15 graduate from Conservation College

KITABI College of Conservation and Environmental Management (KCCEM) on Friday held its second graduation ceremony. Atleast 15 students were awarded advanced diplomas.The college, which operates under the auspices of RDB’s Tourism and Conservation Department, was established primarily to provide competency-based trainings consistent with the demands of Rwanda’s burgeoning ecotourism and natural resource management sectors.“Rwanda needs you; Your graduation comes at a time when the sector needs more qualified conservation personnel and guides. You should, with a high level of discipline use the skills acquired to take this sector to another level,” said Rica Rwigamba the head of tourism conservation at RDB. Rwigamba advised the graduates to help communities in their work. “ Go out there and help the communities fight against poachers and the escaping of animals from the National Parks...and this is not about all the knowledge you need; do more research to sharpen on the skills you have acquired,” she said.Dr Marie Christine Gasingirwa from the Ministry of Education also challenged graduates to use the knowledge to create impact in their respective communities of operation.“Serve those people exactly the way you want to be served,” Gasingirwa said before adding, “This is a celebration of your accomplishments and it opens a very important chapter in your lives, and whatever you do, I believe each of you will be successful.” On behalf of the graduates, Denyse Umugwaneza said they look forward to contributing to the development of the country. “Personally, it has been a very long journey, I am now ready to serve the community, I will try my best to help my customers or visitors seeking my guidance,” said Theogene Manailiho one of the graduates.