A week-long academic exchange at the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) has left a lasting impact on both students and faculty, as two Dutch lecturers from Christelijke Hogeschool Ede (CHE) in the Netherlands delivered an intensive course on Palliative Care to Nursing and Midwifery students.
The visit marked a significant milestone in the growing partnership between CHE University of Applied Sciences and ICK, as it was the first time the collaboration extended to the Faculty of Health Sciences. Until now, the exchange had primarily involved lecturers and students from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Studies.
During their stay, lecturers Gerdien de Nooijer and Elzbeth Oomen engaged students in interactive learning sessions, emphasizing group discussions, and open dialogue-an approach warmly welcomed by both students and faculty.
“We enjoyed our stay in Rwanda. The people are incredibly welcoming, and the students were very involved,” said Gerdien. “Even though we had to adjust to speaking slower and teaching in a larger group, the engagement and curiosity of the students made it a great experience.”
Elzbeth added that the warmth and professionalism of the ICK academic team made them feel immediately part of a collaborative teaching community.
Elzbeth and Gerdien were equally impressed by the resilience and optimism they observed among ICK staff and students.
Lecturers Gerdien de Nooijer and Elzbeth Oomen from CHE
“What stood out was their attitude- always looking at what’s possible, staying calm, and being so friendly in every interaction,” said Elzbeth. “That mindset is something I want to take back home.”
For the students, the week was not only about learning a new subject but also experiencing a new way of learning. Fabrice Irumvaneza, a Year 2 General Nursing student, described the course as a “necessary addition” to their current curriculum.
“Palliative Care isn’t fully integrated in our studies yet, but this course gave us important knowledge,” he said. “What stood out was their use of small group discussions, where we shared different perspectives. It helped us learn from each other.”
Diane Umugwaneza, another second-year student, praised the teaching methods: “They used signs, encouraged participation, and gave us much time to ask questions. It was different from what we’re used to, and it worked really well. Continuing this style would benefit us greatly.”
Diane Umugwaneza, a second-year student
Faculty members echoed the students’ sentiments. Sister Domitille Mukantabana, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, acknowledged that while similar methods exist in ICK’s curriculum, the Dutch lecturers implemented them with a level of efficiency that produced significant results in a short time.
“We were impressed by how they applied a range of teaching techniques effectively within just a short period of time,” she said. “Their introduction to Palliative Care lays a strong foundation. Our plan is to include more practical components in future exchanges.”
Sister Domitille Mukantabana, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at ICK
The exchange was part of the Erasmus+ program, through which eleven ICK students have studied at CHE since the partnership began in 2018. So far, seven CHE lecturers have taught at ICK, with more scheduled to arrive on May 9 to work with the Faculty of Journalism and Communications.
Plans are underway to expand the program to include the Faculty of Education.
As the program evolves, three ICK students who have spent five months at CHE are set to return on May 7, while three more are preparing to begin their exchange in September.
Nursing and Midwifery students during group discussions
ICK offered farewell gifts to the visiting Dutch lecturers