A delegation from the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH) traveled to Rwanda to strengthen existing cooperative partnerships, inaugurate ongoing projects, and launch new initiatives with Rwandan institutions working in the fields of education, health, social services, and research. The delegation included Juan José Ruiz Martínez, UMH Rector; Vicente Micol, Vice Rector for Internationalization and Cooperation; Emma Benlloch, UMH Manager; and Javier Gimeno and Lis Gaibar, Director and Co-Director, respectively, of the UMH Headquarters in Rwanda Chair.

The institutional agenda began with a meeting with Vincent Harolimana, Bishop of the Diocese of Ruhengeri, and other Church officials. This long-standing collaboration focuses mainly on the shared use of infrastructure and the advancement of social projects. The delegation then visited ESSA Ruhengeri, a public secondary school in the Northern Province. During the visit, they reviewed the first phase of construction of an educational radio studio, a project launched in 2018, and signed an agreement to move forward with the second phase.

Next, a meeting was held with the Director of Ruhengeri Hospital, Dr. Muhire Philbert, to review progress to date and explore new opportunities for collaboration in joint research and health training. The agenda then moved to Nemba Hospital, where the second phase of a renewable energy project was formalized through an agreement signed with its Director, Dr. Mbonyintwari Donatien. In addition, a letter of commitment was signed to support the donation of healthcare equipment and the improvement of water pipes, with funding assistance from ASISA. On the same day, meetings were also conducted with the parish priest of Nemba and with the Mayor of Gakenke District, Ms. Mukandayisenga Vestine, to strengthen institutional cooperation and identify new projects aimed at improving the quality of life for the district’s residents.

In the days that followed, the UMH delegation met with the rector’s team at INES Ruhengeri, a private university in Rwanda, to review the existing agreement and explore ways to ensure the continuity of academic collaboration. The discussions also focused on strengthening the UMH contribution to education and professional training in Rwanda. In addition, the delegation visited the Association of Single Mothers of Cyanika to assess potential projects aimed at training and creating income-generating opportunities for women in vulnerable situations.

The visit continued with meetings with local authorities and educational institutions in Nemba. During these meetings, the continuation of community health insurance (Mutuelles) was formalized, an agreement was signed to subsidize school meals, and the girls’ dormitory at Apeki Tumba School—constructed during the previous academic year—was officially inaugurated. An additional agreement was also signed to furnish the dormitory in 2026.

The agenda concluded with a meeting with the rector’s team at the University of Rwanda. The discussion there focused on promoting academic mobility, strengthening cooperation in higher education, training, and research, and exploring future Erasmus agreements to facilitate mobility in both directions.