The University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences welcomed students from the University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) in Khartoum, Sudan, who relocated to Kigali, in August, to continue their education.

The students left Sudan due to the disruption caused by unrest in their country. Out of the 174 students previously enrolled at the university in Khartoum, 16 were in their final year – studying dentistry.

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A month after being relocated to Rwanda, the students have told The New Times that the journey has been challenging and gratifying. Some are now considering the possibility of making Rwanda their home.

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Ali Abdulnaser, one of the students, expressed gratitude for their safety and the resumption of studies. He noted that for the past month, the experience has been good and they feel at home.

Abdulnaser said: "Everywhere we go you find citizens that are willing to help. We did not have much difficulty integrating with the people here, putting into mind the language barrier.

"How can you not feel at home when everyone is just so nice and welcoming?”

It is so tempting to work in a country like Rwanda

Abdulnaser then pointed out that some of his colleagues have begun inquiring about the possibility of pursuing their careers in Rwanda.

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He said: "For now, I believe most students aim to graduate in order to take their board exams and secure positions in hospitals abroad for their residency. Hopefully, after gaining sufficient experience and expertise, some will choose to come back to Rwanda and repay the unforgettable favour that this country has bestowed upon them.”

However, he said, some of them might end up doing their residency in Rwanda.

"It is so tempting to work in a country like Rwanda. Since the medical field here is on the rise with new technologies and strategies being implemented year by year,” Abdulnaser added.

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Vidhi Ajit Patel also said their Rwanda experience has been good "because people here are very welcoming.

"I'm slowly adjusting to the new environment, and it’s a good learning experience. Currently, all of us are determined to excel and make the most out of this opportunity,” she said.

She pointed out that it is tough to keep up with their curriculum in a new country, with different teaching methods, but noted that they are getting so much help.

Regarding their next step, Patel said that it is difficult to predict.

So much depends on the situation in Sudan, she said, adding that some of her colleagues are considering staying in Rwanda.

"I’ve heard of a number of colleagues who are considering staying and working in Rwanda. It's a wonderful country with many attractive options for anyone seeking a fresh start. However, others are looking forward to simply completing their studies and contributing positively to their home country,” she said.

According to Charles Karakye, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the 16 students who registered for dentistry successfully completed their studies and have now returned home.

Karakye told The New Times that the dentistry students solely arrived for their final examinations and have already returned home. The others came for clinical placement at various teaching hospitals. It is a mandatory course they must finish prior to graduating.

"They were provided with access to UR’s facilities but were not officially enrolled as regular students. After completing their eight months of clinical rounds in the hospitals, they will be directed to a location chosen by their university for graduation. They are all in their final year,” Karakye said.

In addition to the support provided by UR staff, the Sudanese students also brought their own faculty members and they get additional learning support virtually. They continue to follow their university's curriculum.

Karakye noted that after completing their studies, they will decide on their next course of action.