KIGALI - With a view of enhancing the country’s science and technology human resource base, the Student’s Financing Agency of Rwanda (SFAR) in partnership with Chinese and US universities have sponsored 61 students to upgrade their studies.

Of the above, 20 will pursue their Masters degrees in 10 top universities in China while 41 are will study in  two institutions in the USA.

During the celebrations that were held to bid farewell to the students going to China, the Director General of SFAR, Emmanuel Muvunyi urged them to maximally exploit the available opportunities.

"Our potential is our human resource base and any support to develop it is paramount. It is vital for you who have qualified for these opportunities, to use them very well so that you participate in the country’s development on return,” Muvunyi advised.

In relation to boosting sciences, Muvunyi noted that the idea is in line with the country’s Vision 2020 objectives which aim at creating a knowledge-based economy especially in science and technology.

Citing China as strong partner in educating Rwandan students, SFAR boss also noted that this time Rwanda was given a chance to choose from which universities the students would attend their studies.

"I believe that the skills they will attain from these institutions will enhance exploitation of Rwanda’s resources like oil and petroleum among others,” he added.

The Charge d’Affaires at the Chinese embassy in Kigali, Li Yigang also affirmed the country’s commitment to educational exchanges with other countries adding that this also promotes friendship and understanding among nations.

"As you go to study in China, keep in mind what makes Rwanda special and promote your nation since you are now ambassadors of the two countries’ relationship,” Yigang advised the students.

Those going to USA will study at the California Baptist University and Oklahoma Christian University while those for China will go to the universities of Tsinghua, Peking, China University of Geo-sciences and the Beijing Institute of Technology.

Tonny Rutayisire, a beneficiary who will do a Masters’ Degree in Computer Applied Technology expressed gratitude for the scholarships on behalf of all the students adding that with such opportunities, Rwanda will soon be as developed as other giants of this world.

"China developed so fast just by increasing capacities of her human resource. This is exactly what Rwanda is doing and as beneficiaries, we are determined to apply the skills we shall acquire in accelerating the achievement of our country’s development goals,” he emphasized.

Of those who qualified, some are employees of the Rwanda Energy Corporation (former Electrogaz); others are lecturers from Tumba College of Technology while the rest are from the National University of Rwanda. 

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