Catch Them Young: Inspiring Youth for the Conservation of Nyandungu Eco-Park

Introduction

The Catch Them Young project, implemented by Nyandungu Eco-Park with support from Wetland Link International (WLI), is using entertainment-education to inspire youth-led conservation in Rwanda. By transforming Nyandungu into a living classroom, the project equips students and teachers with knowledge, skills, and creativity to safeguard urban wetlands for future generations. Engaging young people early is critical to building long-term environmental stewardship and community ownership.  

Key Activities and Highlights

Between December 2025 and February 2026, the project reached hundreds of learners through experiential activities. A total of 525 students and 43 teachers participated in guided educational tours, exploring biodiversity and ecological restoration at Nyandungu Eco-Park. The public celebration of World Wetlands Day brought together six schools, engaging 93 students and 12 teachers in songs, poems, drawings, documentary screenings, guided nature walks, and tree planting. A two-day workshop (9–10 January 2026) gathered 41 participants, including 19 science teachers and 13 school leaders, to strengthen conservation education and plan Eco-Club activities for,2026.

Impact and Outcomes

The project has significantly strengthened conservation awareness and institutional collaboration. Students demonstrated improved understanding of wetland biodiversity and actively expressed environmental messages through art and performance. Schools committed to establishing and revitalizing Eco-Clubs, while teachers began developing age-appropriate conservation education content to be compiled into a comprehensive toolkit. Partnerships with sector education officers and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) further reinforced institutional buy-in, ensuring sustainability beyond the grant period. 

Next Steps

The project will continue with eco-club strengthening, peer-to-peer workshops, study tours, and clean-up activities, alongside ongoing monitoring and evaluation to measure behavior change and conservation impact.