SACOLA funds numerous projects in the local community, all designed to provide safe housing, protect the environment, improve education, and preserve our culture.
SACOLA Community Tourism Parking Project
Location: Kanyampereri Village, Nyonirima Cell, Kinigi Sector, at a place known as Ndabaruhuye
Addressing a Critical Need in Gorilla Tourism Infrastructure
The SACOLA Community Tourism Parking project is a transformative initiative designed to address a long-standing issue faced by visitors to Volcanoes National Park. Tourists arriving in the area to embark on the unforgettable experience of gorilla trekking were previously met with challenges including:
Lack of a secure and organized parking facility
Congestion and limited space in the village
Unregulated crowding around tourists, often with people begging
Concerns about guest safety and security
These conditions not only created a negative first impression for international visitors but also limited the area's potential as a premium eco-tourism destination.
A Visionary Solution Led by SACOLA
Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Pierre Celestin NSENGIYUMVA, Chairperson of SACOLA, and in collaboration with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) and Musanze District, the SACOLA executive committee implemented a sustainable and community-centered solution: the SACOLA Community Tourism Parking.
This project represents a significant step forward in enhancing the tourism experience in Kinigi by:
Providing safe, organized, and secure parking for tourists and tour operators
Reducing village congestion and improving community order
Enhancing the overall safety and satisfaction of visitors
As evidenced by current photos and operational status, the parking facility is already functional, offering peace of mind to tour operators and tourists alike.
Beyond Parking: A Vision for Comprehensive Tourist Services
The long-term vision for the SACOLA Community Tourism Parking extends beyond vehicle accommodation. The project is being developed as a multi-functional tourism service hub to include:
A coffee and fast food shop
A foreign exchange bureau
Other essential services tailored to the needs of international visitors, delivered at a high standard
Empowering the Community and Supporting Sustainable Tourism
This project is not only a win for tourists—it is a significant socio-economic opportunity for the local community. Once fully developed, the complex will:
Create jobs for local residents
Increase tourism traffic and stimulate local business
Ensure greater revenue sharing from tourism with the community
With Phase One successfully completed, SACOLA is poised to continue this impactful journey, shaping Kinigi into a model of sustainable, community-driven tourism.
*Projects are available to visit on request.
School Construction
Providing access to education is at the forefront of our mission at SACOLA. We have funded and overseen the construction of several schools in the Kinigi and Nyange sectors. These are located in areas in need of schools. Without these the children of the area would not have access to suitable education.
SACOLA Villages
SACOLA has built two villages in the area to house displaced families and people in need, along with many other housing projects. These villages provide access to safe drinking water, electricity, education, and employment, which otherwise would not have been available.
Gorilla Conservation
The Volcanoes NP, and Gorillas that inhabit it, play an integral part in the livelihood of the area. We hope to continue protecting these amazing creatures for future generations to enjoy. This includes the famous Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony.
Technology
As part of Vision 2020, the Rwandan people need improved access to technology. SACOLA does this by donating computers and other technology, giving access to power and internet, and supplying training to use this technology.
Poultry husbandry
Collaborating with government of Kinigi sector, SACOLA’s poultry husbandry empowers women by recruiting genocide survivors. The product of poultry husbandry directly contributes to food supply in the community.
Empowering women cooperatives
Sacola as owned by the community play a crucial role in promoting the conservation of the environment and supporting communities in their efforts. Providing funds to the community is an effective way to empower individuals and groups to take action and make a positive impact on the environment. It has provided grants or funding opportunities to 10 community women cooperatives for implementing conservation projects. These projects might involve reforestation, wildlife habitat restoration, water resource management, or initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods while conserving natural resources. Remember, successful community conservation programs involve active community engagement and participation. By providing funding, Sacola can empower communities to take ownership of environmental conservation initiatives and create sustainable, long-lasting change.
Traditional Dancers
The traditional dancing of the area is full of colour and life. Supporting local traditional dancers is an important way SACOLA protects and conserves our traditional culture. It is something we are very proud of and plan to keep alive for future generations.
Farming & Agriculture
Farming and agriculture projects include the donation of cows and other livestock, crop maintenance, and agricultural education to the local farmers. These all provide a renewable livelihood for the community and improve sustainability.
Mushroom farming
Rwandan ministry of agriculture has proactively promoted commercial mushroom growing as one of the crop since mushroom is abundant of micronutrients and plays an important role in tackling malnutrition.
Textiles & Handicrafts
SACOLA funds local textile and handicrafts businesses, including mat weaving, arts & crafts, and tailoring. You can find many of these beautiful products on sale at the local markets. This provides employment and income to those in need.
Environmental Conservation
Conservation projects are not limited to the National Park. Such projects include the construction of the wildlife barrier fence. This separates the community and wildlife of the National Park, allowing the two to live together peacefully.
Cow Donation
Cow contributes to a big amount of income in a family business. Through cow donation programme, each vulnerable household is received cow and donates the first progeny to another vulnerable household, creating a virtuous circle in the community.
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