Gorilla Ambassadors Program

***UPDATE***

Thank you everyone for your generous donations! The Gorilla Ambassador program has now evolved into a non-profit organization in the Congo! Estimic and his team are working on several different initiatives and adjusting also adjusting programs due to Covid-19 restrictions. To learn more about Congo Tourism Gate and the Gorilla Ambassador program, follow the CTG Facebook Page . 

Despite these changes, the Gorilla Ambassadors program continues with a few modifications. Estimic and his team are continuing wildlife protection lessons at local orphanages (which remain opened). We believe that there is so much value to educating the younger generations and this is why the Gorilla Ambassadors Program continues, despite the uncertain times. When Virunga National Park re-opens, the children will be able to visit the gorillas in person and apply the lessons they learned in the classroom. We will use the funds to contribute to classroom materials, protective masks, snacks for the children, travel costs for the educators, and operational costs for running the program.

We've created a website with more information and planning to expand the program! You can visit the website at www.ctg-rdc.org

or at www.gorillamabassadors.com

For the most up to date information, visit the Congo Tourism Gate Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CongoTourismGate

Thank you again!

***Original Post Below**

In January, we had the amazing opportunity to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo to visit Virunga National Park and see mountain gorillas in their natural habitat. During our trip, we met a local guide, Estimic, who told us that many Congolese have not seen the Gorillas despite living in such close proximity. We also learned that many young students are not aware of gorillas and their importance to the environment and human life, which puts gorillas at a high risk for extinction. 

Estimic started a Gorilla Ambassador program to teach young students about the importance of Gorilla conservation and its impact on human life. He visits schools near Kimbuma, on the outskirts of Virunga National park, and teaches kids ages 10 to 12 years old about these unique animals. Many children have been taught that gorillas should be hunted and eaten.Through education, Estimic hopes to change the children’s understanding of gorillas and create a sense of pride for the Congo. In the future, these programs will transform the tourism industry in the Congo which will ultimately fund the local economy and create better schools, more jobs and fund development in the villages.

Your donation will allow 40+ students from 4 different schools through the end of the school year to visit the Gorillas face to face. The money will go towards transportation, food, and marketing materials for the trip.  

Transport

- 2 motorcycles @$10 per day = $200 

- Flyers 300 @$0.25 = $75

- Retro projector to show videos to the students

1@$100

- Transport from the schools to the park with students

--1 long bus to transport 36 students plus 4 teachers from the 4 schools $300x 4 class trip $1200 USD

Snacks for students after visiting gorillas

40x $2 = $80