The Natural Beauty of Rwanda | National Geographic
[Music] My job, I enjoy it very much. My contribution to conservation, it's something that makes me proud. Working with rangers and patrols, with the guides, with animal trackers—this is the best office in the world. The growth of the country and the energy, it's almost duplicated in any other sphere of the society. So, like coffee shops, art centers, you feel that energy. The energy, the creativity is part of the whole fabric of society right now. It's a vibe.
I'm trying to push the boundaries of things which are made in Rwanda, taking the inspiration from what we have traditionally but make them more modern. My inspiration for my designs, the colorful patterns all over Rwanda in our tradition too. I love to go in the market and just watch people, how they combine colors—it's beautiful.
Young National Park is a mountain rainforest. It's a park rich in biodiversity. We have 13 species of primates, more than 300 species of birds, and it's where we have the farthest source of the Nile. There is something special that we need to protect. I'm proud of my country because of the resilience and willingness to work hard, to learn from each other. Together, we'll go further than if we work individually.
What's unique about Rwandan coffee is the altitude. The environment makes a huge difference; you get that smooth refreshing taste, and we have won numerous awards. The past has a big influence also to how I see Rwanda. For example, I use and ignore the traditional dancers. It's beautiful and it's graceful. So, that's what I wanted to explain in my clothes—it's graceful but strong at the same time.
[Music] There's a word that we use called "agachiro." Agachiro means the idea of self-worth, self-respect, and it translates in everything that we do. It means the dignity of Rwandans working together. Put efforts together; it makes me proud to be Rwandan. [Applause] Agachiro, for me, it's a very powerful word which has so much meaning: be grateful, be respectful, be resilient, be an example.
There is a new change; there is a new Rwanda being created, and I'm part of it. There's an energy that's out there, welcoming every single person. Come visit Rwanda, walk the streets, talk to the people—you'll be amazed at what you discover. Rwanda is a land of dreams.