On the first day of the Africa Green Growth Forum, participants took part in planting trees with students from three primary schools. Themed, “Green Schools, Healthy Students”, the event gathered students and adult forum participants to impart a culture of tree plantation. Kigusa, Mbyo and Gatore Primary Schools from Bugesera District were selected for a demonstration of environment protection practices.

Among the dignitaries at the event include Vincent Biruta, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment;  Coletha Ruhamya, Director General of REMA; Frank Rijsberman, Director-General, Global Green Growth Institute, Emmanuel Nsanzumuhire, Mayor of Bugesera District, Fred Mufulukye, The Governor of the Eastern Province, the Minister of Education, Rwanda, Dr. Eugene Mutimura, delegates from the United Nations, visitors and friends of Rwanda.

During the event, the guests toured green initiatives from Kagusa primary school. The school provides facilities such as solar power and water harvesting tanks for clean energy and water respectively. They were later led to the site for tree plantation; a strong pillar for wealth and health.

Welcoming forum participants to Bugesera District, the Mayor recounted impressive records to preserve the environment. He noted that empowerment has taken measure in young students. Kigusa, Mbyo and Gatore Primary schools formed environmental clubs among students to raise awareness about environmental challenges and establish solutions that will last and grow with them.

Frank Rijsberman, Director-General, Global Green Growth Institute took time to congratulate the students for greening their schools. He stressed that one student can make an impact to the environment. It only requires a simple initiative and being exemplary.

Vincent Biruta, Rwanda’s Minister of Environment, encouraged students to plant even more trees and grow with them. “The main goal is to value environment and incorporate it in the academic curriculum so that a student develops a habit of protecting the environment and pass on the knowledge to others.” He said.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Eugene Mutimura, followed with a reminder to students that proper environment boosts academic success. He also encouraged students to plant trees of different sorts. “Good environment favours conducive learning. It’s important for us and the future for our children.” said Dr. Eugene Mutimura.

Minister Mutimura promised partnership to make the school as beautiful and green as possible in efforts to sustain the environment. The Green Schools Event concluded with handing gifts to outstanding students. It was a token of encouragement for more environment protection practices.