Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has entered into a partnership with Italy’s University of Venice to develop more talent in architecture using the local resources. The partnership, in which they will collaborate in conducting joint research and project development on the use of local and available materials, has also received support from Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Work-force Development Agency (WDA) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The latest development was confirmed by KIST’s Rector, Prof. Abraham Atta Ogwu, in an interview with The New Times. Ogwu revealed that through the newly established Faculty of Architecture and Environmental Design at the institution, the partnership will be using locally available materials such as dry banana fibres to produce products that are eco-friendly. He explained that, the plans are also underway to integrate the popular local weavers in order to add value to their product (Agaseke). “The special weaving techniques help weavers to produce products with a high commercial value and would make artisan work much quicker and more remunerative,” said Prof. Abraham Atta Ogwu. To mark the cooperation, the two institutions organized a two-week training workshop that brought together students from KIST and ten students from Italy. Ends
