NUR students’ expo to focus on varsity’s role in dev’t

SOUTHERN PROVINCE HUYE — After successfully holding the first ever students’ Expo last year, officials at the National University of Rwanda (NUR), have said this year’s event will focus on the varsity’s role in the achievement of the country’s Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS) goals. The Expo, which has become an annual event, is slated for March 27 under the theme, “The NUR’s role to the achievement of EDPRS.” It will highlight the varsity’s products and services which fit in the implementation of the EDPRS. EDPRS is the second generation of Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) with a focus between productive and social sectors. It is a framework for the implementation of Rwanda’s Vision 2020. According to Solange Zaninka, the coordinator of the event, different speakers have been invited to deliver speeches on selected topics related to the theme of this year’s Expo. During the event that coincides with the Varsity’s 11th graduation ceremony, the NUR will also host the first ever NUR Career Day to link up final year students with their future potential employers. “This will be an opportunity to expose NUR students to their future potential sources of employment in the public and private sectors,” said Zaninka, adding, “potential employers will also be able to explain to students about available opportunities in the job market and the skills required to absorb them.” Gilbert Mucyo, the co-coordinator of the event, explained that the expo will be an opportunity for NUR to showcase to the community the nature of services and expertise the students can provide for sustainable development. As part of the pre-expo events, an environmental protection campaign has been launched. “We are conducting an Eco-communities Event. This initiative aims at transforming the NUR campus into an eco-friendly community,” said Mucyo. “We are conducting a sensitisation campaign on energy and water saving practices on campus. We are also working on waste paper recycling to protect our environment,” he added. At least 17 companies have confirmed participation in the event. This is in addition to exhibitions from all students’ associations, units, university centres and faculties. Various products and best practices that will be exhibited will be spread in the surrounding community. Ends