Trinity Western University continues to strengthen its global partnerships and increase access to education for students around the world. This fall, the University celebrated a new partnership agreement with Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions, an organization that provides educational training to leaders in Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The new partnership opens doors for students who complete academic credit through Kurumbuka’s leadership programs to be eligible to transfer credits to TWU, creating a pathway for African leaders to access a MA in Leadership at TWU.
Signing ceremony in Rwanda
On Oct. 22, representatives from TWU traveled to Rwanda to take part in a signing ceremony at the Kurumbuka Leadership Hub in Kigali. Thirty-five leaders from Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions’ training school, the Abundant Leadership Institute, were there to witness the signing. During the event, participants enjoyed a meal together and danced in celebration. Dr. Phil Laird, Vice Provost of TWU GLOBAL, and Dr. Imbenzi George, Director of International Engagement (Africa), were present in Rwanda to solidify the partnership, together with Kurumbuka’s Executive Director, Richard Taylor, an alumnus of TWU’s graduate program in leadership.
Inspiring local students in Kigali
The following day, on Oct. 23, Trinity Western representatives presented on the University’s vision, mission, and educational opportunities to over 200 students from two local Kigali schools, Wellspring Academy and Kigali International Community School. Over 20 graduates from these two schools are currently studying at TWU.
That evening, Kurumbuka and TWU jointly hosted a beautiful appreciation dinner for 50 guests, honouring the TWU Kigali Parents Chapter that includes parents and alumni, and community stakeholders from business, government, and educational sectors.
"This partnership offers significant value to our students and provides them an opportunity to become better equipped as global leaders.”
Investing in the next generation of leaders
Dr. Phil Laird reflected on the importance of leadership in Africa and his hopes for the partnership: “The future of our societies rests on leadership. From the boardroom to the classroom, investing in the next generation of leaders is perhaps the greatest investment we can make. TWU is proud of our partnership with Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions to equip the next generation of leaders in Africa for lives of meaning and impact. Together we can truly change the world – one leader at a time.”
Partnering to equip global leaders
Erica Asiimwe, Kurumbuka’s Executive Leaders Program Director, shares that “We are excited about this synergy between Kurumbuka’s Abundant Leadership Institute and TWU. This partnership offers significant value to our students and provides them an opportunity to become better equipped as global leaders.”
The partnership agreement between Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions and Trinity Western University expands opportunities for emerging and executive leaders in East Africa to access educational options from TWU, Canada’s largest Christian university.
About Kurumbuka Leadership Solutions
Kurumbuka is on a mission to develop and empower 10,000 African leaders in transforming their communities by 2030. Kurumbuka uses a Christ-centered approach to develop, connect, and equip emerging and executive leaders who have the passion and vision to transform their institutions, organizations, and communities across Africa. Learn more at kurumbuka.org.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn.