Students fromvillages in Rulindo have welcomed the opening of a the Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Education of Kibungo (Inatek) campus in the district.Inatek, a tertiary institution based in Ngoma District in Eastern Province, last week opened a satellite campus in Rulindo. Residents said they have been postponing studies after initial plans to set up the campus dragged on for close to a year. Others said they have been travelling long distances to reach the main campus in Ngoma District. Dorthée Uzamukunda, from Shyorongi Sector, said the campus will significantly help her reduce transportation fees as she was required to pay Rwf6,000 per week to get to Ngoma for weekend courses, but she will now pay Rwf600 only. The initiative has not only been welcomed by students, but also residents who anticipate to benefit economically, where they expect students to rent their houses and other economic benefits that come with an institution that brings together many people. Ernest Nyandwi said the campus is one way to develop the district through outreach programmes and academic research in the area to ensure that policies implemented in the area are based on research. According to the campus coordinator, Dr Yves Valentin Kaneza, the idea of establishing the campus came from Inatek mission of opening campuses that are closer to students, and from statistics which showed the district is in dire need for qualified workforce. The campus has started with the Faculty of Education for day, evening and weekend programmes. The campus has registered 573 students for this academic year.
