with H.E president of Rwanda Paul Kagame

By Jean Baptiste Micomyiza