On Friday, January 23, 2026, lecturers from the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), Dr. Marie Paul Dusingize and Célestin Twagirumukiza, concluded a five-day visit to Christelijke Hogeschool Ede (CHE) in the Netherlands aimed at strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two institutions.
During the visit, the ICK delegation held discussions with several CHE officials, including Jan Hol, Vice President of the Board of Directors, and Erik Geluk, a lecturer in the Communication Department.
From left to right: Erik Geluk, Marie Paul Dusingize, Jan Hol and Célestin Twagirumukiza
Speaking to ICK News, Dr. Dusingize said the talks focused on reviewing the seven-year relationship between the two universities and exploring ways to further expand it.
“Our discussions looked at how the partnership has grown over the years, particularly in the exchange of students and lecturers to help build academic and professional capacity,” She said.
She added that the collaboration is progressing well and that both sides discussed future development plans, especially those supported through Erasmus+, the main funding program for the partnership between CHE and ICK.
Célestin Twagirumukiza highlighted the visible impact of the collaboration, noting the increasing number of ICK students who travel to CHE for short-term training, as well as lecturers who participate in academic exchanges. At the same time, CHE lecturers regularly visit ICK to teach.
“The results are clear,” he said. “The movement of both students and staff helps improve learning, teaching methods, and the overall quality of education.”
During their visit, the ICK staff also met with ICK students who are currently studying at CHE since September 2025 under the exchange program.
From left to right: Célestin Twagirumukiza, Marie Paul Dusingize, Kevine Ishimwe, Christella Umutoniwase
One of the students, Christella Umutoniwase, described the benefits of studying in the Netherlands, particularly the opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
“I have learned how to communicate with people from different cultures,” she said. “Living in a multicultural country has taught me to listen, respect others, and adjust the way I speak to ensure effective communication.”
She added that the experience has helped her become more reflective in both her personal and professional life.
“I’ve learned to think twice before acting or reporting a story, and to reflect on how my actions affect others,” she said.
She expressed gratitude to both institutions for creating the exchange program and called for its expansion. “We would like to see the program extended beyond six months to a full year as an example, and possibly include opportunities for master’s studies,” she said.
The partnership between ICK and CHE began within the Faculty of Journalism and Communication and has continued to expand. Since last year, it has also included the Nursing Department, where four CHE lecturers have already taught nursing students at ICK.
Discussions during the visit also covered plans for 2026, which may allow ICK nursing students to participate in the exchange program, joining journalism and communication students who have been taking part since 2019.
