INES-RUHENGERI celebrated its intercultural day, 2nd edition

Friday, 24th February 2023, INES-Ruhengeri celebrated its identity through the intercultural day, 2nd edition.

Students from Gabon  performing their traditional dance (photo/Vedaste)

INES identity exists in the fact that it is a Catholic University, Institute of Applied Sciences, International Community, smart campus, community where hospitality is a key value, and university where much importance is given to values.

“This is our identity and we wish that all those who are passing here be marked by this brand”, Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya, Vice-Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri mentioned in his speech of the day.

“Today, we are celebrating science and life by putting our event under the theme of: Science and Light for a bright future”, Vice-Chancellor added

The theme calls upon all students to make a considerable effort in acquiring skills in various science programs and becoming a light for the community.   The mentioned light is strengthened by the values and culture of the students’ respective countries here present.  

Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya, Vice-Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri addressing his welcome speech (photo/Vedaste)

 The intercultural day was also an opportunity to welcome international students from 15 countries, especially those who came in February 2023. They were called up to be responsible for their acts and mutual respect. They were also requested to avoid bad behaviors, indiscipline cases and crimes. Additional to Rwandans, three hundred and nine (309) are International students from 15 countries such as Burundi, D.R Congo, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan, South Sudan, Chad, Congo, Gabon, Mali, Liberia, Cameroon, Niger, Benin, and Italy.

“Let us give priority to our studies, let us build friendship. For sure, you are not here for touristic purposes, you are not here for doing business, you are not here for founding hidden families, you are here for studying”, Vice-Chancellor Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya underlined.  

In his speech as the Guest of Honor, Mr. Ramuli Janvier, Mayor of Musanze District ensured the safe hospitality of students especially the international ones within the Musanze community.

Mayor Ramuli Janvier ensured safe hospitality (photo/Vedaste)

On behalf of delegates from Embassies and High Commissions in Rwanda, Mr. Delvi Schimid Ngatsono from Congo Embassy in Rwanda thanked INES-Ruhengeri for organizing an intercultural Day where students exchange their cultures through dancing, cooking, modeling, and singing.

Participants to the event visited the stands where countries were exhibiting the cooking culture

(photo/Vedaste) 

The students expressed their joy due to the intercultural day because it helped in Connecting the international students to local students. In fact, the diverse cultures that made up the INES Community were highlighted and the students accepted the values from other countries. Hence, students are now feeling at home.

Students from various countries modeling during the event (photos/Vedaste)

The main objective of INES Intercultural Day is to connect and integrate international students to local community so that they feel at home.  Its 1st edition took place on 25th February 2022.