What better way to celebrate World Conservation Day than by getting young people outdoors, connecting with nature, and planting the seeds of a greener future?
Jean Damascene Nkuriragenda, Wilderness Rwanda Community & CITW Assistant organised an avocado tree planting activity, and despite schools being closed for the holidays, 85 Children in the Wilderness (CITW) Eco-Club students chose to spend the day giving back to the environment. The group included 50 students from Bisate Primary School and 35 CITW Scholarship students, united by their shared commitment to conservation.
This special day was made possible through the partnership between Wilderness Rwanda, Children in the Wilderness, and Tuzamurane Co-operative, demonstrating the power of communities working together to inspire the next generation of environmental champions.
Throughout Rwanda, Wilderness and CITW currently partner with 60 schools (eight ‘day’ schools and 52 boarding schools), providing weekly environmental education to 951 students. This kind of field activity is ideal for giving the students the opportunity to put their Eco-Club lessons into practice.
The day began with a visit to the Tuzamurane Co-operative’s avocado nursery, where students learned about the life-cycle of an avocado tree – from seed selection and grafting to nurturing healthy seedlings ready for planting. Co-operative President Oscar Mpiranya shared his knowledge and passion, explaining not only how avocado trees are grown but also the important role they play in supporting healthy communities and protecting the environment.
Armed with their saplings, the students returned to Bisate Primary School and Bisate Secondary School, where they planted the seedlings alongside their teachers, school leaders, Eco-Mentors, and Wilderness staff.
Of course, no CITW activity would be complete without music. As the students planted, they sang together:
‘Our planet, our future. Plant trees to save the world. We are the Generation Restoration.’
The energy and enthusiasm continued with student presentations on environmental topics, including clean air, land protection, healthy habitats, nutrition, and creating positive learning environments. These presentations showcased not only what the students have learned through the CITW programme but also their confidence in sharing that knowledge with others.
Reflecting on the day, Aline Umutoni, Community & Children in the Wilderness Manager for Wilderness Rwanda, thanked the students and Eco-Mentors for dedicating part of their school holiday to conservation.
‘World Conservation Day reminds us that protecting our forests, wildlife, water, soil and other natural resources is a shared responsibility. By investing in young people today, we are helping build a more sustainable future for generations to come.
‘Activities like these are about much more than planting trees. They are about nurturing young leaders who understand that every tree planted, every lesson shared, and every action taken can make a lasting difference – for their communities, their country, and our planet.’
