By Eriah Lule
The School of Business and Social Sciences of Uganda Christian University (UCU) has collectively sent off three students to Hanze University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands as part of their exchange program.
Draciru Racheal and Esther Tendo from the School of Social Sciences and Julia Kizza from the School of Business are the students going to the Netherlands sponsored by the European Union’s Erasmus Plus Student Mobility Program.
Associate Prof. Aaron Mushenegeyzi the UCU Vice Chancellor noted that they have purposed to prioritize partnerships with other universities that hold the same Christian values.
He further noted that the university is focusing on a very vibrant exchange program because one becomes exposed and open-minded.
“Hanze University has been a friendly university with a lot of opportunities we have placed ourselves to tap into,” he said. “We as the management flagging off our students is a valid explanation of our good relationship with them.”
This is the fourth cohort of UCU students going to Hanze for a 6-month exchange program; seven staff members have also benefited from different schools across the university.
Vincent Kisenyi, the Dean of the School of Business, noted that this was a window that was opened when UCU signed a partnership with Hanze University, providing an opportunity for exposure for both the students and staff.
Kibirige Kasule, the head of undergraduate studies in the school of Social Sciences, remarked that these students went through vigorous selection considering their Christian virtues and academic performance. The team that was selected will represent the university as the center of excellence in Africa.
“We considered the students’ behavior, performance, and impact on others,” he said. “It’s how exposed they will be that will further facilitate their counterparts on different topics.”
The university administration is also expecting a team of eight students from Hanze University for a one-week workshop.
Nakalema Joyce Kirabo, on behalf of the three students, vowed to be good ambassadors of the university in every aspect of their lives, as they are in the Netherlands.
“We are very grateful for this opportunity and believe our actions will impact the university’s reputation wherever we go.” She said.
Kizza Peter was one of the parents who witnessed this occasion. On behalf of the parents, he thanked the administration for always opening windows for its students and impacting them with strong Christian principles.
“We are grateful for the opportunities you provide our children because you not only open doors for them, but also for the societies from which they come,” he said.
“It takes confidence to leave other universities and bring them here, but you have proved us right.”
As an employee from the Bank of Uganda, he further praised UCU students for their code of conduct and strong ethical work discipline in their different places of internship.
