On Thursday, April 18, over 50 students from various higher learning institutions and universities concluded a transformative four-day workshop centered on environmental protection and climate change awareness.

Hosted by the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) in Musanze from Monday, April 15, 2024, the workshop convened students affiliated with environmental clubs across different universities.

The primary objective was to assess the efficacy of existing clubs while strategizing the establishment of new ones in institutions lacking such initiatives.

Throughout the intensive four-day program, participants delved deep into environmental studies and climate change discourse.

They collectively explored the pivotal role of these clubs in safeguarding the environment, identified challenges impeding their effectiveness, and voiced aspirations for their development.

Among the key resolutions voiced by the delegates, including Donath Nkundimana from ICK, was the urgent need for designated staff within colleges and universities to oversee environmental clubs.

Additionally, they emphasized the necessity for financial support to enable these clubs to execute impactful environmental initiatives within their campus locales.

Looking forward, Nkundimana outlined ambitious plans for environmental advocacy within ICK, highlighting forthcoming awareness campaigns aimed at educating students on sustainable practices.

“We are committed to orchestrating campaigns to sensitize ICK students about environmental conservation, advocating against the use of plastics due to their detrimental impact,” he affirmed.

Furthermore, the agenda extends beyond campus borders, with plans to engage neighboring schools in environmental education initiatives. This holistic approach seeks to foster a broader community understanding of environmental stewardship.

This proactive training initiative precedes the global observance of World Environment Day on June 5, where Rwanda’s progress in environmental conservation over the past three decades will be commemorated and evaluated.