Today, November 23, students at the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) are casting their votes to elect the leaders who will steer the Association Générale des Étudiants (AGE-ICK) for the 2024-2025 academic year.
These elections are particularly noteworthy, as they mark the first time the process is conducted using digital technology.
While ICK News continues to provide comprehensive coverage of the elections and their outcomes, this article revisits the accomplishments of the outgoing committee.
Key achievements
In an interview with Cedric Niyonkuru, the Guild President of the outgoing committee, he highlighted several milestones achieved during their tenure.
At the start of their term, the Vice-Chancellor, Father Prof. Fidèle Dushimana challenged them to prioritize student engagement beyond academics. Rising to the occasion, the committee focused heavily on organizing recreational activities.
Among the highlights was the organization of inter-section sports tournaments, involving students from weekend, day, and holiday programs in football and basketball competitions for both men and women.
“We also hosted a talent show specifically for students in the Holiday program,” Niyonkuru shared. Additionally, friendly matches were held with two universities: University of Technology and Arts of BYUMBA (UTAB) and East African University Rwanda (EAUR), Nyagatare Campus.
In terms of entertainment, the committee also introduced screenings of various local and international football matches, providing students with opportunities to unwind.
Beyond recreation, the committee emphasized cultural and historical education. They organized a study visit to the Bisesero Genocide Memorial, aiming to deepen students’ understanding of Rwanda’s history.
They also actively participated in community activities such as Umuganda (monthly community service) and spearheaded an initiative to provide community-based health insurance for 150 residents of Nyamabuye Sector in Muhanga District. Niyonkuru expressed his hope that this initiative would become an annual tradition.
Challenges and Unmet Goals
Despite their achievements, the committee acknowledges certain goals they were unable to accomplish.
These include organizing additional study tours to enhance students’ knowledge of Rwanda’s history, hosting cultural days, and arranging diverse competitions, particularly for Holiday section students.
They also fell short of visiting other universities for friendly matches and did not host the much-anticipated ICK Day, which was part of their original plan.
Advice for the Incoming Committee
As the new committee prepares to assume office, Niyonkuru urges them to preserve the progress made while striving to complete unfinished projects.
He emphasizes the importance of being effective representatives of the student union, treating student concerns as their own, and fostering trust among those who voted for them.
The outgoing committee comprised 21 members, while the incoming one will expand to 24, following the addition of three new positions.
These include a Deputy Minister of Education to support the growing number of students in the Education Faculty and both a Minister of Health and their deputy to reflect the increasing focus on health sciences at ICK.