REGREENING MY VILLAGE, DEVELOPING OUR GRASSROOTS ECONOMY

Hello everyone - I am raising funds on behalf of my good friend and young climate actionist Leonard Iyamuremye. Since we met, he has really impressed me with his enthusiasm and passion for fighting climate change and helping his community. You can read his story below.

All the best,

Cristina

Hello World,

My name is Leonard IYAMUREMYE, born and raised in Rwanda’s rural area called Muhanga.

As I reflect on another year passing by, I am reminded of the power of collective action and the potential for positive change within my communities. With my birthday approaching on June 2nd, I am embarking on a mission close to my heart, one that seeks to nurture both the land and the people who call it home.

My story means a lot: I grew up seeing my parents do farming with less knowledge of agriculture and on a very small plot of 0.7ha=0.007Km.sq, this was the only source of revenue and family life, for the family of 4 children who need to live, go to school and other needs. You can imagine the challenges my mom and dad faced.

I have dedicated my life to bringing solutions for the environment and combating the impacts of climate change as well as poverty. Armed with a diploma in wildlife conservation and a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Management and Conservation, my journey has taken me to countless conferences and workshops globally on climate change, agriculture and agroforestry, ecosystem restoration, water stewardship, etc. And each experience enriched my understanding of the complex relationship between grassroot economics, livelihoods and the environment.

‘’Three years ago I decided to bring tangible changes to my family and community. I used all I have and planted 100 Hass avocado trees in my parents' 0.7 ha plot of land. Now the fruits are ready! See the pictures . Avocados are a cash crop and bring a lot more money than any other food crops in Rwanda but farmers didn’t know, with less stress and management. This turned into a way of thinking in doing smart things for the benefit of my People, the planet and generating enough profit to live securely and hopefully with a bit of leisure time.’’

Now, as I stand at the end of another year, please help my family celebrate my birthday together by supporting this crowdfunding campaign. I have a bold vision: with your help, to donate and plant seeds of change in my community by donating over 15,000 Hass avocado trees to 300 subsistence households in the nearby villages. And this will boost and transform the lives of those people completely.

My village counts 412 households and 300 are under the level that can be adequately sustained by subsistence agriculture practices. The initiative will build a tree nursery to grow seedlings and after all will be given freely to those 300 households, adding training on fruit tree planting and caring activities with reference to my grown trees. Working with the local government and volunteers, I will make sure that all trees are planted well, cared for and grown.

With the goal of raising $20,000 (approx. £16,000), this campaign aims not only to provide sustainable livelihoods but also to empower community members with the knowledge and skills needed to care for these trees. Through training and ongoing monitoring, we will ensure that these fruit trees thrive, becoming a source of nourishment and economic opportunity for generations to come and play a role in land restoration.

Plans and timeline

Spending plans of $20 000

I believe that true progress is measured not only by the height of our skyscrapers but by the depth of our roots within the Earth. By investing in the land and the people who tend to it, we can create a more resilient and sustainable future for all.

But I cannot do this alone. I invite you to join me on this journey of transformation. If you can donate even one dollar, $10, $100, $500, or $1000, together, we can sow the seeds of change and cultivate a more financially independent, food-secure and positive tomorrow for our rural Rwandan communities and our planet.

“I would love to publish a social post, with people who donated (either named or anonymously as you prefer). So if you want to be featured, please send me your photo, name and short bio, with links to your social accounts after donating”.

You can donate either here or (for more direct impact), send directly to our bank account that can be shared by contacting me on [email redacted] or WhatsApp : +250787712266.

With gratitude,

Leonard IYAMUREMYE