Introduction: The team comprised of Mr. Dag Kr. Norli CEO/Chair BioCosmos Africa and Dr. Richard Ochieng’ Chair BioCosmos Kenya. We flew into Kigali international airport early in the morning Tuesday the 17th of September 2024.
Activities:
Tuesday 17th September 2024
11.30am: Courtesy Call at the East African Christian College
Website: https://www.eacc.ac.rw
Dag Kr. Norli and Richard Ochieng’ visited the office of the College Principal, Dr. Papias Musafiri Malimba. They were warmly welcomed alongside College Chaplain and Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, Bishop Muvunyi Louis Aimable. During the meeting, they discussed the BioCosmos Foundation’s background, the Theory of Intelligent Design, and its mandate. The Principal expressed support for hosting a Public Lecture on Intelligent Design, aligning it with the College semester schedule and the Foundation’s plans with other universities and colleges in Rwanda. The exact date for the Public Lecture will be agreed upon in consultation between the College and BioCosmos Foundation.
From L-R: Bishop Muvunyi Louis Aimable, Richard Ochieng’, Bishop Gatete, College Principal, Dr. Papias Musafiri Malimba and Dag Kr. Norli
1.02pm: Courtesy Call at Mount Kigali University, Rwanda
Website: https://mkur.ac.rw
Dag Kr. Norli and Richard Ochieng’ met with Dr. Martin Kimemia Gathira, the Vice-Chancellor of Mount Kigali University in the VCs Boardroom. During this insightful meeting, the Vice-Chancellor provided an overview of the university, highlighting its mission, academic offerings, and commitment to fostering a culture of learning and innovation.
In response, the BioCosmos Team presented a comprehensive overview of the BioCosmos Foundation. They elaborated on its foundational principles, its mandate, and the Theory of Intelligent Design, emphasizing the importance of these concepts in contemporary discourse.
Following a fruitful exchange of ideas, the Vice-Chancellor expressed his enthusiasm for collaboration. He proposed organizing a virtual Zoom meeting in early October 2024, during which both teams could discuss and finalize the details for scheduling a public lecture. This collaborative effort aims to engage a broader audience and stimulate meaningful discussions surrounding the theme of Intelligent Design introduced by the BioCosmos Foundation.
From L-R: Dag Kr. Norli, Dr. Martin Kimemia Gathira and Richard Ochieng’ at Mount Kigali University
4.00pm: Public Lecture at Africa College of Theology, Rwanda
Website: https://www.actrwanda.org
The Public Lecture took place on September 17, 2024, from 4 PM to 6 PM, drawing an enthusiastic audience comprised of College Management, faculty members, students, and alumni.
Centered around the theme “The Challenge of Our Time,” the lecture served as a platform for exploring critical contemporary issues and the question of Intelligent Design. The discussion focused on Intelligent Design and its relevance in today’s world, particularly within the context of modern society and the diverse challenges faced by the African continent.
As the lecture unfolded, it sparked an engaging and thought-provoking debate among attendees. Participants shared insights and perspectives, examining how the principles of Intelligent Design can be applied to address pressing societal issues, and they reflected on the implications for science, philosophy, and education in Africa.
In conjunction with the lecture, BioCosmos Africa shared sample copies of the newly released book, Beyond Evolution: Unraveling Intelligent Design in Nature’s Blueprint. This publication aims to delve deeper into the intricate relationships between science, philosophy, and the natural world, offering readers a fresh perspective on the discourse on the Origin of Life and The Origin of the Universe.
Overall, the event was a resounding success, fostering an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and collaboration among participants, and laying the groundwork for future discussions on these vital topics.
Wednesday 18th September 2024
11.00am: Courtesy Call at University of Rwanda, College of Science and Technology
The BioCosmos Foundation team had the privilege of being hosted by Dr. Ignace Gatare, the Principal of the University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology. During this engaging meeting, the team provided a comprehensive overview of the BioCosmos Foundation, outlining its origins, core principles, and the dissemination of the pivotal Theory of Intelligent Design that forms its mandate.
Dr. Gatare offered valuable insights into the structure and academic framework of the University of Rwanda College of Science and Technology. He emphasized the institution’s commitment to advancing knowledge and research, which aligns well with the objectives of the BioCosmos Foundation. Throughout the discussion, it was clear that the Principal held a deep appreciation for the Theory of Intelligent Design and the concept of a finely tuned universe, recognizing their implications for both scientific inquiry and philosophical exploration.
In light of this positive exchange, Dr. Gatare committed to encouraging members of his college, particularly those within the School of Science, to engage with the materials shared by the BioCosmos Foundation team. He expressed enthusiasm for fostering an environment of learning and dialogue around this important topic of Intelligent Design.
Additionally, the Principal agreed with the idea of hosting a Public Lecture, emphasizing the need to find an appropriate time that aligns with both the College Calendar and the scheduled activities of the BioCosmos Foundation. This collaborative spirit signals a promising partnership between the BioCosmos Foundation and the College of Science and Technology, with the potential to inspire further discussions and explorations of Intelligent Design within the academic community. The exact date of the public lecture will be set in consultation with BioCosmos Foundation and the College.
Bishop Gatete our organizer from Rwanda, Ocieng and Norli
1.30pm: Meeting with Mr. Felician Rugemamanzi, Director Mathematics & Science
A brief but impactful meeting took place at Hotel Chez Lando, where the CEO/Chair BCA engaged the REB Director of Mathematics & Science in a thoughtful discussion about the gaps identified in the Biology textbook. This presentation highlighted significant areas in the curriculum that require attention and improvement, fostering a dialogue about how to enhance the educational resources available to students.
During this meeting, Felician also facilitated a planned visit to the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB). Unfortunately, the BCA team was unable to meet with Dr. Mbarushimana Nelson, the Director of the REB, due to engagement in a different meeting. Despite this setback, the team remained optimistic about the potential for future collaboration with the REB, as they are keen to address the identified gaps in the biology curriculum and contribute to the development of more robust educational materials.
The discussions at Hotel Chez Lando not only underscored the importance of revising educational content to meet current scientific standards but also emphasized the commitment of the BCA to actively engage with educational authorities in Rwanda. The team looks forward to exploring new avenues for collaboration and hopes to reschedule a meeting with Dr. Mbarushimana in the near future to further their efforts in enhancing science education across the nation. Overall, the meeting was a productive step toward addressing critical educational needs and fostering partnerships that can lead to meaningful change.
From L-R: Ochieng, Bishop Gatete, Felician Rugemamanzi and Norli
Thursday, 19th September 2024
9.00am: A meeting with Dean of Students Africa Theological College and selected students
The meeting convened at Hotel Nobleza, where Richard Ochieng’ had the valuable opportunity to present the concept of the BioCosmos Foundation Student Club to the Dean of Students and a select group of 3 student officials. The presentation was designed to outline the foundational principles of the club, the process of establishing a student club, the mission, vision, core values of the student club, the standard student club constitution/statute and its potential benefits for the student body.
During the meeting, the team was provided with comprehensive guidance on the objectives and framework of the BioCosmos Foundation Student Club. The Dean and the student leaders were provided with relevant documentation that detailed the club’s vision, mission, and operational guidelines. In addition, they were taken through the Theory of Intelligent Design, illustrating its significance and relevance in contemporary discussions about education and science and were issued with copies of the newly released book on Intelligent Design “Beyond Evolution”.
The Dean and the student officials were engaged and responsive, asking insightful questions and expressing enthusiasm about the prospect of establishing the club. They recognized the potential impact that such an organization could have on fostering a deeper understanding of Intelligent Design and promoting scientific inquiry among students.
As the meeting concluded, the team collectively agreed to take the next steps in initiating the process of establishing the BioCosmos Foundation Student Club at the college. They emphasized the importance of moving forward as soon as possible to harness the momentum generated during the meeting. This collaborative effort aims to create an enriching environment for students, encouraging them to explore complex scientific ideas and engage in meaningful discussions that can enhance their academic experience. Overall, the meeting at Hotel Nobleza marked a significant step toward fostering a vibrant student community dedicated to the exploration of Intelligent Design and related fields.
BioCosmos Team, Dean of Students Acts & Student Leaders
2.00pm: Meeting with University of Rwanda College of Education, Prof Florien Nsanganwimana and select faculty members
Due to the engagements of the College Principal and other faculty members in other university related activities, the meeting took place virtually, providing an opportunity for the BioCosmos team to deliver an engaging and informative presentation. This presentation encompassed several key areas critical to understanding the mission and vision of the BioCosmos Foundation.
First, the team provided a comprehensive background of the BioCosmos Foundation, outlining its objectives and the rationale behind its initiatives. This was followed by an introduction to Intelligent Design, where the presenters explained its fundamental principles and significance in the realm of scientific discourse.
Next, the presentation delved into the various methods of design detection, illustrating how these methodologies can be applied to discern signs of design in nature. The team shared compelling evidence found in the natural world that points to the possibility of intelligent causation, enriching the discussion with examples that sparked curiosity and interest.
Further, the team addressed the origin of the universe, exploring various models that seek to explain its beginnings. This segment also touched on the concept of fine-tuning in the universe, emphasizing the delicate balance of conditions that allow for the existence of life as we know it.
Following the presentation, a dynamic Q&A session ensued. College faculty members expressed a desire for more time to thoroughly read and understand the materials related to Intelligent Design, noting that they had yet to fully internalize the concept or reach a convincing conclusion about its implications. BioCosmos Foundation graciously promised to provide copies of the book Beyond Evolution, which offers additional insights.
Friday, 20th September 2024
10.00am: Meeting with Secretary General GBUR, Samson Rukunho
The meeting was held at Nobleza Hotel, providing a conducive environment for a productive dialogue. During this session, the CEO/Chair BCA took the opportunity to thoroughly brief the Secretary General on the various activities and initiatives of BioCosmos Foundation, as well as the innovative Student Club concept that aims to engage and empower students.
The Secretary General, Samson, expressed keen interest in the ideas presented and recognized the potential benefits of collaboration. He agreed to consult with his board regarding the proposed initiatives and committed to planning a series of three virtual Zoom meetings to facilitate ongoing discussions. The first meeting is scheduled to take place within the first week of October 2024.
Overall, the meeting at Nobleza Hotel marked a significant step toward establishing a collaborative relationship between the BioCosmos Foundation and GBUR. Both parties are eager to explore how they can work together to promote the values of Intelligent Design and enrich the educational experience for students. Samson advised BioCosmos Team to get in touch with Mr Hassan of Life Bible Ministries and establish how the organization has been undertaking its activities.
L-R: Dag Kr. Norli, Samson Rukunho and Richard Ochieng’
2.00pm: Meeting with University of Rwanda College of Education, Prof Florien Nsanganwimana
The meeting was convened at Nobleza Hotel, where the BioCosmos Foundation team had the opportunity to present the Theory of Intelligent Design to the Principal of the College of Education once again following the virtual meeting held a day before. During the presentation, the BioCosmos Team made an earnest effort to clarify the foundational principles of Intelligent Design and its relevance to contemporary academic discourse. However, the Principal expressed the need for additional time to fully comprehend the complexities of the concept, indicating that he required further exploration of the subject before forming a solid opinion.
6.00pm: Meeting at Serena Hotel with Head of Biological Department
The Head of the Biological Department at the University of Rwanda made a distinguished courtesy call to meet with the BioCosmos Foundation team at Serena Hotel. This meeting provided an excellent opportunity for both parties to engage in a meaningful dialogue about the Theory of Intelligent Design, its implications within the field of Biology, and potential areas for collaboration.
During the discussion, the BioCosmos Foundation team presented the foundational principles of Intelligent Design, highlighting its relevance in understanding complex biological systems. The conversation explored various applications of the theory in biological research and education, allowing the Head of the Department to consider its integration into the curriculum and ongoing academic discussions.
The Head of the Biological Department expressed enthusiasm about the ideas shared during the meeting and acknowledged the potential benefits of introducing Intelligent Design into the academic framework. He agreed to facilitate the hosting of a Public Lecture on Intelligent Design within the department, recognizing it as a valuable opportunity to engage faculty members and students alike.
To finalize arrangements for the lecture, the two parties discussed the importance of coordinating schedules. The specific date for the event will be determined based on the plans and availability that the BioCosmos Foundation will outline in the coming weeks. This collaborative initiative aims not only to deepen understanding of Intelligent Design but also to foster a spirit of inquiry and open dialogue within the academic community.
Overall, the meeting at Serena Hotel marked a significant step toward forging a partnership between the BioCosmos Foundation team and the Biological Department at the University of Rwanda. Both parties are eager to explore further opportunities for collaboration, ultimately enhancing the educational experience and contributing to the broader discourse on Intelligent Design within the scientific community.
L-R: Head of Biological Dept, Bishop Gatete, Richard Ochieng’and Dag Kr. Norli
