Primary School Support - Virunga

Kanyaruchinya primary school is one of the main schools near the Nyiragongo Volcano  in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Many tourists would hike this volcano and stay in the beautiful Virunga National Park with the help of porters and other helpers. The income they received from tourism was directly used to support their families and schooling their children by paying fees and providing school tools such as note books, pens, school uniforms and shoes etc.

Unfortunately, due to the recent abduction of 2 british tourists  on May 11th, 2018, the Virunga National Park decided to close down temporarily for safety.  Without tourism activities, many of the porters and those working in the park have found themselves unemployed, and without income. With this reality, their children may not be able to attend school in September. We have identified 167 children who study at Kanyaruchinya and are raising funds to pay for their school fees and supplies for the year, amounting to $96 USD per student.

The local tour operators based in Goma, DRC have come together to organize this fundraiser in time for the school year and to raise awareness for the importance of conservation in Africa's most biodiverse park. Any support is greatly appreciated, so we can show the importance tourism brings to the community and help these children stay in school until the park can be reopened. Thank you!