Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) visited St Joseph Primary School in Kicukiro District, in Kigali city and had discussions with the students on their role in Environmental protection and management. The visit is in line with REMA’s Environmental Education and Mainstreaming program among Rwandans and the youth from schools in particular as a way to have the next coming generation understanding and owning Environment protection and management activities.

The students shared their diverse understanding of environment and were briefed on the concept of environment which legally represents all the natural and human made items as well as the human being who remains at the centre of environment.

REMA official also shared with the students the challenges of environment including the population growth rate, pollution, deforestation, fires, waste biodiversity loss and others. Specifically for the schools, the pure hygiene in latrines and class rooms, lack of school gardens, abusing school’s property, dumping waste in inappropriate places, all these are among environment challenges shared with the students.

Students were also explained the duties of the REMA, the citizens in general and the students in particular in order to have a safe environment.

Students also showed an average understanding of their duties in protecting environment.

“I always throw the waste in the provided dustbin” said Kariza Marie Racia a P 4 student, complemented by Kamanzi Thierry, P5, who declared himself a model in trees planting. “I plant trees and make a follow up of them- I have got two” he declared.

The students were also reminded on other different duties namely the cleanliness of the school, classrooms and latrines, well management of the school’s property, well use of natural resources especially water while both at school and at home as well as taking care of the school’s garden. They were also asked to join the rest of the world in celebrating the World Environment Day (WED) on June 5^th as well as the Environment Week.

The school shows the model in environment protection activities

The school has an active environment club. Mr Xavier Nibomfura, the teacher and the coordinator of the “friends’ environment club” says within the club students discuss environment issues and carry different environment protection activities. Specifically the “one child one tree” program has been embraced at this school, starting from the club. “Each student, member of the club has his/her tree visited every week and give the report in the club’s meeting”. Says Nibomfura

The school has an agronomist who oversees the activities of greening the school by students and their teachers.

The school has created gardens and which are well looked after and variety kinds of trees, including fruit trees are planted inside the garden the fact which makes the place remain with a fresh air.

Moreover, students are introduced on preparing nurseries which serves as the reserve for the school where they never miss the trees to plant according to Nzeyimana Pierre claver, the agronomist.

More interesting all the activities are introduced to the students while in practical courses according to jean Baptiste Gahamire, the in charge of academic affairs.

St Joseph primary school is one of public schools in Kigali city it hold both nursery and primary sections.