An ambitious project to expand the educational options for students has begun at Kibogora with the establishment of a new university, initially titled Kibogora Polytechnic Institute.

The need for such an institution was identified by parents and community leaders at Kibogora and they have established the “Association des Parents Méthodiste Libre pour la Promotion de l’Education” (The Free Methodist Parents Association for the Promotion of Education). The supporters of this non profit organisation have made commitments for the initial capital by purchasing endowments .

Work has begun on new and refurbished buildings for the university and the first intake of 500 students will be in 2012. As the courses develop student numbers are expected to grow to 2400 by 2015. Courses will be providing opportunities for fulltime, part-time and weekend study.

1. The initial course availability, by faculty, will be:-
2. Health Sciences – Nursing, Midwifery and Community Health
3. Science and Development – Rural Development, Sociology Gender & Family, Economics and Management
4. Theology & Education – Theology and Philosophy, Education with languages

The institution will add awards in medicine, public health, pharmacy, psychology, agronomy, civil engineering, tourism and the environment within the five year business plan. International donors and contributors to these programmes will be critical in delivering this vision.

Some initial appointments to the Board of Management have been made and more members will be appointed in due course. Dr Glen Snyder (USA) has been appointed Chancellor, Professor David Hamblin (UK) Rector and Professor Antoine Nyagahene (Rwandan) Vice Rector.

Dr Damien NSABIMANA has been elected as Chairman of the Board of Governors, and the following members have been appointed to the Board:-

HABYARIMANA Jean Baptiste  Major of Nyamasheke District;

Bishop Samuel KAYINAMURA:

 Sheila ETHERINGTON of Kibogora Hospital

Bernard BANAMWANA, Vice Rector at INATEK

Theoneste NDIKUMANA, National Inspector, Ministry of Education 

Alphonsine MUKAMUHIRWA, Register, ISAE Busogo

In the coming months the balance of the full board and the Deans of Faculties will be appointed.

The establishment of a Faculty of Health Sciences is deemed urgent because of the lack of qualified nurses and Doctors in the country in general and particularly in the Nyamasheke District. Courses will be conducted in partnership with MAYO Clinic (USA) and the MARBURG University (Germany).These institutions will be involved in establishing the syllabus for these courses and will provide visiting lecturers and other support staff.

This is an exciting new development at Kibogora which will help to raise the standard of local education, provide a source of well qualified staff for Kibogora Hospital and make a significant economic impact on Kibogora and the surrounding region.

For further information email dhamblin100@gmail.com