Last week, Carroll College Chemistry Professor, Dr. John Rowley, and Dr. Cech traveled approximately 11,000 miles to Rwanda, Africa, to spend several days at the Gashora Girls Academy for Science & Technology. During our visit, Dr. Rowley took on the role of guest lecturer for Chemistry classes and led laboratory sessions. Meanwhile, Dr. Cech engaged with the school's administration, provided leadership training to the faculty and staff, and assisted with some strategic planning for the academy.
The Gashora Girls Academy opened in 2011 and is the most socio-economically diverse school in Rwanda with students from all backgrounds and regions of Rwanda represented. In Rwanda, only 16% of females graduate from high school. Gashora is comprised of 280 young Rwandan women who leave the school with the goal to change their communities, their country, and our world. Our hope is to build a partnership with the Gashora Academy that includes pathways and opportunities for some of these young women to continue their college-level studies at Carroll.
During the trip, Dr. Cech also had the chance to meet with the President and staff of the Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), a diocesan Catholic university in Northern Rwanda. This meeting included the Bishop of Kabgayi as well. Additionally, Dr. Cech met with the Director General of Higher Education for Rwanda. ICK News produced this story on the visit: Vice Chancellor of ICK Welcomes Carroll College President from USA.
Thank you to Atete Rugege, Head of School for the Gashora Girls Academy of Science & Technology and to Hillary Carey, who is the Executive Director of the Rwanda Girls Initiative for setting this trip up. We believe great things will come as a result!
Our visit to Rwanda during the 30th anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsis was profoundly moving. It included a visit to the national memorial, commemorating the over one million Tutsis who perished in the 100 days beginning April 7, 1994. The Rwandan people are among the kindest and most wonderful individuals we have ever encountered. This trip stands out as one of the most remarkable and impactful experiences of Dr. Cech's 35-year career in higher education. We are optimistic about the positive developments that will arise for Carroll as a result of this effort. Thank you to Dr. Rowley for his participation in the trip.
