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The University of Rwanda –College of Agriculture Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (UR-CAVM) organizes awareness campaign of undergraduate taught programmes in different Science Technology Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) secondary schools located in Kigali, Muhanga, kamonyi, Rubavu, Musanze, Gicumbi, Rulindo, Rwamagana, Kayonza, Nyagatare, Gatsibo, Kirehe, Ruhango, Nyanza, Huye, Nyamasheke and Rusizi Districts from March to May 2020.

The objective of the campaign is to strengthen its ties with secondary schools by raising the educational aspirations and capabilities of students from STEM secondary schools, give them an overview of UR-CAVM, introducing to them 4 schools, 9 departments and available programmes at UR-CAVM, 3 campuses where CAVM Programmes are located, informing them about Entry requirements and all opportunities they can gain after completing studies, to increase the visibility of UR and hence attract more applicants in UR-CAVM. 

The campaign starts in Eastern Province in which the UR CAVM team lead by Dr Musana Fabrice visit six secondary schools located in Rwamagana and Kayonza districts. The awareness campaign covered the brief introduction of UR CAVM that’s 4 schools (School of Agriculture& Food Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, school of Agricultural Engineering and school of Forestry& Biological conservation), He also explains that under each school there are departments. The School of Agriculture& Food Science, has 4 departments (department of crop Production, soil sciences, Rural Development& Agricultural Economics and food science& technology) ; The school of veterinary medicine has 2 departments (Animal Production and veterinary medicine departments) The school of Agricultural Engineering has two departments (department of Agricultural Mechanization and Irrigation and Drainage)and lastly the school of forestry& Biological conservation with 1 department of forestry and nature conservation.

Based on the mission of the college, Dr Musana Fabrice also explained the need for understanding the roles that Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine plays in development of country. The focus should be put on shift from traditional ways for practicing Agriculture to modern Agriculture which requires skilled personnel who can translate knowledge into practical to boost country Agriculture industry “the agriculture we want to teach you is no longer the Agriculture our ancestors were doing but it is an Agriculture which use technology where the farmer gains not only what to eat but also what to sell and get money” Said Dr Musana
Students in secondary schools were invited to work hard and get at least two principal passes with higher marks in STEM which is the minimum requirement to qualify for CAVM and to choose UR-CAVM while applying for University after showing them many opportunities that UR CAVM graduates can get in the Agriculture, Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine sectors.
Story by Jacqueline UMUPFASONI
PR &Community Engagement Officer