Over 80 students from the Baptist International Theological University of Rwanda (AEBR) were recently sensitized on the East African Community integration process.

The exercise was opened by the Secretary General of the National Consultative Committee (NCC) on the fast-tracking of the East African Political federation, Winifred Nyirahirwa, at one of the schools’ main hall.

"We are happy that students have appreciated and shown interest in taking part in the EAC which I think will be of great value to them,” she said.

Nyirahirwa added that the aim of the meeting was to gather the students’ views as far as Rwanda integration in EAC is concerned and later to hand them over to the government for evaluation.

Students raised issues like rebel groups which are still active in the region and the Rwandan culture being influenced by those from other regions.

Nyirahirwa added that Rwandans will benefit much in terms of education, security and  business among others.

The Dean of the school who attended the meeting, Reverend Nathan Ndyamiyemenshi, said during an interview that the integration of Rwanda in the EAC was important because it will have a positive impact on the country in various domains such as economy, business and security. 

"We are for the government and we are happy that we joined the EAC. We are ready to work hand-in-hand with it so as to boost the economic development of our economy,” said Ndyamiyemenshi.

Anne Kalisa, one of the students who participated said that she is happy for Rwanda to be a member of EAC because he will be able to study in whatever country she wants, as there will be exchanges of school programmes.

The NCC was launched in March 2008 and is made up of 12 members from various institutions in the country and it is supposed to gather views of Rwandans on the political federation of the EAC.

Consultations were concluded in Kenya Tanzania and Uganda, the original members of the bloc, and are currently on going for new entrants Rwanda and Burundi.

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