The University of Szczecin welcomed Professor Anastase Shyaka, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to Poland, a distinguished researcher and former minister, honored with the title of Best Diplomat in Poland.
The Ambassador’s visit began in the Rector’s Office. On behalf of the University of Szczecin, the meeting was attended by Professor Waldemar Tarczyński, Rector of the University of Szczecin; Professor Renata Podgórzańska, Vice-Rector for Education; Professor Kesra Nermend, Director of the Institute of Management; Professor Wojciech Drożdż, Professor of the Institute of Management; and Joanna Czarnecka from the International Relations Dept. During the meeting, directions for further development of Polish-Rwandan cooperation were discussed, with particular emphasis on student and staff exchanges, as well as the preparation and implementation of double degree programs.
After visiting the Rector’s Office, Professor Anastase Shyaka delivered an open lecture entitled “Post Genocide Rwanda: Home Grown Solutions and the Transformation Journey” at the Faculty of Social Sciences. How did a country affected by one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century become one of the fastest-growing countries in Africa? The participants spent over an hour searching for answers. A number of important topics were discussed, including: how did Rwanda achieve a 63% female representation in parliament; what were the Gacaca courts and how did they become the foundation of social reconciliation; what is the “one cow for the family” (Girinka) program; how to effectively hold politicians and local government officials accountable; …and for dessert – a few words in Kinyarwanda.
