INES-Ruhengeri Software Engineering Students Visit Irembo Campus for Practical Learning Experience

On April 17, 2025, 24 third-year students from the Software Engineering program at INES-Ruhengeri embarked on a transformative academic visit to the Irembo Campus in Nyarutarama, Kigali. The visit offered an in-depth, real-world look into how cutting-edge technology powers public service delivery in Rwanda.

Welcomed with warmth and professionalism, the students were introduced to Irembo's dynamic work environment through a guided tour and orientation session. The Irembo team emphasized key workplace values such as digital ethics, confidentiality, professionalism, and respect for organizational culture, which are essential principles for thriving in any high-performance tech space.

The tour included interactive engagements across several departments, allowing students to witness firsthand how diverse teams contribute to Irembo’s success. Highlights included discussions on maintaining a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture, ensuring excellent customer experiences, and building systems that serve all Rwandans effectively.

One of the most impactful moments came during the detailed presentation of Irembo’s core platforms:

• IremboGov – The front-facing portal providing citizens access to government services online.

• Irembo Bridge – The secure backbone that connects government institutions and enables seamless data exchange.

• Irembo Studio – The creative unit driving user-centered design and product innovation.

• Irembo Hub – A collaborative innovation space fostering digital transformation and creativity.

The session was followed by a rich, interactive Q&A, where students demonstrated critical thinking and curiosity. They explored topics such as:

• The software development methodologies used (e.g., Agile, Scrum, DevOps);

• Data privacy and cybersecurity in managing sensitive personal information;

• The technologies and frameworks behind Irembo’s platform;

• Managing system scalability and performance during peak usage;

• Barriers to digital inclusion and how Irembo addresses them.

Each question was met with thoughtful, experience-based responses that aligned closely with the students' coursework in software engineering, cybersecurity, user experience, and system architecture.

This academic excursion bridged the gap between theory and practice, inspiring students to think deeper about the role of technology in governance and the potential impact of their future careers.

INES-Ruhengeri extends its sincere appreciation to the Irembo team for their exceptional hospitality, insightful presentations, and professional guidance. Special thanks go to Ms. Jessika Hakizuwera, Talent Acquisition Manager, and the entire staff who generously shared their time and expertise. The visit was led by Dr. Adria Nirere, Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at INES-Ruhengeri.