CAS-Supported Student Trip to Rwanda: Mahder Takele Teshome's Reflection

This summer, Mahder Takele Teshome, a PhD student at Stanford University, embarked on a research trip to Rwanda with the support of the Center for African Studies (CAS). During her visit, Mahder had the opportunity to engage with local scholars, cultural institutions, and anthropologists, building valuable connections for her academic work.

In her reflection, Mahder shares:

"Prior to my arrival, I reached out to the Ambassador of the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy expressing my research interest. This was met with enthusiasm, and the Ambassador assigned a representative of the Academy to meet with me upon my arrival. I met with this representative once I got to Kigali and, in addition to sharing knowledge and experience, I was able to secure their cooperation for my time there and beyond. I also met with an anthropologist who, upon learning of my research interests, introduced me to several other intellectuals of the region who may be great resources moving forward.

Outside of Kigali, I visited two of the national museums in the southern cities of Butare and Nyanza, where I got to meet the Inyambo for the first time. I also met with teachers of the Rwandan language and selected the one who I thought was the best fit.

The trip was a complete success in that I have managed to create an expansive local network that will facilitate my research. It has also provided me with tangible ways of moving forward with my PhD project. I look forward to sharing my research once it develops."

We look forward to seeing how Mahder’s work develops and are proud to have been able to support her in this enriching experience.