Posts Tagged ‘Rushubi Primary School’

Rwanda Calling? Volunteers Wanted!

Posted by Peter in Africa,Endangered Species,Featured,Gorilla,Travel,What You Can Do,community-based conservation

Looking for a new experience working with children at the base of a volcano where half the world’s Mountain Gorillas remain? If so, you can volunteer with Art of Conservation in Rwanda. 

Art of Conservation, Inc. educates Rwandans about conservation and the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for both people and animals while instilling in them an understanding and respect for themselves, their peers, and the natural world. The Houston Zoo is a proud supporter of the Art of Conservation program in Rwanda

Art of Conservation (AoC)  is seeking a dedicated, experienced administrative support intern to work directly with AoC Director Julie Ghrist. Interns must commit at least six weeks to the position. After six weeks, the intern position may be extended at the discretion of the Director. For a description of the position and application – link here

Rushubi Primary School 5th grade class

AoC also occasionally accepts volunteers (link here for application) for short- to medium-term volunteer placements. Their needs vary depending on the staffing situation and class schedule. In general, they seek honest, hard-working individuals who can offer support in one or more of the following areas:

  • Teaching the English-language portion of our conservation education curriculum. We are particularly interested in volunteer teachers who have a background in conservation, biology, agriculture, medicine, or public health.
  • Teaching the English-language portion of our art curriculum. We are particularly interested in volunteer teachers who have a background in drawing, painting, music, or drama.
  • Administrative work including memo writing and grant research.
  • English-language training for non-English speaking staff.
  • Computer skills training for staff.

Ready for an experience of a lifetime? Well, here is one where you can both learn and give at the same time.

I wonder if Art of Conservation will let me volunteer with them this week...maybe I will just eat some bamboo instead

Return from Rwanda

Posted by Peter in Africa,Endangered Species,Gorilla

I just returned from a short visit to Musanze, Rwanda and the Art of Conservation program. While there, we taught in both the Rushubi Primary School and Nyange Primary Schools 5th grade classes.

Arts and Crafts projhect are part of the teaching experience in the Rushubi Primary School class. Photo by Molly Feltner.

Arts and Crafts projhect are part of the teaching experience in the Rushubi Primary School class. Photo by Molly Feltner.

Art of Conservation, Inc. educates Rwandans about conservation and the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for both people and animals while instilling them with an understanding and respect for themselves, their peers, and the natural world. AoC is led by Julie Ghrist and her team, Valerie Akuredusenge, Eric Mutabazi, Innocent Uwizeye, Olivier Habimana, and Fahad Ndangiza.
Showing photos of endangered animals from around the world to the students. Photo by Molly Feltner.

Showing photos of endangered animals from around the world to the students. Photo by Molly Feltner.

The visit gave us the opportunity to interact with the Art of Conservation and their students to see how the Houston Zoo could help with the development of their program.
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We are looking forward to working with The Art of Conservation and their students. Check back for more information on this effort in the coming weeks ahead.