Father Dr. Jean-Marie Vianney Samarwa, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at ICK, graciously accepted our invitation and opened the doors to his literary journey.

In an exclusive interview conducted on October 6, 2023, he unveiled his personal biography, offering a unique insight into his scholarly pursuits and intellectual influences.

In a statement issued on August 3rd regarding the assignment of priesthood personnel within the Kabgayi Diocese for the pastoral year 2023-2024, Monsignor Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa announced the re-assignment of Father Dr. Jean-Marie Vianney Samarwa.

Father Dr. Samarwa has been appointed to continue his role as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at ICK, a position he has held since 2017.

This decision reflects the Diocese’s trust in his capabilities and dedication to this vital administrative and financial role at the institution.

Father Dr. Samarwa, currently 46 years old, was born on January 4, 1977, in the former Gitarama Prefecture, specifically in the Nyamabuye commune, which is now part of the Musambira Sector within the Kamonyi District of the Southern Province.

He is the offspring of the late Rwakazina Alphonse and the late Nyirageri Suzana, and Father Dr. Samarwa was born into a family of seven children.

His educational journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge that ultimately led to the pinnacle of academic achievement, a PhD in Philosophy from Paris, France.

His educational odyssey commenced with his primary education at Mpushi Primary School, situated in the Musambira Sector, spanning from 1984 to 1991.

This early phase laid the foundation for his future academic endeavors, setting the stage for a remarkable and inspiring educational trajectory that would culminate in his distinguished doctoral degree in Philosophy.

From 1991 to 1997, Samarwa dedicated himself to furthering his education at the Minor Seminary Saint Léon Kabgayi, with a specialization in Latin and Modern Languages.

In the academic year 1998/1999, he embarked on a new chapter in his educational journey by enrolling in the Major Seminary of Rutongo. At this institution, young men with aspirations of joining the priesthood undergo a one-year initiation program, known as the “propaedeutic year.”

This pivotal period of study and spiritual development marked an important step in his pursuit of a vocation within the priesthood.

After completing his “propaedeutic year,” Samarwa embarked on a dedicated academic journey. He enrolled at the Major Seminary Philosophicum of Kabgayi, where he diligently pursued his studies from 1999 to 2001.

Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his theological education, in 2001, Fratri Samarwa transitioned to the Major Seminary Théologicum of Nyakibanda, where he immersed himself in the profound study of theology, persisting until his eventual ordination day.

The culmination of his theological studies came to fruition in 2004 when Deacon Jean-Marie Vianney Samarwa received the sacred honor of ordination to the priesthood.

This significant event took place in the sacred setting of the Basilica of Kabgayi Diocese, marking the beginning of his service to the church and it’s faithful.

Following his ordination, from 2004 to 2005, Father Samarwa assumed the role of vicar at the Gihara Parish of Kabgayi Diocese, which is situated in Kamonyi District.

In this capacity, he continued to demonstrate his dedication to the church, furthering his ministry and spiritual journey in service to the community.

Between 2005 and 2007, he was assigned to lead Ecole Sainte Bernadette de Kamonyi. Following that, from 2007 to 2016, he pursued his academic journey at The Institut Catholique de Paris in France, where he diligently worked towards attaining his Canonical Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, and PhD in Philosophy.

To further bolster his academic achievements, he also became part of the University of Poitiers, where he pursued the State Master and Doctorate in Philosophy, ensuring he obtained a comprehensive PhD education.

Additionally, during his time in France, spanning the aforementioned years, he concurrently pursued Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Economics from the prestigious Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University.

In 2017, after completing his degrees, Father Dr. Samarwa promptly returned to Rwanda, where he assumed the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Finance at ICK. He has held this position continuously from then until the present day.

When discussing his hobbies and interests, Father Dr. Samarwa mentioned his enjoyment of listening to music, watching movies, engaging in meaningful exchanges with others, and taking time to rest.

When asked about life lessons, he shared that he believes the primary keys to success are dedicated hard work and a commitment to helping others.

He said, “You should take time to take care of yourself because every person in this world deserves happiness more than anything else. Also, people should know how to use their energy properly by working hard and helping others.”

He further urged people not to blame themselves when everything is not working as they want. “Don’t blame yourself,” he said, “saying that it is not going well, because with the unique qualities and determination of a person, along with the grace of God, everything is possible,” he urged.

Father Dr. Samarwa offers valuable advice to the youth, encouraging them to remain diligent in their pursuit of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, rather than relying solely on government job openings.

He emphasizes that it is not the government’s primary responsibility to provide jobs, but rather to support individuals with innovative business ideas that can benefit society.

Dr. Samarwa urges young people to keep searching for job opportunities and to consider creating their own businesses.

He reminds them that success may not come immediately, and it’s essential to persevere, even if they don’t achieve their goals by the age of 25. He suggests that opportunities could materialize later in life, perhaps at the age of 35.

Addressing the issue of youth unemployment in Rwanda, Father Dr. Samarwa advises the youth not to overlook any type of job and to embrace any available paying job as a step towards their aspirations.

“The problem of youth unemployment is a serious issue. I often engage in conversations with students who have graduated from ICK, and some of them inquire about the availability of lower-paying jobs,” he stated.

He continued by saying, “I consistently advise them that every job holds value, and not everyone needs to pursue office work. They can begin their careers with jobs such as working in a hotel or a bar. The crucial thing is to ensure that they are earning income, regardless of the amount.”

Furthermore, Father Dr. Samarwa Jean Marie Vianney, currently serving as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance at the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi, has been actively encouraging the youth to explore Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET). This approach offers them an opportunity to acquire essential skills and knowledge related to modernized technical fields, which is vital for national development.

By advocating for TVET, Father Dr. Samarwa Jean-Marie Vianney is addressing the issue of youth unemployment from a constructive perspective.

It is worth noting that the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi, established in 2002 by the Catholic Diocese of Kabgayi, plays a significant role in promoting education and contributing to the betterment of society.