Heart, energy, force for good: Tourism and sustainable development in Rwanda
Emma Raissa Isheja is not only passionate about her Nyakinama village community but is also keen to harness the heart and energy of its women and young people to advance sustainable development in Rwanda.
The volunteer, tour guide, and electrical engineering graduate is a believer in tourism’s potential to be a force for good.
It’s a “Good Tourism” Insight. (You too can write a “GT” Insight.)
In the heart of Nyakinama village, Rwanda, stands the Red Rocks Cultural Center; a haven of inspiration, empowerment, and change. I am proud to work here.
Through this “Good Tourism” Insight, I am honoured to share with you how I feel we can and do make a difference at Red Rocks; how tourism can be a force for good in Nyakinama and beyond.
My name is Emma Raissa ISHEJA. I am a 23-year-old young woman born and raised in Rwanda. I grew up passionate about art and culture and enthusiastic about being a voice for my community.
I am a recent graduate in electrical engineering at the local university here in Nyakinama where I have lived since 2018.
One Saturday I took a walk around the beautiful village. During my walk I heard traditional drums. I followed the sound and rhythm and it led me to the Red Rocks Cultural Campsite where they were hosting their annual cultural festival.
I entered and I loved everything I saw: Cultural dances, live art, and seeing local people, especially women, interacting with tourists and other guests from different parts. I admired their confidence.
More “GT” posts tagged ‘Culture, cultural heritage, & history tourism’
Later that day I learned that I could volunteer; to contribute to the different projects they had that were promoting locals and keeping their heritage alive.
I decided to specifically work with the women and youth. I personally believe that women are the heart of development while the youth provide the energy.
I feel empowered working with the women from the local cooperatives. They are of different age groups and different backgrounds and I enjoy seeing them expressing themselves, learning new skills, and working together in teams.
Red Rocks also gave me an opportunity to be trained as a tour guide, which is what I am currently doing.
At Red Rocks we have a purpose that resonates far beyond Nyakinama village.
Our mission is to catalyse transformation, igniting the flame of cultural preservation, community progress, and environmental protection through our initiatives for sustainable development.
Culture and community
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