The University of Lay Adventists of Kigali (UNILAK) and Avenay Val D’Or, a commune in France, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering cultural and educational collaboration between the two institutions.
The MoU valid for three years is designed to establish a long-term relationship within an institutional framework, with both parties committed to promoting mutual benefits.
The partnership will focus on various areas of cooperation, including cultural exchange, student and staff engagement, internship opportunities, linkages to industries and tourism, scholarships, and research collaboration.
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Furthermore, the MoU will support the creation of connections between UNILAK and other universities in Europe, facilitating academic and professional exchanges.
Prof. Jean Ngamije, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAK, expressed his optimism about the partnership, noting the importance of collaboration between the two institutions.
"This partnership will foster cooperation and collaboration between us. First, we’ll have a cultural exchange, where both Rwandan and French cultures will be showcased. It’s about understanding each other’s cultures and building that connection,” he said.
Prof. Ngamije also emphasised that the partnership would offer practical benefits for students, such as opportunities to gain work experience in Avenay Val D’Or.
The collaboration will also involve reciprocal visits between the two institutions. As Prof. Ngamije explained, "We’ll be visiting each other, just like the leader started by visiting our students here at UNILAK. He has also invited me to visit them soon. We’ll cooperate in research funding and link our university with theirs, so we can work together in teaching, research, and tourism development, as they’re also interested in visiting Rwanda. There’s something to gain both in Rwanda and in their city.”
Prof. Ngamije added, "When we start working together, other activities will emerge through connections with other institutions they’ll introduce us to.”
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He also emphasised the importance of collaboration in the development of universities, noting that learning from more advanced institutions is essential for growth.
Philippe Maussire, the Mayor of Avenay Val D’Or, shared his enthusiasm about the new collaboration, saying, "We have just signed this memorandum, which allows for close cooperation between the staff of the university and the students for the coming months. I am confident that we will collaborate in a very interesting and productive way, for the benefit of all.”
When asked why he chose to work with UNILAK, Maussire explained that his visit to Rwanda was part of a broader effort to strengthen academic ties.
Maussire also noted the potential for the collaboration to expand beyond cultural exchanges. "This collaboration is about cultural exchanges, first and foremost, but it can also develop into other areas, possibly even economic ones. We are already doing this with Kampala, and I hope that our collaborations will be as diverse as possible,” he said.