The Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) and Christelijke Hogeschool Ede (CHE) in the Netherlands are strengthening their long-standing partnership with a focus on expanding cooperation to the postgraduate level, particularly in the field of communication.
This collaboration is part of the ongoing visit to the Netherlands by Mr. Jean Baptiste Hategekimana, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies at ICK, which began on April 3, 2025.
Speaking to ICK News, Mr. Hategekimana said the first part of his visit was dedicated to engaging with officials at CHE to assess and deepen the existing collaboration. Currently, three ICK students are concluding studies at CHE.
During his visit, Mr. Hategekimana held meetings with lecturers, researchers, and staff from CHE’s International Office, which coordinates the Erasmus+ program that facilitates student and staff exchanges between the two institutions.
The discussions focused on strengthening the partnership between ICK and CHE, with particular emphasis on promoting inclusion—ensuring adequate support for students with disabilities, including those with visual impairments—while also prioritizing students who demonstrate both the ability and motivation to pursue their studies successfully.
Additionally, the talks covered ICK’s new initiative to launch a Master’s program in Communication, specifically a Master’s Degree in Communication for Sustainable Development.
“We plan to establish a joint task force of lecturers from both institutions to develop the concept note and academic proposal, which will be submitted to the Higher Education Council (HEC). If approved, the program could launch as early as next year,” Mr. Hategekimana said.
The conversation also explored ways to expand the collaboration beyond the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies to include the Faculty of Education as well
In addition to meetings with CHE faculty and administrators, Mr. Hategekimana also met with ICK students currently concluding studying at CHE.
Among them was Adolphe Mpirwa, who spoke highly of the learning experience in the Netherlands.
“I’ve gained a lot here at CHE. Studying alongside students from different parts of the world with diverse cultural backgrounds has been enriching,” he said.
The partnership between ICK and CHE dates back to 2018. Since then, ICK students have traveled to the Netherlands for five-month academic exchanges, and faculty members from both institutions have participated in short-term teaching exchanges.
To date, ICK has sent 11 students to CHE, while six CHE lecturers have delivered short courses to ICK’s Journalism and Communication students. In return, three ICK lecturers have also taught short-term modules at CHE.
This time, two lecturers from CHE are expected to visit ICK at the end of April to deliver short-term courses in the Program of Nursing. They will be followed by others who will, as usual, teach short-term modules in the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies.
These initiatives are aimed at promoting knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and mutual academic growth between the two institutions.
Mr. Hategekimana is also expected to continue his European tour with a visit to the University of Oradea in Romania to further strengthen international academic partnerships and explore opportunities for quality education initiatives.