Meet Iriza, a KHA Student Passionate About Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Preservation

Right now, Iriza is diving into sustainable tourism practices and destination management at KHA in level 3, soon joining level 4 (grade 11). This school year, she’s particularly excited about learning the intricacies of eco-tourism and cultural heritage tourism, both of which are vital for promoting responsible travel and preserving the unique aspects of various destinations.

One of her favorite things she has learned at KHA is the importance of cultural diversity. Understanding and respecting different cultures is crucial in the tourism industry. Additionally, she has acquired skills in tourism management, tour guiding, and hospitality, all of which are essential for creating memorable and positive experiences for travelers.

Her inspiration to choose tourism as her field of study came from her love of exploring different areas across Rwanda and the joy she feels when discovering new places. She wanted a career that would allow her to share that passion with others and help them discover the beauty of Rwanda.

After KHA, she hopes to work for a Rwandan travel company and later start her own business that focuses on sustainable and culturally immersive travel experiences. She aims to make a positive impact on the tourism industry by promoting responsible and ethical travel practices.

When she found out she would be a student at KHA, she was overjoyed. It felt like a dream come true to be accepted into such a prestigious institution. She was eager to start her journey and learn from the best in the field.

The culture at KHA is vibrant and diverse. Being a student here is both challenging and rewarding. Everyone is passionate about their studies, and there’s a strong sense of community and collaboration. Students support and inspire each other to achieve their goals.

The teachers at KHA are amazing. They are knowledgeable, supportive, and always willing to go the extra mile to help students succeed. Their real-world experience and insights bring the lessons to life, making learning both engaging and practical.

The KHA campus is a blend of modern and natural beauty. It features state-of-the-art facilities, including classrooms, libraries, and recreational areas. The lush gardens planted by the students and the open spaces provide a peaceful environment for studying and relaxation.

Boneza, where KHA is located, is a picturesque village with rich history and vibrant culture. The best thing about Boneza is its welcoming community and the beautiful landscapes that surround it. From stunning mountain views to Lake Kivu, there’s always something breathtaking to see.

One of the funniest stories from her time at KHA happened during a group project. They were tasked with organizing a Nyungwe event, and in their excitement, they accidentally forgot their hiking boots. They ended up having to hike in their school shoes, turning the hike into a “walkshift” event. Despite the chaos, it turned out to be a fantastic experience, and they all had a good laugh about it afterward.

Overall, her experience at KHA has been incredible. She has learned so much, made lifelong friends, and is excited about what the future holds. She’s grateful for the scholarship from Arise Rwanda and hopes others will have the same opportunity in the future.