Madrid | April 9, 2019
The University Association for Development in Africa, represented by two of its main promoters, Father Gaetán Kobasha, member, and José María Molina, advisor, told us about their ambitious project to bring university education to the African continent. In addition, today a collaboration agreement has been signed between AUDE and Envera, by which, through our Solidarity Recycling Center, we will participate in the supply of computer and educational material for the use of their students.
Gaetan is from Rwanda, the story of his last 25 years is enough to write a book, or two, he tells us. Unfortunately, he lived and suffered that human abomination and had to go into exile in Zaire, now Congo, where they were also at war, and later to other countries until he ended up in Spain. He later returned to Rwanda and saw clearly that the best way to help his countrymen was to train qualified professionals: university students.
The Rwandan genocide affected all families, in one way or another, but today we are overcoming those nightmares and we are taking steps in the right direction, as is the case with AUDE's proposal.
Gaetan tells us about the huge differences between cities and rural areas in Africa, between how we live in Spain and how we live in some African countries, without democracy, without health, without education, without laws ..., he adds that the only way out of these situations is through education: with doctors, architects, engineers, local university professionals, with a training capable of changing structures, organizations and thoughts.
José María explains perfectly the functioning of the association and, proudly, comments on the arduous path to reach, in this last year, to have 20 Rwandan students pursuing higher education. He continues, solidarity in the organization itself is basic; thus, when a student graduates, there is a commitment to give back to the association the opportunity he or she had. In this way, self-development and sustainability are pursued.
Transparency is also one of its principles, so that the investment in students goes directly to the university, in their home country, where the student will complete his or her education.
So many questions arise about the unknown, about differences and injustices, that the program would last a couple of days. We end up thinking positively, predicting a mutation of the exploited, conflictive and underdeveloped Africa, towards a future of hope that has already begun to be devised and where we all have our share of responsibility.
Envera has made a first gesture by donating a laptop to a student in the last stage of his doctoral studies, ready to contribute to the revival of an absolutely fascinating continent.
Congratulations, friends Gaetan and José María, for such an incredible project and for which you are already beginning to see its fruits.
See you soon and good luck in your endeavor.
