The Ambassador of Türkiye to Rwanda, Aslan Alper Yüksel, and the Director General of Ndera hospital, Frère Charles Nkubiri, are planting trees.
Ndera: The Ambassador of Türkiye to Rwanda, Aslan Alper Yüksel, the staff of the Embassy of Türkiye, Turkish nationals living in Rwanda, students of the Yunus Emre Institute in Kigali, which teaches Turkish language and culture, and Rwandan graduates of Turkish universities participated in the Umuganda Community Work, by planting fruit trees at Ndera Hospital this Saturday, January 27, 2024. Local and hospital authorities participated in the event as well.
The work also consisted of planting other trees which provide shade and make the site pleasant.
“Umuganda Community Work events are very important. The participation of Turks in Umuganda is an expression of respect for this important Rwandan tradition and a sign of the Turkish-Rwandan friendship. We are committed to our promise to further our cooperation with Rwanda. This includes health sector too. Many Rwandans study medicines in Türkiye with scholarships. And many Rwandans prefer Türkiye for medical treatment. We want to look into the possibilities to further strengthening the collaboration in this field.” stressed Ambassador Aslan Alper Yüksel.
For his part, the Director General of Ndera hospital, Frère Charles Nkubiri, indicated that the hundred trees planted hold a bright future for the protection of the environment and life.
The Ambassador of Türkiye to Rwanda, Aslan Alper Yüksel, and the Director General of Ndera hospital, Frère Charles Nkubiri, are planting trees.
The Ambassador of Türkiye to Rwanda, Aslan Alper Yüksel, with some participants at the event.
“Türkiye respects the policies of the Government of Rwanda such as that of Umuganda, as well as the health sector. The Turkish Ambassador expressed his readiness to explore the possibilities of contributing to Rwanda in the field of psychiatry and neurology, particularly with regard to the Ndera Hospital.” he said.
A presentation was made to the visitors to remind that the Ndera Hospital began to operate in 1978. The presentation showed the achievements of the Hospital up to the present day. The needs of the Hospital were reviewed in the presentation as well.
The Hospital has identified five main pathologies that it treats: salient mental disorders characterized by lack of restraint and a certain violence; anxiety disorders, some of which are linked to the 1994 genocide; epilepsy with cases resulting from genocide; phobic illnesses; paralysis results from neurological diseases.
Some participants in the event
Director General Nkubiri urges the public to be more aware of neurological or psychological disorders and underlines the importance of public support for Hospital’s efforts.
For Enes Karaçoban, the Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Kigali, which teaches Turkish language and culture at the Gikondo Campus of the University of Rwanda, the Institute serves as a bridge for strengthening cultural ties and promoting knowledge between Türkiye and Rwanda.
“Currently, 60 students have completed the Yunus Emre Institute. They master their knowledge in Turkish language. They can work for Turkish companies operating in Rwanda. Others can get scholarships for studies in Türkiye. It is an opportunity to strengthen cultural exchanges between the two countries.” he recalled.
Enes Karaçoban, the Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Kigali, planting trees with students.
The young Rwandan Samuel Sibobugingo is one of the students attending the Yunus Emre Institute. He is at the 3rd level of training spread over two years, for six hours per week. He already has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and information technology. He believes that having good knowledge of Turkish language may assist in obtaining scholarships in Türkiye and also in working for Turkish companies operating in Rwanda. (End)