Imagine trading the bustling streets of Nairobi for the seaside City of Bari. For one Strathmore University CREATES’ Data administrator this wasn’t just a dream trip, but an enriching reality thanks to the “African Research and Innovative initiative for Sickle cell Education (ARISE) project. This phenomenal program, fuelled by the European Union , is all about breaking down borders and fostering a vibrant exchange of knowledge in health research.
I recently embarked on this exciting project. Selected for an Arise secondment program at Fondazione per la Ricerca Farmacologica “Gianni Benzi” onlus, I packed my bags not just with clothes, but with a thirst for collaboration, learning, contributing and a heart open to cultural immersion.
The three months’ stay wasn’t just about ticking off my bucket list in as much as I tirelessly explored Italy’s historical gems. The core of the experience was a professional exchange that could only be described as a triumph. Imagine brainstorming sessions with Europe’s top researchers, swapping best practices and innovative ideas with other African secondees and informative class sessions from the The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics. By the end, I wasn’t just returning with a gallery full of nice photos, but with a treasure trove of practical lessons and skills that will undoubtedly elevate health research in Kenya and Africa in general.
This experience exemplifies the true essence of the Arise project. It’s not just about teaching and learning – it’s about a cross-pollination of ideas, experiences, and perspectives. It’s about African researchers in collaboration with European institutes joining hands to create a more dynamic and interconnected research landscape that benefits everyone involved.
But the adventure didn’t stop at the professional working spaces, I became a student of Italian culture. From wandering through ancient towns that whisper stories of empires past to savouring the vibrant aesthetically pleasing sites, fashion, and flavors that define Italian unique character, I embraced the opportunity to learn beyond textbooks.
Strathmore University CREATES, is inclined to research and is proud to be a part of this project. By participating in programs like the Arise project, we’re not just building bridges, we’re creating a world where researchers and staff can soar across the world, enriching their minds and hearts along the way. I am eager to share the groundbreaking ideas I exchanged with colleagues across Africa and Europe. After all, This experience was a testament to the power of collaboration, cultural exchange, and the transformative potential of education without borders.
Isaya Ogumbe’s experience in Italy
