Reflecting on the first month as a Senior Fellow (Chantal Umuhoza, Rwanda, Senior Fellow 2025)

Written by Chantal Umuhoza, Curator, Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (Rwanda, ITP Fellow 2018, Senior Fellow 2025)

As I reflect on my first month at the British Museum International Training Programme, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this year’s programme. This month has been truly enriching, filled with valuable learning, fascinating discoveries, and meaningful experiences. 

The programme’s unique blend of learning, site visits, and networking has proven to be instrumental in shaping my professional journey. As a Senior Fellow, I am fortunate to participate in sessions across different departments, and I am eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible. 

The first two weeks, before the fellows arrived, taught me how much effort the ITP team invests in developing the course and managing logistics to ensure the program’s success. Working closely with George Peckham was an incredible experience. Then the fellows arrived, and the annual programme began. 

I’ve been reflecting on how the first two weeks of the annual programme were amazing, but I found each week to be so special. The third week was undeniably the most extraordinary. As always, the collection management workshop remained my favorite—I’m not entirely sure why, but perhaps because it closely relates to my duties back home. The hands-on sessions on mount making, pest management, object condition checking, packing, and handling were truly incredible and engaging. 

My favorite tour so far is the one that Zeina Klink-Hoppe, Visiting Academic, conducted of the Islamic Gallery. Not only is she an exceptional curator, but she is a wonderful guide. Her deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to share stories made the experience truly memorable. Watching her seamlessly navigate the gallery, explaining the significance of each piece with passion and clarity, was inspiring. It demonstrated how collaborative work, dedication, and perseverance are essential qualities that lead to a successful exhibition.

Another one of my favorite day trips was visiting the V&A Storehouse, which served as an inspiring example of how museums can effectively balance conservation with accessibility. Although I was excited posing in front of some of the shelves, the visit inspired me on how our museums can evolve to meet contemporary challenges, including sustainability, inclusivity, and innovative storytelling. Believe me, from that day I have dreamt of having a storage facility—perhaps not as large due to limited resources, but the nicest one on the contine

Finally, I can’t describe how wonderful it was to visit Young V&A, but if you are aspiring to make changes in your museums, plan a visit there.