Over 160 students, previously enrolled at the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) in Khartoum, Sudan, have arrived in Rwanda to continue their education and fulfil their dreams of becoming medical professionals.
In a compassionate move, Rwanda’s University of Rwanda (UR) – School of Medicine and Health Sciences opened its doors to over 200 Sudanese medical students who have been facing disruptions in their studies due to the civil unrest in their home country.
The students, previously enrolled at the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) in Khartoum, Sudan, have arrived in Rwanda to continue their education and fulfil their dreams of becoming medical professionals.
The ongoing security crisis in Sudan has forced many educational institutions to close down, leaving these bright young minds stranded and unable to pursue their medical studies. However, their hopes have been reignited as they receive a warm welcome from the UR community.
Confirmed by the UR Vice Chancellor, Didace Kayihura Muganga, on RBA, this humanitarian initiative offers a glimmer of hope to the affected students, most of whom were in their final year of medical training.
The practical training required for fields like general medicine and dentistry has been put on hold due to the turmoil in Sudan. By enrolling at UR, the students will have the opportunity to resume their education, gain hands-on experience, and advance towards their academic and professional goals.
The act of solidarity showcased by the University of Rwanda highlights the importance of international cooperation and support during times of crisis.
Beyond being a lifeline for these aspiring doctors, this collaborative effort fosters cultural exchange and strengthens the bond between Rwanda and Sudan. It demonstrates Rwanda’s commitment to promoting education and investing in the potential of young minds, even beyond its borders.
As the Sudanese students prepare to embark on their new educational journey in Rwanda, the spirit of unity and resilience will undoubtedly empower them to overcome adversity and thrive in their chosen medical fields.
The University of Rwanda’s gesture serves as a powerful reminder that education knows no boundaries and that compassion can bridge the gap during challenging times.
According to Kayihura, the majority of the students were in their final year, which requires practical training, particularly in the fields of general medicine and dentistry.
“We have been in talks even before the current crisis, but now the rebels took over the University of Sciences and Technology and transformed it into military barracks, the classes were put to a halt leaving students scattered, and given the priority we have always taken, when the management approached us we decided to find a way of accommodating them,” he said.
The college’s current capacity is likely unable to accommodate all students from the affected University, but Kayihura said, “We agreed to have those who are doing general medicine, especially in their clinical training, and part of them into the dentistry department. For those in general medicine, they will be doing their clinical rotation while those in dentistry will be doing their clinical training.”
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the students will receive training for as long as the situation in Sudan remains unsettled. He reassured the students that the university’s management and lecturers will work together to ensure they receive comprehensive and proper education during their time at the institution.
“We are also in talks to sign an agreement that would see both students and staff exchange programs initiated between both institutions. The University and Sudan in general are advanced in Medicine studies and that provides an opportunity for us as a University.”
“Today, we are extending a hand of relief due to the instability and the crisis in the country but even once peace is restored we are looking at collaborating in a sustainable manner.”
Of the 200 students, 133 are Sudanese, and others are from Nigeria, France, Canada, USA, India, Jordan and Ireland, according to information shared with The New Times.
