ACCESS International Summer School Rwanda 2024

Practical sessions, workshops, and presentations were conducted in both Kigali and at the INES Campus in Ruhengeri. A workshop session moderated by Dr. Maroua Chérif (ACCESS Tunisia) and Robertson Klaingar (ACCESS Benin) explored the role of universities and industry in knowledge creation and dissemination through a world café discussion. This session focused on models and mechanisms for university-business linkages, aiming to enhance the skills of academic staff and students while bolstering the employability of university graduates. Participants discussed emerging technologies, successful collaboration models, and the importance of embedding these models into university curricula to provide students with practical, real-world experience.

A follow-up workshop moderated by Bismark Agyei Yeboah, Robert Meyer, and Sandy Adam from the ACCESS Leipzig team focused on refining project proposals for the 2023 University of Ideas competition. Participants worked in teams to enhance their ideas using the project canvas technique. Some 13 innovative proposals were presented, covering topics such as virtual internships, augmented and virtual reality in education, and strengthening alumni networks. The University of Ideas competition aims to promote novel teaching and learning methodologies, enhance university-business linkages, and bolster career enhancement opportunities, ultimately improving the employability of students and graduates in Africa.

Discussions involving academia, industry, and government representatives from Rwanda highlighted the symbiotic relationship between universities and businesses. Strategic partnerships were lauded for their transformative impact on innovation and societal change. However, to fully exploit this potential, it was recognised that academic staff must acquire relevant skills, moving towards dynamic teaching methods that encourage active learning. Addressing the challenge of aligning academia with evolving industry needs, particularly in fields like ICT, emerged as a crucial priority for further exploration and adaptation.

The event also celebrated the 10-year partnership between INES Ruhengeri and Leipzig University, highlighting achievements such as the establishment of the INES Innovation and Incubation Centre (INNOVIC) and successful collaborations under the ACCESS and AGEA projects. Local and international partners were acknowledged for their contributions to skills development initiatives, including universities and organisations that have supported these efforts. Participants also enjoyed tours of historical sites, Kigali City, and Lake Kivu, combining scientific exchanges with cultural and tourism experiences.

The ACCESS International Summer School 2024 in Rwanda was funded by the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) under the EXCEED Initiative with financial support from the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).