“Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future” STRENGTHENING FRONTLINE CONSERVATION SACOLA – RDB Review the Community Eco-Guard Initiative Around Volcanoes National Park

      https://conservationallies.org/a-new-generation-of-gorillas/?blm_aid=25338

“Conservation is Life: Sustaining the Future”

STRENGTHENING FRONTLINE CONSERVATION

SACOLA – Conservation Allies Review the Community Eco-Guard Initiative Around Volcanoes National Park

15 September 2026  •  SACOLA Office, Kinigi, Musanze District, Rwanda

On 15 September 2026, SACOLA (Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association) — with the support of Conservation Allies — convened a field evaluation of the Community Eco-Guard Initiative at our office in Kinigi, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), the Park authority overseeing Volcanoes National Park.

Chaired by Pierre Celestin NSENGIYUMVA, Chairperson of SACOLA, and Prosper UWINGERI, Chief Park Warden (RDB), the review confirmed that our Eco-Guards continue performing strongly in their core role: mobilization and rapid-response information to curb illegal activity inside the Park.

As with any living project, field-level challenges continue to surface. SACOLA leadership, in close collaboration with RDB, remains committed to monitoring, responding to, and resolving these issues as the initiative moves forward.

None of this would be possible without the vision and backing of Conservation Allies. Our sincere thanks to President Dr. Paul Salaman and the entire Conservation Allies team for their continued trust and partnership.

A special thank you to every Community Eco-Guard and to RDB for protecting Volcanoes National Park

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KWITA IZINA 21 SACOLA Tournaments

🏆 SACOLA Rallies Four Districts Behind Kwita Izina 21 Through Football

Kinigi, Musanze District — August 2026

The countdown to Kwita Izina 21, Rwanda's iconic gorilla-naming ceremony taking place in Kinigi on September 4, 2026, is on — and this year, the community got there through football.

The Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA) proudly sponsored and organized the 2nd Edition of the Kwita Izina Community Football Tournament, a spirited, month-long celebration of sport, unity, and conservation awareness held in direct partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Musanze District, and the Northern Province.

🎯 Why a Football Tournament?

Long before the drums roll and the baby gorillas receive their names, SACOLA believes the true spirit of Kwita Izina begins in the community. This tournament was designed as a platform for community awareness and mobilization, reminding residents across the Northern Province that conservation is not just a ceremony — it is a shared, everyday responsibility that benefits everyone living around Volcanoes National Park.

By channeling that message through the region's most beloved sport, SACOLA and its partners turned playing fields into spaces of dialogue, pride, and collective ownership of conservation.

🗺️ Four Districts, One Goal

Teams from Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu, and Rubavu districts were invited to compete, turning the tournament into a true showcase of Northern Province unity around the shared cause of gorilla conservation.

⚽ How the Tournament Unfolded

Warm-up Friendly — August 14, 2026 | G.S. Kampanga Playing Ground
The tournament kicked off with a friendly warm-up match between the Musanze team and a combined RDB/SACOLA team, with Musanze edging the match 1–0.

Semi-Finals — August 21, 2026 (played simultaneously)

• Musanze vs. Nyabihu: Musanze advanced with a 1–0 win.

• Rubavu vs. Burera: Rubavu powered through to claim victory.

Women's Exhibition Match — August 27, 2026
Ahead of the men's final, women's football teams from Rubavu and Musanze faced off in an electrifying showcase match, with the Musanze women's team taking the win and energizing the crowd for what was to follow.

The Grand Final — August 27, 2026
In a thrilling finale, Rubavu District defeated Musanze District 2–1, crowning Rubavu as champions of the 2nd Edition of the Kwita Izina Community Football Tournament — winners not once, but two times over, having also triumphed over Burera in the semi-final.

🤝 A Community United

Throughout the tournament, local leaders, security officials, RDB representatives, and SACOLA staff stood shoulder to shoulder with players and fans — a powerful image of the partnership that makes community-based conservation work in the Kinigi landscape.

As the region now turns its full attention to Kwita Izina 21 on September 4th in Kinigi, SACOLA extends its heartfelt gratitude to RDB, Musanze District, the Northern Province, all four participating districts, the players, and the passionate fans who made this tournament a resounding success.

⛰️ See you in Kinigi on September 4th — Conservation is Life! 🦍

KI21 "CONSERVATION IS LIFE"

Kicking Off Kwita Izina 21: SACOLA Rallies Communities Around Volcanoes National Park Through Football: Conservation is Life.
As Rwanda counts down to the 21st edition of Kwita Izina, the world-renowned Gorilla Naming Ceremony scheduled for September 4, 2026, the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA) has once again turned to the universal language of sport to bring communities together around Volcanoes National Park.
Under the banner "Conservation is Life," SACOLA is sponsoring a community football tournament designed to mobilize women and youth from four districts bordering the Park — Burera, Musanze, Nyabihu, and Rubavu — in the spirit and celebration of Kwita Izina 21.
The tournament opened on August 14, 2026, with a friendly match in Kinigi between a joint RDB/SACOLA team and Musanze, setting the tone for the weeks of competition to follow. Photos from the opening day capture the energy of the occasion: players from both sides lined up together on the pitch before kickoff, local leaders and officials in attendance, and teams posing for group photos in a display of unity and sportsmanship that echoes SACOLA's broader mission — linking community wellbeing to the conservation of the mountain gorillas and their habitat.
The friendly was more than a warm-up game. It was a statement: that the same communities who live alongside Volcanoes National Park, and whose livelihoods are intertwined with its conservation, are also the ones best placed to celebrate and champion it.
Four Districts, One Goal Following the opening friendly, the tournament proper continues with matches on August 21, building toward a final on August 28, 2026 — just days before Kwita Izina 21 itself. Teams representing Burera, Musanze, Nyabihu, and Rubavu districts will compete on the field in Kinigi, drawing players, families, and spectators from across the Park's boundary communities.
By engaging women and boys' teams specifically, the tournament reflects SACOLA's commitment to inclusive community mobilization — ensuring that conservation messaging and the celebration of Kwita Izina reach every corner of the community, not just those directly employed in tourism or conservation work.
Sport as a Bridge to Conservation
For SACOLA, sport has become a powerful entry point for community dialogue around conservation. A football field draws people together in ways that a meeting room cannot — neighbors, local leaders, and conservation partners standing shoulder to shoulder, cheering for the same team, ahead of a ceremony that will once again put Rwanda's gorilla conservation success story on the world stage.
SACOLA's football tournament stands as a grassroots complement to that international celebration — a reminder that the story of gorilla conservation is, first and foremost, a story of the communities who live it every day.
SACOLA — Conservation is Life. Conservation Optimism IUCN Section on Great Apes IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa IUCN Community Conservation Allies

KI21 Football Tournament-Kinigi

Kicking Off Kwita Izina 21

SACOLA Marks Liberation Day with Gift of New Beginnings in Kinigi

Musanze District, Kinigi Sector, Ndabaruhuye — July 4, 2026

By Damien NKUBANA

As Rwanda celebrated the 32nd Liberation Day, the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA) chose to mark the occasion not only with words, but with action — bringing hope and dignity to families beginning a new chapter of life in the shadow of the Volcanoes National Park.

In a moving ceremony held in Ndabaruhuye, Kinigi Sector, SACOLA handed over newly constructed shelters — each complete with a kitchen, toilet, and rainwater harvesting tank — along with furniture, food supplies, and start-up capital to support families as they rebuild their lives. The organization also extended access to clean water for the wider community, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of people living around Volcanoes National Park.

A Homecoming Rooted in Liberation

The beneficiaries of this initiative share a story that resonates deeply with the meaning of Liberation Day itself: individuals who had been misled and taken into the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo have now returned home and been welcomed back into society. Their reintegration reflects the same spirit of freedom, unity, and renewal that Rwanda commemorates each July 4th — a reminder that liberation is not only a historic event, but an ongoing commitment to leaving no one behind.

By providing safe housing, basic amenities, and the means to earn a livelihood, SACOLA is helping these families transition from uncertainty to stability, and from the margins back into the heart of their community.

Leadership and Local Partnership

The handover ceremony was led by Pierre Celestin NSENGIYUMVA, SACOLA Chairperson, together with the Executive Secretary of Kinigi Sector, underscoring the strong partnership between SACOLA and local government in supporting vulnerable households. Their joint presence reflected a shared vision: that conservation and community development must go hand in hand with compassion for every member of society.

Living Out SACOLA's Mission

Since its founding, SACOLA has worked at the intersection of conservation and community wellbeing in the areas surrounding Volcanoes National Park, channeling tourism revenue and partnerships into infrastructure, livelihoods, and social support for the people of Musanze District. This latest initiative — offering shelter, water, food, furniture, and capital in one coordinated act of solidarity — stands as one of the clearest expressions yet of that mission.

As Rwanda reflects on three decades of liberation and rebuilding, SACOLA's gesture in Ndabaruhuye is a powerful local testament to what that freedom means in practice: a home, clean water, a fresh start, and a community ready to welcome its own back with open arms.

SACOLA — Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association — continues its work in Kinigi and Nyange Sectors, Musanze District, supporting communities living alongside Volcanoes National Park through conservation and livelihood initiatives.

Pierre Celestin nsengiyumva, chairperson addressing the participants

Small Contributions, Big Impact: Inside a Women-Led Movement in Nyange

By Golboo Pourabdollahiam - Volunteer

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting one of the community-led initiatives supported by SACOLA in Nyange Sector. What I encountered was not just a project but a powerful demonstration of resilience, solidarity, and grassroots leadership led by women determined to reshape their futures.

This initiative began in 2020, when a group of women in Nyange many of them single mothers, came together to confront a shared reality: limited access to financial resources in moments of urgent need. Without waiting for external solutions, they created their own. Each week, they contributed a small amount of money into a collective savings pool. Once the fund reached a sufficient level, it was lent to one member at a time, based on need and agreed criteria. It was simple, but profoundly effective. It was a model rooted in trust, accountability, and mutual support.

In 2023, SACOLA stepped in to strengthen this already impactful initiative by providing an annual contribution of 5 million Rwandan Francs to each group. Today, the project has grown to include 335 women across Nyange and Kinigi. Organized into structured groups of 25 members, each group operates with clear roles—a president, a secretary, and an accountant—ensuring transparency and ownership at every level.

Every Friday, these women gather at the center of their village. The meetings are both practical and symbolic: a space where financial contributions are made, loans are repaid, records are updated, and decisions are collectively discussed. Each woman holds her own account notebook, carefully maintained by the group’s accountant.

The loans provided through this system are not abstract financial tools; they are lifelines. Women use them to pay school fees, invest in livestock, or start small businesses such as purchasing sewing machines or motorbikes that generate income. In many cases, these women are the primary providers for their families, making the impact of this initiative ripple far beyond the individual.

And yet, despite its success, challenges remain. The demand for loans often exceeds the available funds, creating waiting lists and difficult decisions. At times, a woman in urgent need must wait because the savings pool has been exhausted. The limitations also restrict the group’s ability to think bigger and projects like leasing land for farming remain out of reach due to insufficient capital.

Still, what stands out most is not the scarcity, but the strength. The women of Nyange and Kinigi are not defined by the challenges they face, but by the solutions they create. Their initiative is a testament to what happens when communities are empowered to lead their own development and when support does not replace local effort, but amplifies it.

SACOLA’s commitment to this initiative reflects a belief in that very principle. By continuing to invest in these groups, the organization is helping unlock potential that already exists within the community. The vision ahead is ambitious: to expand this model and reach 3,000 women, extending the same opportunity for financial independence and collective growth.

Walking away from Nyange, one thing felt certain: this is not just a project worth supporting—it is a model worth learning from.

A Place to Begin: How a Community in Kinigi is Shaping Brighter Futures for Its Youngest Members

By Golboo Pourabdollahiam - Volunteer

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting the Volcanoes Valley Community-Based Early Childhood Development (ECD) center in Kinigi and what I witnessed was far more than a nursery. It was a living example of what happens when a community comes together with purpose, care, and vision.

This center, which opened just a month and a half ago in March 2026, welcomes children between the ages of two and five. At first glance, it is a cheerful and safe space filled with laughter, play, and color. But behind this vibrant environment lies a powerful story of initiative, collaboration, and hope.

The project was born from the determination of five women in the Kinigi area. Recognizing the daily struggles of working mothers, many of whom leave early in the morning to work in the fields and return late in the day, they identified a critical gap: the lack of a safe and supportive place for young children during working hours. For many mothers, the only options were to carry their children on their backs throughout long hours of labor, risking health issues, or leave them alone at home.

They chose to act.

With the support of the indigenous community, who generously provided the building, the idea became reality. Today, the center stands as a shared space, run through the joint efforts of local and indigenous communities. Volunteers from both groups dedicate their time and energy to caring for the children, ensuring they are not only safe but also nurtured.

Inside, children engage in playful learning, painting, interacting, and exploring the world around them in a structured yet joyful environment. They are also provided with meals, adding another layer of support for families. Currently, the center serves 17 children, with plans to expand to 100 by September. This is a clear indication of both the demand and the trust the community is placing in this initiative.

But the impact of this center goes far beyond childcare. As Diane, the supervisor of the ECD center, shared, one of their core missions is to support indigenous children from a very early age. Experience has shown that engaging children in education becomes increasingly difficult as they grow older, particularly for those who have not been exposed to structured learning environments early on. By starting at the age of two, the center is laying a strong foundation, one that can ease their transition into primary school and inspire a lifelong engagement with education.

This is where the true strength of the project lies. It is not just about education. It is about inclusion, early intervention, and equal opportunity. It is about creating a future where every child, regardless of background, has a fair chance to learn, grow, and thrive.

What makes this initiative truly remarkable is the spirit of collaboration behind it. The partnership between the local Kinigi community and the indigenous community is not just functional but it is deeply symbolic. It reflects mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment to improving lives. They are not working in parallel; they are working hand in hand.

This is an example of community empowerment at its finest. The Volcanoes Valley ECD center is more than a project. It is a model. A model of how grassroots initiatives, driven by local insight and strengthened through collaboration, can create meaningful and lasting change.

As we look for solutions to complex social challenges, perhaps the answer is already here: in communities that come together, identify their needs, and build their own paths forward. Here is where the role of SACOLA as a lead player to support and empower the local community is essential. SACOLA is happy to provide support to this impressive initiative and other similar projects.

⚽️ Kwita Izina 2025 – Raising Awareness Through Sports!

As part of the Kwita Izina 2025 celebrations, SACOLA, in partnership with @RDB, @Northern Province, @Musanze District, and the Kinigi and Nyange sectors, proudly sponsored a Kwita Izina Awareness Campaign through a soccer competition held across Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu, and Rubavu districts.
On 15th August, 2025, the campaign kicked off with an exciting opening match between Team RDB/SACOLA and Musanze District, hosted at the Kinigi playing ground, a facility proudly built by SACOLA. The match ended in a 4-1 victory for Team RDB/SACOLA! 🎉👏
This event reflects our ongoing commitment to community engagement and conservation awareness through inclusive and empowering activities.
hashtag#KwitaIzina2025 hashtag#SACOLA hashtag#RDB hashtag#CommunityEngagement hashtag#ConservationThroughSport hashtag#Musanze hashtag#NorthernProvince hashtag#Rwanda hashtag#VolcanoesNP

📅 SACOLA GENERAL ASSEMBLEE MEETING

On August 14th, 2025, SACOLA held its General Assembly at St. Vincent Home in Musanze.
The meeting brought together SACOLA members to vote on the 2025–2026 Action Plan and Budget, marking an important step in advancing our community-led conservation and development goals.
We extend our appreciation to our key partners and stakeholders for their continued support:
🤝 IUCN, IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa, Rwanda Development Board (RDB), Musanze District, TerraTalent, and African Wildlife Foundation.
Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for the communities around Volcanoes National Park. 🌱🌍

SACOLA and SINGITA Hand Over Two Homes to Genocide against Tutsi Survivors in Musanze

In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity and community support, SACOLA, in partnership with SINGITA, has today officially handed over two newly built houses to DUSENGIMANA Louise and MUKANOHELI Jacqueline, both residents of Rugarama Village, Cyivugiza Cell, Nyange Sector, Musanze District.

As survivors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, these two women have endured unimaginable hardships. Their resilience and strength were met today with a powerful sign of compassion and support—safe, decent homes they can now proudly call their own.

This initiative is part of SACOLA and SINGITA’s ongoing commitment to improving the livelihoods of vulnerable communities in Rwanda. “This is more than just shelter. It is about dignity, healing, and hope,” said a SACOLA representative during the handover ceremony.

Both beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for this transformative support. “We are deeply honored and thankful. These houses mean stability and a new beginning,” said DUSENGIMANA Louise.

By focusing on meaningful, community-based impact, SACOLA and SINGITA continue to strengthen local development and contribute to national efforts toward healing and sustainable growth.

SACOLA General Assembly and Culinary Arts Graduation Ceremony

SACOLA General Assembly and Culinary Arts Graduation Ceremony — March 25, 2026

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, SACOLA members gathered at the Centre de Pastoral Notre Dame de Fatima for their General Assembly. The meeting provided an opportunity to review activities accomplished in line with the organization's annual plan, assess progress made, and develop strategies for the remaining initiatives to be completed before the end of the fiscal year.

Following the assembly, members proceeded to the MIPC to take part in the graduation ceremony of 30 students who successfully completed a six-month training program in Culinary Arts, supported by SACOLA. The event celebrated not only the graduates’ achievements but also the commitment of SACOLA and its partners to empowering youth through practical skills development. Parents of the graduates joined the celebration, adding warmth and encouragement to the occasion.

This milestone reinforces SACOLA’s ongoing mission to support community development through education, capacity building, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

20 KWITA IZINA Awareness campaign by SACOLA

As part of preparations for the 20th Kwita Izina, on the 29th the football tournament organized in partnership by RDB, SACOLA, and the districts of Musanze, Burera, Nyabihu, and Rubavu came to an end.
The final match brought together Musanze District and Rubavu District, with Rubavu winning the trophy after defeating Musanze by one goal to nil.

SACOLA Joins IUCN: A New Chapter in Conservation

We are proud to announce that the Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA) has officially become a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as of February 2025. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in our journey to support conservation and sustainable livelihoods in the Volcanoes National Park region and beyond.

The IUCN is the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network, comprising more than 1,400 government and civil society organizations, along with the expertise of over 17,000 scientists and conservation professionals. It is a global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Being part of this unique Union will strengthen SACOLA’s ability to contribute to regional and global conservation efforts, while deepening our commitment to community-led sustainable development.

In recognition of our growing role in conservation, SACOLA has been honored with an invitation to participate in the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress, to be held in Abu Dhabi, from 9-15 October, 2025. The theme of this Congress, "Powering transformative conservation", resonates deeply with SACOLA’s mission to improve community well-being while protecting natural ecosystems. This international platform will give us the opportunity to share our experience, learn from others, and build new partnerships that enhance both environmental and community resilience.

As we move forward with renewed purpose and global collaboration, SACOLA remains dedicated to empowering communities, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring a future where people and nature thrive together.

Stay tuned for more updates on our participation in the IUCN World Conservation Congress and upcoming initiatives inspired by our new membership.

SACOLA Participates in the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi, UAE – October 9-15, 2025

The Sabyinyo Community Livelihood Association (SACOLA), a proud member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is honored to participate in the IUCN World Conservation Congress taking place from 9th to 15th October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prestigious event is hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) and gathers over 10,000 participants from more than 160 countries, reaffirming its position as the world’s leading forum on global conservation and sustainable development.

The SACOLA delegation is led by Chairperson Pierre Celestin NSENGIYUMVA, who is representing the organization in high-level discussions, workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at advancing community-based conservation models and sustainable livelihoods.

Purpose of the Gathering

The IUCN World Conservation Congress is a unique platform that brings together governments, civil society, Indigenous peoples, scientists, and businesses to shape the future of conservation. Under the 2025 theme, "Transformative Conservation: Global Partnerships for Global Impact", the Congress emphasizes collaborative approaches to protect nature, combat biodiversity loss, and address climate change in a rapidly changing world.

Importance of SACOLA’s Participation

SACOLA's presence at this global event reflects its unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainable development in the Volcanoes National Park region of Rwanda. As a recognized IUCN member, SACOLA contributes a grassroots perspective to global conservation efforts—showcasing how empowering local communities through eco-tourism and conservation-led initiatives can lead to sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem protection.

By participating in the Congress, SACOLA seeks to:

• Strengthen global partnerships and networks for conservation.

• Share its success stories from Rwanda on community engagement and sustainable tourism.

• Learn from other organizations and integrate innovative approaches into its conservation programs.

• Contribute to shaping international conservation policies that recognize the value of community-led efforts.

A Global Stage for a Local Voice

The IUCN Congress offers SACOLA a vital opportunity to voice the concerns and successes of communities living around protected areas. As the world increasingly recognizes the importance of inclusive and community-based conservation, SACOLA’s experience stands as a model for balancing ecological preservation with socio-economic development.

SACOLA remains committed to the principles of transformative conservation and looks forward to strengthening its role in the global conservation movement through active engagement at this world-renowned Congress.

For more updates on SACOLA’s activities at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, follow us on our official website and social media platforms.

Réseau francophone de l’UICN pour la biodiversité : Unir nos voix, renforcer notre action, Abu Dhabi, 12 octobre 2025.

Le 12 Octobre 2025, à Abu Dhabi, la délégation SACOLA a participé au lancement officiel du Programme de Petites Initiatives (PPI) de l’UICN-Francophone, une étape majeure pour les acteurs francophones de la conservation de la nature. Cet événement a marqué la création d’un Réseau francophone de l’UICN pour la biodiversité.

Ce réseau francophone affirme que la francophonie est une force d’action collective, capable de contribuer de manière significative à un avenir durable pour les peuples et la planète. Le mot d’ordre lancé à Abu Dhabi :
« Unir nos voix, renforcer notre action ».

SACOLA members general assembly

SACOLA General Assembly – March 27, 2025

On March 27, 2025, SACOLA members convened for the annual General Assembly to review our progress, discuss future initiatives, and strengthen our collective commitment to conservation and community development.

We were honored to welcome distinguished guests from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), including officials responsible for the management of Rwanda’s national parks. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration between local communities and national institutions in protecting our natural heritage.

The meeting was a valuable opportunity to reflect on achievements, share ideas, and reaffirm our shared vision for sustainable development in the region.

SACOLA and terratalent (Germany) partnership

SACOLA chairperson, Pierre Celestin NSENGIYUMVA and terratalent, represented by Burkhard Volbracht (from Germany), on 15th December, 2024, signed a strategic partnership between the two Organizations with the aim of supporting each other in the development of qualification/educational partnerships and recruitment activities. terratalent supports German companies that want to get access and attract skilled workers abroad for the first time. East-Africa is a target region with a large pool of talent. terratalent aims to initiate partnerships with local players, including universities and training providers. Through these partnerships, German employers should then have the opportunity to attract and recruit skilled workers on a sustainable and long-term basis.

COW PROGRAM: Cow Donation Ceremony 2022 in Kingi

This year, SACOLA gratefully received additional funding from Charlette Adams and immediately prepared a cow donation ceremony in one of the villages in Kinigi. 25th September 2022, 14 additional cows were ready to be donated to local women. SACOLA’s chairman, Pierre Célestin NSENGIYUMVA gathered local villagers into the community centre.

After the briefing, SACOLA’s members lead the local women recipients off to meet these cows. 14 cows stand in a row and were hitched onto trees (Fig 2). One-by-one, each local woman picked a letter, on which the cow's name can be found, and each cow was allocated to its belonger. In spite of the economic hardships created by COVID-19, SACOLA members and Sweet Charlette are determined to continue to bless and uplift the lives of women in the Kinigi region.

Fig 2 A row of cows hitch on trees.

Finally, SACOLA chairman, Pierre Célestin NSENGIYUMVA, manager of the Governor's Camp Sabinyo Lodge, Michael Hughes, SACOLA international volunteer, Yu-Feng HO have a group picture with a local villager and her received cow, as the end of this invaluable ceremony (Fig 3).

Fig. 3 A group picture of the representative of local villagers, SACOLA, international volunteer and Governor's Camp Sabinyo

SACOLA welcomes our new volunteer after COVID-19

Recovering from the pandemic, SACOLA welcomes the first volunteer, Yu-Feng Ho, from Taiwan. Yu-Feng has a background of agriculture and environmental management. He used to study Agronomy, Bachelor of Science at National Taiwan University (Taiwan) and Environment and Resource Management, Master of Science at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

He brings us skills and tips for managing projects and generates some value and ideas. He stays with us for 6 weeks and we are glad to host him in Rwanda. Every work that has been done benefits the local communities.

School Dining Room

SACOLA Continue to improve the school experience for students. GS NYANGE School did not have a dining room for students students, SACOLA supported the school by constructing the dining room shown below.

Dining room at G.S.Nyange