Akitmitoni Primary School benefited from a Rwf 154m fund put in place by Rwanda Development Board – Tourism under its social responsibility program. Under this initiative, two classrooms and six water tanks worth Rwf154m were constructed in Nyabihu district, Western Province.

Bernard Marishekome, the Headmaster of Akitmitoni Primary School expressed appreciation and said that the new classrooms have been of great benefit to the school.

"At first, the students were squeezed and floors not cemented, exposing the students to diseases,” he said, adding that the number of students has also increased to 274 from 190.

Speaking to residents at Akimiton Primary School, Rosette Rugamba, deputy CEO, Rwanda Development Board said the accomplished projects were evidence that tourism is important to Rwandans.

"The beauty of Rwanda is to help Rwandans and belongs to Rwandans,” Rugamba said.

She urged the local residents to play a role in the conservation of national parks and other tourist attractions since they will yield more revenue needed for Rwanda’s development.

For the last three consecutive years the tourism sector has been the highest foreign currency earner for the Rwandan economy.

Last year, the tourism foreign exchange earnings increased by 55%, rising from US$ 138m to $214m.

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