Meet the Visionaries Behind Nature Our Teacher

It all began with Innocent Ndagijimana, a devoted environmentalist and seasoned tourist guide with over 16 years of experience working in Rwanda’s breathtaking national parks Nyungwe, Volcanoes, and Akagera. Witnessing firsthand the challenges of conservation, including scarce resources and a lack of accessible wildlife information, Innocent envisioned a future where education could reconnect people with nature and inspire sustainable practices.

But behind every great vision stands a steadfast partner.
Madam Falida Nyinawumuntu, his wife and co-founder, was the backbone of this journey. Through sleepless nights, financial hurdles, and moments of doubt, she remained his constant source of strength. Her hands-on involvement in project execution, her belief in the mission, and her relentless drive helped lay the cornerstone of what would become Nature Our Teacher.

Today, their shared dream has blossomed into a thriving initiative that is educating communities, empowering youth, and preserving Rwanda’s rich natural heritage.

 

Our Story: From the Forest Trails to Community Classrooms

1. Nature Our Teacher (Non-Profit)

This is the soul of the movement.
Nature Our Teacher focuses on educating children, youth, and communities about environmental protection, sustainable living, and cultural heritage. Through workshops, school visits, storytelling, and free nature-based educational materials, we cultivate a new generation that respects and protects our planet.

  • 📘 We provide free conservation books in local languages.

  • 🏞️ We host eco-education programs in communities and schools.

  • 🤝 We create volunteer and internship opportunities to develop young conservation leaders.

2. Nature Destinations and Safaris

This is the engine that powers our work.

Nature Destinations and Safaris offers eco-friendly tourism experiences across Rwanda. More than just tours, they are immersive learning journeys—connecting travelers to Rwanda’s biodiversity, history, and conservation efforts.

  • 🌍 10% of proceeds go directly to supporting Nature Our Teacher’s programs.

  • 🐘 Our guides double as environmental ambassadors.

  • 💡 We use tourism to support local communities and raise awareness about sustainability.

3. Nature Rights Plus Ltd

This is the voice of the movement. Nature Rights Plus drives research, policy advocacy, and grassroots engagement. It supports our educational materials with credible data and strengthens our message with local and national stakeholders.

  • 📊 We collect and publish reliable wildlife data and field reports.

  • 📣 We engage in policy dialogue for environmental reforms.

  • 🧠 We collaborate with universities and conservationists to build capacity for future generations.

Together, these three pillars form a resilient ecosystem, each supporting the other to make sure no part of the mission is left behind.

Meet Our Team

Mr. NDAGIJIMANA Innocent is the founder of NATURE OUR TEACHER, an environmental organization established in 2015 to promote biodiversity conservation through documentation. Motivated by the need to preserve knowledge and achievements across generations, he leads efforts to bridge the information gap in environmental preservation in Rwanda.

Innocent Ndagijimana

 Founder & Director

Mrs. NYINAWUMUNTU Farida is a dedicated co-founder of NATURE OUR TEACHER and played a vital role alongside her husband in shaping the organization’s vision. She contributed significantly to developing educational materials for children and adults, co-authoring several books focused on environmental conservation.

Falida Nyinawumuntu

Co-founder & Operational Lead

Mr. Divin NIYORUKUNDO is the General Operations Coordinator at NATURE OUR TEACHER, bringing over a decade of experience in technology, document management, and library coordination. He plays a key role in organizing environmental resources and overseeing the organization’s daily operations.

Divin Niyorukundo

Chief Operating Officer

Madam Benurugo Shemusa oversees finance and administration at NATURE OUR TEACHER. A committed advocate for environmental education and gender equality, she plays a key role in building the organization’s conservation library and supporting its daily growth.

Shemusa Benerugo

Finance and Administration