URUGWIRO VILLAGE - President Paul Kagame yesterday met a group of students from the Dublin-based Trinity College at Urugwiro Village.

The students, pursuing a Masters program in development studies in Ireland, have been in the country since June, carrying out research.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the meeting, Andrew McLain, the leader of the group, said that their discussion centered around various issues ranging from economic policy to environment and development.

McLain noted that the discussions with the President were very important for their research.

"The President is such an open and honest individual to have taken his time to talk to a group of students from such a diverse background. He allowed us to ask questions and his contribution will be helpful to us as well as other development students,” said McLain.

The class, of over 20 students, conducted their research in various parts of the country.

The students said that the experience they gained from Rwanda is diverse, enriching and a big contribution to development studies.

According to Sharon Haba, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, the students undertake research in developing countries to identify development problems and come up with solutions.

"It helps them to finish their program when they understand what development means,” she said.

Haba pointed out that Rwanda’s strategy to involve citizens in the development of their country, is a big lesson the students have taken, which other countries can emulate.

Ends