A delegation from the Netherlands, representing Saxion University and led by Stegeman Gerry, along with a team from CC-JOB Rwanda, visited the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK) from January 14 to January 15, 2025.
During their two-day visit, the delegation met with the Vice Chancellor of ICK, toured the Business Incubation Center of Kabgayi., and interacted with students and lecturers.
Speaking to ICK News, Dr. Innocent Simpunga, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Development at ICK, emphasized the significance of the visit. “This visit aligns with the agreements signed last year between ICK and Saxion University,” he explained. “As part of these agreements, the Faculty of Sciences and Development will be sending two students and lecturers to the Netherlands. In return, Saxion University will also send Dutch students and lecturers to Rwanda.”
According to Dr. Simpunga, this exchange program will enable ICK to explore innovative ways to advance education, research, and community development while enhancing students’ skills to better prepare them for real-world challenges.
On behalf of Saxion University, Stegeman Gerry, the Head of Internationalization at the School of Governance, Law, and Urban Development, shared how the partnership came to fruition. “Our decision to collaborate with ICK was driven by an Erasmus program application that successfully secured funding,” Gerry explained. “Afterward, we sought a partner university.
“With the support of CC-JOB Rwanda, Saxion University discovered ICK and was impressed by its academic programs, Christian values, and active involvement in community activities. This made ICK an ideal partner for our goal of supporting Rwandan students, especially from ICK, to study in the Netherlands, and providing Dutch students the opportunity to explore and learn in Rwanda,” she added.
The program will prioritize students who excel academically, are proficient in English, demonstrate good discipline, and perform well in the preparatory exams required for studying in the Netherlands.
Students who interacted with the delegation shared their excitement with ICK News. They appreciated the discussions and expressed their readiness to embrace the competition and qualify for the opportunity to study in the Netherlands.
Florence Uwineza, a Year 3 student in Environmental Management, highlighted the significance of the collaboration. “This collaboration is very important for us,” she said. “Leaving ICK and going to study abroad allows you to experience other cultures, learn new skills, and use them to contribute to the development of your home country, Rwanda.”
Another student, Tuyishimire Felin, also expressed his enthusiasm. “If I get the chance to be selected, it will help me fulfill my goal of making the world a better place through the skills I will acquire,” he said.
It is planned that this Thursday, the delegation, along with ICK lecturers, will visit Gitega Integrated Urban Housing to observe the socioeconomic and environmental aspects of the transition from slums to organized urban settlements.
This partnership, signed in 2024, will last for three years. The first students to benefit from the program will travel to the Netherlands in couple of months ahead.
