The Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda in Poland, prof. Anastase Shyaka, and his wife visited the University of Gdańsk. At the meeting, which took place at the Faculty of Social Sciences, the diplomat discussed with the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education Quality, dr hab. Arnold Kłonczyński, prof. UG, issues related to potential cooperation and the possibility for Rwandan citizens to study at the University of Gdańsk.

The Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Education Quality, prof. Arnold Kłonczyński, outlined the University's education offer, especially in English. The Director of the Institute of Political Science, dr hab. Arkadiusz Modrzejewski, prof. UG, talked about the new course of study that will be run at the Institute under his direction from the next academic year. The functioning of the university's research units was also discussed.

Discussions were held on the culture of the two countries and the possibilities of cooperation in this area, including the realisation of performances by artists associated with Rwanda in the UG Theatre Hall.

One of the reasons for the ambassador's visit was the defence of a doctoral thesis written under the supervision of prof. dr hab. Maciej Szczurowski. Mgr Wioleta Gierszewska was very committed to collecting materials for her dissertation entitled ‘Political Myth in the African Great Lakes Region’. As part of her research, she visited archives in Uganda and Rwanda, made observations and conducted interviews.

The African Great Lakes Region is one of Africa's most densely populated areas and is one of the birthplaces of African statehood. In her work, the researcher undertook an analysis of the issue of political myth as a tool of politics. The reviewers noted not only the substantive value of the dissertation but also the qualities related to the structure of the text and its accessibility for the reader.

The researcher's involvement in organisational activities and international cooperation is noteworthy - among other things, she conducted meetings with African diplomats.

This was certainly not the last visit of diplomats from Rwanda, and thanks to the commitment of dr Wioletta Gierszewska, the topic of politics of African countries will be popularised at the University of Gdańsk.

Text and photo: Łukasz Bień