Remera, Kigali – July 19, 2025
On a bright Saturday morning, East African University Rwanda (EAUR) Environmental Club hosted a special visit from the Rwanda Media Program (RMP), powered by FOJO, as part of a knowledge-sharing and capacity building initiative. The meeting, held on EAUR’s Remera campus, brought together passionate students and seasoned environmental journalists for a moment of exchange, reflection, and encouragement.
The visit aimed to assess the progress of the club’s environmental efforts and offer a short training led by visitors with expertise in environmental and science reporting.
Welcoming the guests, club president Niyonkuru Patrick shared the inspiring journey of the club, which started with just four committed students. “Through dedication and the spirit of togetherness, we have grown to 40 active members,” he said proudly. He emphasized the club’s practical approach: “Our club is more hands-on than idealistic. We choose to implement the few ideas we come up with, rather than chase many and do nothing.”
Patrick also highlighted several impactful activities the club has undertaken, beginning right at home with a campus wide clean up focused on collecting plastics and creating a cleaner learning environment. One of their most notable outreach efforts took place in May, when they visited GS Remera Catholique School. There, the EAUR team launched a new environmental club, planted trees, eliminated non-biodegradable waste, and invited environmental experts from REMA to engage the students.
“Pupils in that school understood our motive and promised to continue practicing environmentally friendly habits,” Patrick noted. He also pointed out their ongoing collaborations with students from the University of Rwanda, Remera campus, as a sign of growing student-led cooperation in environmental activism.
Looking to the future, the club plans to continue partnering with nearby schools to promote tree planting and environmental education.
The visitors, impressed by the club’s progress, offered encouraging feedback. Anne Marie Dushimimana, Gender Coordinator at the Rwanda Media Program, praised the club’s work: “Honestly, compared to other universities we work with, your club has tangible activities it has already done. This is a great start to even better things. We are committed to supporting and collaborating with you.”
The day’s highlight included an insightful knowledge sharing session by Annonciata Byukusenge, an award winning journalist and environmental reporting specialist from The forefront Magazine. She introduced the students to key concepts in environmental reporting, science journalism, chemical waste management, and the carbon market. The session left attendees more informed and inspired than when they arrived.
Closing the event, Mahoro Claudine, The University Coordinator for the Rwanda Media Program, emphasized the vital role of environmental journalism. “It’s not just about doing the work, reporting on it helps spread awareness and can move even the most indifferent audiences. Whatever field you’re in, pursue it with passion and hard work,” she said, wishing the students success in their careers.
The visit was a heartwarming reminder of how student led initiatives, when guided by purpose and supported by experienced mentors, can create lasting impact. The EAUR Environmental Club continues to stand out as a vibrant example of youth commitment to sustainability and change.
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