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) students chose to spend the day giving back to the environment. The group included 50 Eco-Club members from Bisate Primary School and 35 CITW Scholarship students from the secondary school, 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.
In this 2025–26 academic year, across Rwanda, Wilderness and CITW currently work with 60 schools (eight partnered schools and 52 boarding schools), providing weekly environmental education to 244 Eco-Club members in primary schools and 707 YES Club members in high school (951 students in total). This kind of field activity is ideal for giving the learners the opportunity to put their lessons into practice.
The Bisate students’ day began with a visit to the Tuzamurane Co-operative’s avocado nursery, where they 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.’
