Sudanese medical students on expectations in Rwanda

When Iman Osman Abufatima Adam joined the University of Medical Sciences and Technologies (UMST) in Khartoum, Sudan, she had a dream of becoming one of the most successful doctors, a profession that she sees as embodying service and intellect, and one that is driven by commitment to alleviate human suffering. For the 23 year old, the desire to become a doctor is not merely an aspiration but a mission she sees for herself. ALSO READ: Over 200 Sudanese medical students to complete studies in Rwanda Medicine, Adam points out, is the perfect intersection of science, service, and personal interaction, adding that it also offers an opportunity to directly impact lives, providing a sense of fulfillment that few careers can match. But for her and colleagues at the University, life took a bumpy turn when an armed conflict ravaged the country. “I used to study at UMST, due to the tragic war we were transferred to Rwanda to complete our studies,” Adam told The New Times on Wednesday, August 2. “We were very welcome in the country. The weather is amazing, the people are really nice, we were very excited to see different tourist areas, the welcome was beyond our expectations.” She added, “Coming to Rwanda means a lot, it gives us an opportunity to continue our education, and allows us to graduate.I have high expectations, i think i will enjoy the journey, I hope we could finish very well and graduate as doctors.” Adam is part of a group of over 160 Sudanese students who are set to be trained in Rwanda starting this month. The group has been stranded and unable to complete their studies owing to the current security crisis in the country. Lojain Dafaalah Mohamed Alkhair knows what it feels like. She was in her fourth year when the security crisis began. A few months later she was forced to flee to Egypt before being transferred to Rwanda to complete her studies. “We had the pleasure to come here to Kigali to finish our studies, especially the training. We are more than happy to be here, honestly just because of the war we had to leave our country and find greener pasture.” She added, “I have been in the country for the past six days. I have high expectations as we look to begin the training. I want to start knowing more about patients, and the medicines. But I already like the people so much and the weather.” ALSO READ: Basij-Rasikh on Afghan girls’ journey, finding welcoming learning place in Rwanda Brotherly gesture Rwanda’s gesture to accommodate students from Sudan that will be able to complete their studies is a fresh impetus and “brotherly gesture,” according to Prof. Mamoun Homeida, Chairman Board of Trustees at UMST, Khartoum. “We chose here for many reasons. This is a cornerstone in the history of both institutions and it is also a brotherly gesture.” For the veteran lecture, the group of students consists of “more than a hundred potential doctors.” “Education, like any type of aid, is very important and should be prioritized.” For Homeida, Rwanda has a good name not only in Africa but beyond. “It has shown the world that they can heal the wounds. And this is what people like those in Sudan need. We are also bringing teachers, not only in the clinical, but also in the basic sciences. I talked to the management of the University of Rwanda, and these teachers of high caliber who are not currently working in Sudan have a chance to volunteer here.” It all boils down to the trust both for the University and the country, according to UR Vice Chancellor Didace Kayihura Muganga. “For them to have come to us, requesting for that support, shows the trust our African brothers and sisters have in us. When they came to negotiate this arrangement, they had to assess and move around our teaching hospitals, our laboratories, the dentistry department and the results were positive indicating a certain standard.” “That gives us confidence. Having students from the best universities in Khartoum wanting to join us and have our lecturers evaluate them is a vote of confidence for us. We will be training them in the requisite standards.”

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Sudanese medical students on expectations in Rwanda