We are proud to partner with an inspirational organization called Art of Conservation. The Art of Conservation project commenced in 2007 and works in poor rural communities bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda. Kids are given the opportunity to connect with nature and endangered species through various forms of art. The focus of the program is to empower the kids and instill a sense of pride and respect for the environment and for each other.
Every kid(including myself) loves to dress up and pretend. What better way to enstill a deeper empathy and understanding for their local endangered species then to have the kids imagine being the species? Each year in June during Igitaramo, a cultural festival that celebrates Rwanda’s environment and biodiversity, AoC students put on song and dance performances while wearing the masks.
For “Mu Birunga,” a song about mountain gorillas, students get to wear these gorilla masks; for “Heroes of the Forest,” a song about the many different wild animals that inhabit Rwanda, costumed children depict more than 10 different species.
Staff artists craft these beautiful animal masks in the Art of Conservation studio, depicting mountain gorillas, golden monkeys, forest buffaloes, and other species that inhabit Rwanda’s national parks. The artists sculpt masks using clay molds and papier mache, and hand paint each to look as realistic as possible.
Youth programs are critical to the success of any conservation effort. AoC approaches learning through a unique method, using visual, auditory, and performance arts to teach lessons and inspire creativity in its students.
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