Background
The Sustaining Rwanda Youth Organization (SR-YO) is a student-run, non-governmental, non-political, voluntary organization. SR-YO has been registered at both local and district levels in 2010 and 2011 respectively. The overall goal of SR-YO is to build capacity and stronger collaboration among Rwandan youth to enable them understand the urgency of and to take action against, environmental and economic issues for both present and future generations.
This organization was founded in January 2010 by Karenzi Alphonse with support from colleagues. All of them were students working in Geosatellite Newspaper and Urban Planning and Environmental Management Student Association (UPEMSA). The intention of founding this organization was to bring together all efforts made by different small student associations and individual students into one bigger organization. This allows for improved collaboration and a more profound and sustainable impact on the community as a result.
After growing to include more than 70 student volunteers, SR-YO has focused on maintaining and keeping all of its members active by establishing its structure, mission and objectives.
Mission
To build capacity and stronger collaboration among Rwandan youth to enable them understand the urgency of and to take action against, environmental and economic issues for both present and future generations.
To enhance understanding and realization of the MDGs, as well as other national and international policies and visions, at the local level.
Current activities
- Geosatellite Newspaper (a newspaper which relays news and views about development and the environment, published within four universities in Rwanda and other governmental institutes and scientific and research centers)
- Community outreach sessions in Huye and Gisagara districts (sensitizations)
- Monthly community work
- Improved cooking stoves campaign against deforestation
- Campus Weekly Discussions (discussions on development related issues)
- Project Management and Entrepreneurship skills dissemination
- GIS and Technology knowledge sharing
Membership
SR-YO receives volunteer students from all faculties included in the National University of Rwanda and it allows all students aged 15-32 to join. So far we have 82 active members who are students and SR-YO alumni. The alumni currently occupy eight positions; all of these individuals have finished their studies at National University of Rwanda and are enrolled in jobs or Master’s Programs. There are also four mentors from national and international institutions. They are headed by Dr. Gaspard Rwanyizire, the Secretary of the Geography Department at National University of Rwanda.
Among the SR-YO members there are ten members who are studying law and two alumni who were law students in 2010.
Management
Every year we vote for the new coordination board made up by:
- Director
- Vice director
- Secretary (reserved only for girls)
- Treasurer (reserved only for girls)
- Relations Officer
- Fundraising Officer
- Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
- Heads and Secretaries of all eight programs
The supervising council committee is made up by:
- President of supervising council
- Secretary of supervising council
- Mentor
Every month we have a general assembly meeting where we present all activities done and the financial status of the organization in front of all members.
Partnerships
Huye District
Department of Geography at National University of Rwanda
National Center of Geographic Information System
UPEMSA: Urban Planning and Environmental Management Student Association
RVCP: Rwanda Village Concept Project
RUCCB: Rwanda University Club for Conservation of Biodiversity
