Rwanda stands among Africa’s leading nations in environmental protection, climate adaptation, and sustainable development. From banning plastic bags to restoring degraded landscapes, the country has built a global reputation for climate action. Yet, like many nations around the world, Rwanda continues to face the rising challenges of floods, droughts, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss, all intensified by climate change.
As these threats grow, community-driven solutions - especially those involving young people - have never been more important. That is where the UMULINGA Green Awareness Initiative, the flagship climate action project of Green Starz Impakt Hub (GreenStars), steps in.
Image: The climate action projects - Green Starz Impakt Hub (GreenStars)
What Is the UMULINGA Green Awareness Initiative?
UMULINGA is the heartbeat of GreenStars’ environmental mission.
It is designed to educate, empower, and engage communities - especially youth - on climate resilience and environmental sustainability.
The initiative focuses on four pillars:
- Raising awareness on climate change and environmental protection.
- Empowering young people through hands-on learning and eco-clubs.
- Supporting community-based environmental solutions.
- Investing in long-term tree-planting and climate resilience projects.
At the core of UMULINGA is our commitment to allocate a portion of GreenStars’ revenue, from research consultancy and capacity building, directly to climate action. This ensures that every project we implement contributes to building a greener future for Rwanda.
Alongside this financial pledge, GreenStars continues to seek partnerships with NGOs, schools, and community institutions to amplify impact and scale environmental education nationwide.
Flagship Activity: “One Student - One Tree” Initiative
Image: Teaching the student their part in environmental protection
On 24 October 2025, GreenStars launched one of its most impactful activities to date - the
“One Student - One Tree” Initiative, in collaboration with SOS Primary School in Kigali.
This initiative is more than a tree-planting campaign. It is a transformative learning experience for children and a powerful investment in Rwanda's future.
Students were taught:
- How to plant a tree properly
- How to care for it
- Why trees are essential for the planet
- The responsibility we all share in protecting the environment
Image: Children are excited about participating in planting trees.
Through this activity, GreenStars aims to nurture a generation that understands the value of environmental stewardship - young people who will grow up not only planting trees but protecting ecosystems, advocating for sustainability, and leading climate action in their communities.
Why This Initiative Matters
The “One Student – One Tree” activity directly contributes to:
- Reforestation efforts that strengthen Rwanda’s climate resilience
- Practical environmental education at the school level
- Instilling responsibility and eco-conscious values in children
- Supporting Rwanda’s national environmental vision, including the Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy
These actions reflect the UMULINGA project’s broader mission—to empower communities and create lasting environmental impact through awareness, youth leadership, and sustainable practices.
Our Commitment to the Community
GreenStars is dedicated to giving back through:
- Continuous environmental education programs
- Tree planting and restoration projects
- Climate resilience activities across schools and communities
- Partnerships that expand the impact of UMULINGA nationwide
Through this initiative, we reaffirm that every contribution, every tree planted, and every child taught today shapes a greener tomorrow.
Image: Group photo of SOS School’s staff and GreenStars team
The success of UMULINGA relies on collective effort in creating Meaningful Change.
We invite partners, schools, organisations, and individuals who share our vision to collaborate with us.
Together, we can expand climate awareness, empower youth leaders, restore landscapes, and build a more sustainable and resilient Rwanda
Together, we take actions that support lives.
