In late August, Children in the Wilderness Rwanda (CITW) brought together 23 YES and Eco-Club teachers (Eco-Mentors) from our eight partner schools for a three-day training workshop.
Local teachers made their way to Musanze, Rwanda’s third-largest city and the gateway to the famed Volcanoes National Park, from both Bisate and Rushubi primary and secondary schools in the area. The rest travelled from the distant east of the country close to Akagera National Park, representing Akayange PS and Rwabiharamba SS, as well as from Gisunzu PS and Kinihira SS that are situated in the Gishwati area to the west.
CITW & Community Manager Aline Umutoni met the teachers at the Comfort Hotel, and settled them in for a good rest after their long journeys, and ahead of their upcoming busy programme.
The workshop, led by Aline and CITW & Community Assistant Jean Damascene Nkuriragenda, commenced on 21 August and covered all the relevant aspects of YES and Eco-Club lessons and activities. It was of particular interest and importance to the Eco-Mentors from the Rushubi primary and secondary schools, our newest partner schools in Rwanda, as they were attending this training for the first time.
All the teachers also presented lessons from our CITW Eco-Club curriculum books in preparation for the new academic year (which started on 9 September 2025). Naturally, Aline and Damascene also made sure everybody had a lot of fun, with dancing and many jokes!
Saving the best for the last day, the teachers were introduced to Volcanoes National Park on a nature walk along the Ngezi Lake Trail. Experienced guides explained the park’s diverse ecosystem – including its unique vegetation ranging from bamboo forests to alpine vegetation – as well as the history of its conservation efforts. Noting the park’s amazing variety of wildlife beyond its star attraction, the mountain gorillas, the guides also mentioned that it hosts endemic golden monkeys, forest buffalo, and numerous bird and butterfly species.
Thrillingly, on their way back the group came across a troop of golden monkeys outside of the park. “It was amazing to see how beautiful they are. This was the first time most of the Eco-Mentors have been to Volcanoes National Park, which made this an extra special activity, and everybody really enjoyed their time here”, said Aline.
The outing was followed by a late afternoon lunch before heading back to their home towns.
Summarising the inspiring and energising three days, CITW & Community Assistant Jean Damascene Nkuriragenda added, “It was great for all the Eco-Mentors to meet each other, exchange ideas and brainstorm about the best ways for the YES and Eco-Clubs to build team cohesion and stronger relationships. CITW Rwanda is leading the way in improving communication on environmental education, skills development, and gaining knowledge, as well as motivation and morale. All of these come together for everyone to feel part of the same CITW family, and help them make the workplace more enjoyable and increase productivity”.
Watch a short video of Aline and Jean Damascene with the teachers on their wonderful park visit.
