Partnering with the University of Rwanda for outreach, a virtual training workshop on the use of the Foldscope for outreach activities was hosted by the Cape Town Component this week, led by Dr Mariet Wium.
Following the donation of forty Foldscopes from ICGEB Cape Town to the University of Rwanda (UR) in Kigali, the Component coordinated a two-day virtual practical workshop from 6-7 May 2025.
The training aimed to introduce UR’s researchers to the basic principles of the Foldscope, how to assemble it, using it in the classroom setting as well as outdoors, and it’s benefit as an educational resource tool. Talking about their outreach activities, Dr Dieudonné Mutangana, Associate Professor of Biotechnology at UR explains, ‘We plan to leverage the Foldscopes to support science education at the basic level, sparking curiosity and enthusiasm in young students, with a particular focus on reaching schools in remote areas with limited resources. Our activities will include hands-on workshops in local schools, integrating Foldscopes into our teacher training programs, and developing community science initiatives.’
The Foldscopes will be a key resource tool of the UR’s school outreach program, supporting science education and inspiring STEM in Rwanda’s future researchers.
We are incredibly grateful for the ICGEB’s generous donation and for organising the insightful two-day workshop. This partnership is invaluable to the University of Rwanda, particularly the Biology Department. These Foldscopes will allow us to significantly enhance our outreach activities. We believe this will not only improve scientific literacy but also inspire the next generation of Rwandan scientists. – Dr Dieudonné Mutangana, ICGEB Liaison Officer for Rwanda and Associate Professor of Biotechnology, UR
The ICGEB is delighted to partner with Rwanda, an ICGEB Member State since 2023, for outreach. Since signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the UR in March 2024, the partnership continues to strengthen, with a joint focus on using science for development and capacity building.
