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Dr. Mike Cranfield, (MGVP's director),
Dr. Lucy Spelman, (MGVP's Regional Manager), and the entire staff
of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project offers greatly appreciated
assistance to AoC.
Julie and a new AoC graduate at the end of the year open house.
 Parents of AoC students are an integral part of the program.
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ABOUT US
History
2011
AoC is off to a fantastic start. Parents
and siblings of AoC's students are more involved in the education
allowing conservation and health messages to spread to an even wider
audience. The AoC team is developing stronger teaching skills and
Cecile (AoC's briquette producer) is making money from her alternative
cooking fuel business.
2010
AoC officially receives its 501(c)(3) status
from the US Internal Revenue Service.
AoC continues offering its year-long course increasing the number
of students to 200 fifth-form primary school students. In partnership
with Rwanda's park and tourism office, AoC also runs day-long conservation
workshops at six other primary schools located near Volcanoes National
Park. The organization continues to support its fuel briquette initiative.
AoC's sports component also receives its official stamp of approval!
Ibirunga Tennis and Running Club is registered with the district.
2009
AoC files for 501(c)(3) status in the United States. Rwanda's Ministry
of Education welcomes the organization as a more integrated partner
in education. AoC moves from doing three-month short courses to operating
a year-long intensive conservation education program for 150 fifth-form
primary school students. Near the end of the year, AoC also starts
an alternative cooking fuel initiative called Save The Forests Briquette
Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to reduce the use of charcoal
and also help its briquette producers generate more income.
As part of AoC's effort in capacity building, it requests the presence
and participation of each class' schoolteacher whereby creating a
teacher-in-training program.
2008
After a very busy and formative first year of operation, AoC submits
for International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) certification
from the Republic of Rwanda and by late 2008 begins conducting
its operations as an independent organization. After discussions
with community members, district leaders, and Rwanda's park and
tourism service, all are in agreement AoC can focus its conservation
and health education programs on the children attending primary
school in the rural communities bordering Volcanoes National Park.
2007
In 2007, Julie Ghrist launches Art of Conservation (AoC): Creating a Healthful Connection between People and Mountain Gorillas, in partnership with the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, Inc., (MGVP, Inc.) in the Northern Province of Rwanda, Africa.
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At a Save The Forests Briquette Initiative demonstration, Cecile receives support from Valerie and Innocent.
AoC's paper mache animal masks are exhibited at American Visionary Art Museum's show called "What Makes Us Smile?" Photo courtesy of Pete Hilsee.
At the Ibirunga Tennis & Running Club, AoC holds weekend learning classes for the dedicated group of tennis players and runners. |
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