History:
In May 2006 three professors of the University of Burundi from the Faculty of Applied Science and the Higher Technical Institute came to the Rector of Hope Africa University asking him to establish the above faculty in the university. The professors noted that only the University of Burundi offered a program in civil engineering, planning and urbanism. This means that 90% of the graduates of the technical high schools have no access to higher education in this field due to the limited capacity of the University of Burundi.
Burundi has come out of a 12 year war and needs competent specialists to match the socio-economic, technological and scientific development of the country. The program in engineering, planning and urbanism is founded in order to respond to these specific needs.
Hope Africa University was founded on the desire to respond to the needs of the region. Development of industry and the wise exploitation of natural resources as well as care for the environment were among the needs identified by the founders of the university. Thus Hope Africa University accepted the challenge to begin this program in February 2008.
Objectives:
The program has for its objectives the training of engineers with the following abilities:
- To originate, prepare and ensure the execution of projects.
- To function as a master overseer in varied project environments.
- To oversee the various phases of a construction project.
- To assure quality production at the heart of any enterprise
- To engage in technological and scientific research toward national and regional development.
- To integrate Christian values and virtues in their professional
lives.
Curriculum:
The program is divided in two sections:
- The Department of Planning and Urbanism
- Civil Engineering
The curriculum is constructed so as to prepare the students in theory and in practical application in science and technique. As in the other faculties of the university student engineers will have a basis in the liberal arts in order to prepare them for broader social awareness enabling them to function effectively outside their academic and professional specialty.
The program of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Planning and Urbanism extends over four years building on general and technical secondary education.
Experiences required for the diploma:
- four weeks in professional internships in various commercial enterprises at the end of each academic year.
- participation two workshops organized by the faculty.
- completion of a project to be presented at the end of their studies.
Diplomas:
For the Planning and Urbanism option, a diploma (licence) is granted as well as professional certification as Engineer of Planning and Urbanism.
For the Civil Engineering option, a diploma in civil engineering (licence) is granted as well as the professional certification as Civil Engineer.
The Masters Program
The University is organizing a program of one year and a half after the reception of the diploma in the field. Only those with a diploma given by the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Planning and Urbanism of Hope Africa University, or the equivalent, will be accepted. This year and half in a specialty will be recognized by a Masters Diploma (degree) in the field in which the studies are carried out. Studies are organized in one year of advanced theory followed by six months of research and the development of a thesis or project completing the program.
Equipment needed:
- Surveying equipment
- Soil testing equipment
- Material testing equipment
- Cement/concrete testing equipment
- Asphalt testing equipment
- Telecommunications/engineering equipment
- Teaching aids, books, digital
Friends of Hope Africa University is planning to send a container in spring 2011 in which items such as these listed above can be included. If you have such, or have leads as to where such contributions can be found, please contact us at batesgerald@sbcglobal.net or call 317 298 4872. Prospective sources for such donations could be schools or departments of engineering, or retired engineers with equipment they are no longer using.