AFRAKEN was additionally celebrating 12 years of existence throughout the nation.
The affiliation was based in 2011 by Ambrose Kiprop who’s an Natural Chemistry professor at Moi College.
AFRAKEN is an affiliation for all Kenyan college students who’ve ever travelled to France for his or her postgraduate, grasp’s and PhD research.
Kenyan college students who’re presently in France as additionally members of the affiliation.
AFRAKEN President Viola Kosgei stated that plans are underway to recruit undergraduate college students and college students who’re below different programmes comparable to assistant de langue.
The goal of the organisation is to create networks for previous, present and future alumni for innovation, expertise and schooling.
Among the most important actions of the organisations embrace membership linkages, mentorships whereas incorporating the French contact, items of coaching and holding after-work social occasions.
Talking throughout the occasion, Kosgei appreciated the French embassy and the ambassador for the continued assist that the affiliation will get.
“He actually makes us really feel like we’re in France whereas we’re in Kenya. If there may be any exercise that he would possibly need us to be a part of, he all the time calls us and we’re grateful for all the assistance we get,” she stated.
LIFE IN FRANCE
Viola Kosgei is a biochemist by occupation and a lecturer at Moi College the place she chairs the Chemistry and Biochemistry division.
In 2014, courtesy of a scholarship from the French authorities, Kosgei went to review in France.
She undertook her Masters in Enzyme RNA sciences on the College of Lorraine, for one yr.
She additionally studied for an additional three years on the identical college however undertook a PhD in life and well being sciences with a specialisation within the biochemistry of cardiovascular ailments.
Whereas residing in France, Kosgei acquired monetary assist from the French authorities and was launched to 2 completely different households that supported her with no matter she wanted.
Finding out in France was a pleasant expertise for me, as every thing I wanted was availed to me from analysis supplies, tools and even facilitation to attend high-level conferences.
“Once I went to France, I didn’t know learn how to converse French however once I bought there, I took up free night lessons the place I learnt and perfected the language. Because of the lessons, I did a diploma in animal experimentation that was taught in French,” she stated.
“I had a bit little bit of tradition shock however I used to be ready earlier than I left Kenya. I went to Alliance Francaise, Eldoret for 4 months after which to the Embassy the place I used to be informed to make use of simply three phrases so as to survive for a while; Bonjour, S’il vous plaît and Merci.”
Kosgei added that studying the language made life simple for her as interacting with the French made her perceive that they have been good individuals.
She, nevertheless, added that the Kenyan authorities must hold checking and supporting college students who go to review in France.
“Through the Covid interval, they reached out to see if we have been okay however it was not sufficient. In as a lot because the internet hosting nation makes life simple for us, the Kenyan authorities also can create a group for Kenyan college students and organise one thing that retains us in contact with one another,” Kosgei stated.
In September, AFRAKEN is planning to carry its first marathon that focuses on the sensitization of local weather change, resilience and adaptation.
Transferring ahead, Kosgei stated that they wish to have extra members be a part of the affiliation and finally change into a hyperlink between the Kenyan and French governments.
