COMMUNITY-LED CONSERVATION

RWANDA

Lead your students on a documentary tour of Rwanda: telling stories of community-led conservation and ethical environmental stewardship.

This documentary field study immerses students in the heart of Rwanda’s community-led conservation efforts, where locals are spearheading innovative projects to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

Under your guidance and with support from our Actuality team on location, students will collaborate with local conservation leaders to create a documentary showcasing the impact of these efforts on both livelihoods and the environment. This hands-on experience allows students to witness firsthand the role of local leadership in preserving biodiversity and fostering sustainable growth.

Students will also engage in responsible tourism activities that connect them with Rwanda’s natural beauty and rich culture, providing valuable insights into how conservation contributes to both environmental protection and the preservation of local traditions.

DESTINATION

COMMUNITY

Nestled in the shadow of the Virunga Mountains, Rwanda’s Musanze region is renowned for its striking landscapes and biodiversity. As the gateway to Volcanoes National Park, it is a global hub for conservation efforts aimed at protecting mountain gorillas and preserving the delicate ecosystems of the region. It’s also a place where local communities play a leading role in environmental conservation.

Students will work alongside local conservation leaders to explore how communities are driving efforts to protect natural resources and promote sustainable development. This hands-on experience offers a unique window into the role of local leadership in conservation, giving students a deep understanding of how environmental stewardship is woven into the fabric of daily life in Rwanda.

DOCUMENTARY

PROCESS

The documentary project is the centerpiece of this week-long trip, providing students with the chance to learn and practice ethical, collaborative documentary production. This experience teaches both the technical aspects of filmmaking and photography and emphasizes the importance of storytelling within a community context.

Students can choose to engage in either a group video project or individual photography projects, both following a similar storytelling process. Whether they choose video or photography, the focus remains on ethical storytelling, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity.

Workshop – The project starts with a comprehensive workshop that introduces the stages of documentary production, covering key milestones and best practices. This ensures that all participants are well-prepared for their chosen roles.

Research – After the workshop, students will conduct field research, meet with collaborators, build relationships, and plan their projects. This phase is essential for ensuring that the stories are told accurately and respectfully.

Production – As the project continues, students in the video project will conduct interviews and gather visuals, refining their camera and audio skills. Photography students will focus on creating impactful images that tell a compelling story.

Editing – Students in the group video project will create a “paper cut,” outlining the documentary’s structure and flow, guiding the editing process. While the students are on a 1-2 day excursion, a member of the Actuality team will edit the video, creating a rough cut. Upon returning, students will review the rough cut, offer feedback, and gain insights into the editing process. Photography students will also finalize their work during this time.

Screening – The project concludes with a community screening where both the group video and individual photography projects are presented.

This experience goes beyond filmmaking, fostering ethical collaboration, developing practical skills, and using storytelling to connect with and contribute to the community. Students will gain a deeper understanding of documentary work and the impact of their creative efforts.

EXCURSION

OPTIONS

KIGALI CITY WALKING TOUR

Explore Rwanda’s capital on foot, visiting historical landmarks, vibrant markets, and cultural spots that showcase Kigali’s transformation and growth.

KIGALI GENOCIDE MEMORIAL

Visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, a powerful site of remembrance and learning that honors the victims of the Rwandan Genocide and promotes peace and reconciliation through education.

TWIN LAKE BOAT TOUR

Take a scenic boat ride around these twin lakes, enjoying breathtaking views and learning about local conservation efforts to protect the ecosystem.

GORILLA TREKKING

Trek through lush forests with experienced guides to observe endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

SUGGESTED

ITINERARY

Upon arrival in Kigali, your group will be transported to a hotel near the airport for a comfortable stay. After settling in, a local guide will lead us on a tour of Kigali, introducing students to the city’s history, culture, and recent transformation into one of Africa’s cleanest and most vibrant capitals. The tour will include visits to important landmarks such as the Kigali Genocide Memorial, providing context on Rwanda’s journey toward peace and reconciliation. The evening will conclude with a welcome dinner, where the group can come together to discuss the week ahead.

We’ll begin the morning with a workshop focused on documentary storytelling, tailored to themes of community-led conservation and environmental stewardship. Students will learn the skills needed to document the stories of local organizations. In the afternoon, we’ll depart Kigali and travel to Musanze, located near Volcanoes National Park. On the way, we’ll stop at the Musanze Caves, a fascinating site formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity. The caves have historical significance and provide a unique opportunity to explore Rwanda’s geological history. After the visit, we’ll continue to Musanze, where we’ll settle into our guesthouse for the evening.

Today, we’ll engage with a local conservation organization working to protect the natural ecosystems surrounding Volcanoes National Park. The morning will be spent learning about their mission, meeting community leaders, and understanding the challenges and successes of their work. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the guesthouse for a group discussion and production meeting to plan the documentary approach, ensuring everyone is aligned and ready to move forward with the project.

We’ll return to the conservation organization to conduct in-depth interviews with key individuals, such as community leaders and conservationists, whose stories will form the core of our documentary. These interviews will help students understand the personal and environmental impact of the organization’s efforts. The afternoon will be dedicated to reviewing the day’s material and refining our storytelling techniques.

We’ll spend the day documenting the visual elements that bring our stories to life, capturing the essence of the conservation work and its impact on the community and environment. This could include documenting reforestation efforts, wildlife conservation projects, or community-led sustainable development initiatives. After returning to the guesthouse, the group will review the material and plan the next steps in the post-production process to ensure the narrative is cohesive and impactful.

Today, we’ll embark on an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience in Volcanoes National Park. Led by expert guides, the trek will allow students to witness firsthand Rwanda’s efforts to protect mountain gorillas, a critically endangered species. This adventure will provide a deep connection to Rwanda’s conservation efforts and the important role of ecotourism in sustaining these projects. In the evening, we’ll return to Musanze for a relaxing night at the guesthouse.

We’ll start the day with a scenic boat tour of the Twin Lakes, Lake Burera and Lake Ruhondo, where students will experience the natural beauty of the region and learn about local conservation efforts to protect these ecosystems. After returning from the lakes, we’ll gather for a workshop led by the Actuality team to review the rough cut of our documentary. The group will provide feedback, and the team will incorporate the final edits before the evening screening. The day will conclude with a screening of the completed documentary, followed by a wrap party to celebrate the project’s success.

After breakfast, we’ll depart Musanze and travel back to Kigali. The afternoon will allow for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing before the group heads to the airport for their flight home, marking the end of a transformative experience in Rwanda.

START YOUR

JOURNEY

STEP 1

Schedule a call with us to brainstorm ideas for your trip.

STEP 2

Receive your custom trip proposal ready for University approval.

STEP 3

Get ready to travel the world and inspire your students.

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