In January 2018 the Gishwati Research station hosted a team of 9 Drake University’s students with professor Michael J. Renner. The team came in Rwanda to explore different topics in a class titled “Ecotourism, Conservation, and Development in Post-Genocide Rwanda.” They visited Gishwati to learn about Gishwati history, current management structure, the ecology and wildlife of this part of the youngest park in Rwanda, Gishwati Mukura national park.

Drake university students hiking in Gishwati Forest.

During their stay Drake’s students enjoyed the good view of the forest that the Gishwati research station offers and their everyday activities were facilitated by Forest of Hope Association (FHA). They got introduced on the FHA works in Gishwati and different researches that are currently being conducted on Gishwati forest biodiversity. They were also encouraged to come and do their research on Gishwati biodiversity and use our beautiful research station.

After spending one night at Gishwati Research Station, Drake’s students did a hike to Kazeneza falls located on Pfunda River inside the Gishwati Forest, and have had a chance to see L’hoesti monkeys, one of the Gishwati primates apart from golden monkeys and Chimpanzees.

Drake university students were excited to see KAZENEZA waterfall

FHA staff also oriented them in different visits related to its community engagement program to get an idea on how different community groups are trying to get alternative of different resources they were getting in the Park before. They have visited different community groups around Gishwati forest including: KOVAKARU (a women handcrafts cooperative) to buy souvenirs. With FHA support, KOVAKARU members make carpets using special needle, crocheting napkins; making plates, trays, baskets and other related handcrafts materials using UBUHIVU as raw materials. They also visited COAGIRU (a cooperative of traditional healers) to get traditional medicine experience and related culture; and INDASHYIKIRWA (an indigenous historically marginalized group) to enjoy traditional dances performance. Drake team also participated in the community work to remove exotic species (Eucalyptus sp.) inside the forest.

Drake university students with COAGIRU members

Drake university students, FHA staff with people around Gishwati after community work.

Drake’ students dance with indigenous historically marginalized group

Each night at the Gishwati Research Station was a new experience and interesting. “The first night we have seen stars that was clearly seen in the sky during the night after switching off all the lights. The second night we sat around the fires and it was a story telling time. I couldn’t stop laughing because of jokes. The third day was about dancing. We have been impressed by Kinihira students dance performance” said one of Drake’s students. the dancing event was organized for the last night and it was like competition where Kinihira Secondary school students (mainly made by students grouped in the school eco-club) and drake students, were presenting a performance of a given songs respectively.

Drake students with KINIHIRA secondary school students at Gishwati Research Station

Drake’ students were happy to be the first team hosted by Gishwati Research Station and enjoyed their stay.

Forest of Hope Association using the funds received from the West Chester University Foundation, constructed a dormitory facility with one large dorm room that can hold up to 24 students in bunk style accommodations and two single rooms and a separate shower and bathroom facilities.