From December 2nd to 3rd, the Aegis Trust hosted a transformative research capacity-building workshop in Kigali. The two-day event, titled ‘The Fundamentals of Social Science Knowledge Production, Dissemination & Uptake,’ brought together 70 Rwandan researchers, policymakers and practitioners to enhance their research capabilities for societal impact.
In her opening address, Sandra Shenge, Programs Director at the Aegis Trust, shared the evolution of Aegis’ research initiatives in Rwanda: “We initially came to contribute to the research efforts here in Rwanda with the goal of gathering enough material for the museum exhibition at the memorial.” She explained how Aegis’ mission expanded: “Later, we broadened our efforts to supporting researchers. We do this by providing grants and issuing calls for proposals on various topics, all aimed at peacebuilding, uncovering truths, and assisting researchers in publishing their work.”
Workshop participants strengthened their methodological foundations through interactive sessions and practical exercises led by experienced researchers. These activities equipped participants with tools and processes for producing rigorous research capable of informing policy decisions and driving positive change in Rwanda.
Assistant Professor Sylvestre Nzahabwanayo from the University of Rwanda, who facilitated a session on quantitative research methods, emphasized the collaborative potential of the gathering: “I am here to share my work with you, and I hope it can help you in your own research journey or areas of interest. If you see room for collaboration on any of my work, then this is a wonderful opportunity for us to network and grow together as researchers.”
During a panel discussion on research dissemination on the second day, Dr. Felix Ndahinda, Research Advisor at the Aegis Trust, called for broader participation in peace-related research: “At the Aegis Trust, we always welcome initiatives that promote genocide research. We know we are not the only ones undertaking this work, and it is our hope to see more people actively involved in research for peace that contributes to positive change.”
Workshop participant Emmanuel Sarabwe, Head of Programs at CBS Rwanda, reflected on the value of knowledge exchange: “This workshop has been an excellent opportunity to connect with scholars and researchers and deepen my understanding of research. Even though I have experience in research, I appreciated learning about each presenter’s unique approach, and I believe there is always something new to learn from such exchanges.”
As the workshop concluded, participants received certificates recognizing their commitment to academic excellence and were encouraged to apply their enhanced skills toward advancing knowledge that serves Rwanda’s continued progress and peace-building efforts.
