15 September 2006

Scottish universities extend scholarship scheme to Rwandan students

The University of Dundee has welcomed two new students from Rwanda as part of the Rotary in Scotland University Scholarship scheme (RUSSR).

RUSSR is now in its third year and is helping revitalise the African country by improving access to education and ensuring Rwanda has the skills to help the development of its economy.

The scheme, which originated in the University of Dundee, started with just seven female students and five Scottish universities. The first two years concentrated on women, this year the scheme has been extended and 15 men and 7 women will come to Scotland and attend 15 universities. The Rwandan government select the courses that are available to study, in line with their strategic developmental aims which have included a major emphasis on science.

Rudovico Ruhirwa will study for an MSc in Forensic Medicine and Isaac Mutabazi is hoping to gain an MSc in Civil Engineering

All universities have waived the fees for the students. The Rwandan Government pays their airfares and living costs. The Rotary in Scotland provide support to the students.

Sir Muir Russell, Convener of Universities Scotland is delighted at the success of the scheme.

The Rwandan Ambassador, HE Mr Claver Gatete said: "On behalf of my government, I would like to register our appreciation to the valuable support Rwanda has been receiving from the Universities of Scotland since 2003. We are particularly grateful to the University of Dundee which is leading the scheme and to the Universities of Scotland which have facilitated this big increase in the number of scholarship holders from 7 in 2003-4 to 22 this academic year."

"We would also like to thank Rotary in Scotland for their support of the scheme. These scholarships have contributed, and are continuing to contribute, enormously to Rwanda's resource base particularly in terms of capacity building in the areas of science and technology that is crucial to achieving our vision 2020 by creating a knowledge-based economy."

"I know that past students have valued their time in Scotland from the point of view of the excellent and high quality postgraduate education they have received which has greatly enhanced their professional skills and understanding. They are also very appreciative of the way they have been made to feel welcome by their lecturers, their fellow students and those kind people, especially Rotary members, who have entertained them in their homes. There is no doubt that they take home very happy memories of their time in Scotland."

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Anna Day
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University of Dundee
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