The Agahozo-Shalom Environment Club visits Akagera National Park

October 2012

Written by Mutuyimana Joe, ASYV student

 The Environment Club in Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village took a trip to Akagera National Park. We learned many things like how wild animals live and how Akagera National Park was created and then decreased in size. We saw many different kinds of animals.

First, we traveled with the 18 members of the environment club from Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. When we reached the Nyungwe gate the guide started to explain how Akagera National Park became smaller. Before, Akagera National Park was 2500 square km. The Government of Rwanda decided to cut into Akagera in order to settle the Rwanda refugees from Uganda and Tanzania. They divided the park and Akagera National Park today remains with 1200 square km.

Secondly, we entered into the park and we went into the North savanna grassland. We saw many different kinds of animals. In my life, I've never seen those animals before. For example we saw: zebra, buffaloes, hippopotamus, monkeys, topi, waterbuck, giraffe, and more. We did not see lions because there are no lions in Akagera Park.. This is because the lions escaped the park and went to eat the cows and goats of the people around the park. The people decided to kill the lions. Akagera Park has decided to build an electric fence around the park and after they will bring lions.

Thirdly, we learned how some animals live. For example, buffaloes. The buffaloes live family groups. The chief of the family is a big male, but when the buffaloes become old, they dismiss them. When predators come to fight with the buffaloes, all the males and females that have power, come in front in order to protect their young and weak.

In general, our trip was very important in our life. As we are the members of the environment club, we increased our knowledge. So personally I thank our little paradise of Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village because they help restore the life of Rwandan Youth.

Thanks. May God Bless You.