Keza and the Green City PDF

 Copyright: Copyright ©2020 by Imagine We Publishers All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the written perm...

 Copyright: Copyright ©2020 by Imagine We Publishers All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the written permission of the publisher. Imagine We Publishers, KG 203 St, Remera Kigali, Rwanda www.imaginewe.rw E-Mail: [email protected] TEL: +250785447440/ +250788315146 Printed in Rwanda Published by Imagine We Publishers in Partnership with Green City Kigali. ISBN: 978-99977-779-2-8 Narrations by FONERWA and the Green City Kigali team Illustrations by Mika Hirwa Twizerimana Designed by Joel Gisagara  FOREWORD FOREWORD by the Ambassador of the by the Minister of Education Federal Republic of Germany For the last 60 years, Rwanda and Germany have worked together to improve governance, “Sometimes when I am walking in the forest, I admire the birds up in the trees. The branches and sustainable economic development and training. leaves protect them from the sun, and when there is heavy rainfall, they serve as a roof so the birds stay dry. At night, the trees are a safe place to sleep. When the birds are hungry, they set out to In more recent years, our collaboration has strengthened to fight the consequences of pick up seeds and drink the fresh water from the nearby lake. The birds get everything they need climate change, which is having a devastating impact on Rwanda – putting livelihoods from the forest. and lives at risk. To tackle this increasing issue, together our countries have been working to promote sustainable urban development – an initiative I’m very proud to be a part of. For a lot of people though, sadly, their homes are not as suitable as the bird´s trees in the forest. When you live in the city, the dust from the streets burns your eyes and the streets are crowded. As Germany is a global leader in renewable energy research, urbanisation and the fight The noise gives you a headache, and you can’t even hear the birds. against climate change – it’s been an honour to share our knowledge and expertise with the Rwandan government. Cities are growing fast in many places in Africa, and around the world. Humans are polluting the environment with garbage and emissions from factories and power plants. The emissions have a Rwanda is a very special country, rich in diversity and natural beauty – the protection bad effect on the climate of our planet and change the weather conditions all over the world. In and advancement of it is at the heart of what we do. That said, in order for our ambitious Rwanda, in some places heavy rain can cause floods, whereas in others, it can be very dry which sustainability goals to be a success, we need to equip the young people of Rwanda threatens crops. with the tools and education needed to carry our mission forward. Because if we want Consequently, many people must leave their homes, but also wild animals like the birds in the to improve the future – we need to empower the people of the future: Rwanda’s young trees are losing their habitats. The lake might dry out or their forest homes burn down. This effect people. is called climate change – and we urgently need to change the way we live to slow it down. It is inspiring to see the vast array of talent and commitment so many young Rwandans One way is to build cities in a way so that they don’t harm nature and offer protection to its have when it comes to making a difference in their community. This is evident in the inhabitants – just like how the trees offer a safe home to the birds in the forest. The Government of book you’re about to read, as it was created by a young team of talented writers and Rwanda is already working on new ways to make cities greener by providing renewable energy, illustrators here in Rwanda. With a little creativity, a story can be a powerful way to raise sustainable waste management, public transport and affordable houses that are built from natural awareness about important topics such as sustainable urban development and climate materials like bamboo or clay and that are resistant to even heavy rains. change. However, we cannot do this alone. We need you – the young generation of Rwanda – to help us. It’s been wonderful to support this creative initiative, and I hope that it empowers the young people of Rwanda to take matters into their own hands and build a more climate In this book, you are going to follow the inspiring adventures of Keza, Ntwali and Simbi, and learn resilient and liveable country for all. how their ideas help the people of their neighbourhood, Kinyinya, build a green city for the future. Together, we can make a difference. No matter how big or small your ideas – everyone can contribute in meaningful ways to build a more sustainable Rwanda. I urge you to raise your voice to tell your family, friends, and teachers about any ideas you might have on how to reduce waste, plant trees or use new technology. Now is the time to learn from each other and find solutions. Together, young and old, we can build greener cities and protect our planet.” Dr. Thomas Kurz Ambassador of the Federal Hon. Dr. Valentine UWAMARIYA Republic of Germany Minister of Education Bugesera, Rwanda. After a long drought, Keza’s On that same day, arriving in Kigali. family have lost all of their crops and are moving to Kigali in search of a better life. I know that you don’t want to go. But if we stay, we will have no Hey kids, food and water. sadly, the time has Is this the come, we must city? It’s so leave the farm. crowded here. I don’t like it! Mama, can we please go back? I want to go back home! The harvests have been very bad, we have no choice. What does Kigali look like? I feel scared… I don’t want to go. I know that you’re upset, but this is our new home. Me too, Keza. I don’t know, I’ve heard it has many big buildings, but no lake to swim in. Things will get better. Soon I’ll find a job and you’ll go to a new school. 66 7 Meanwhile, at the city hall, the Mayor and his team hear about the terrible drought affecting This is an the country… environmental disaster! Around the world, rain is becoming stronger. More We must do and more families are in something! danger of flooding. …and in other parts, the lack of rain is destroying harvests and depleting water reserves. The drought in Bugesera and Nyagatare is getting worse. The Mayor and his team are worried because many citizens have had to leave their homes. This is very worrying, people will struggle to find food… This is one of the reasons why so many people are moving to Kigali in hope of a better life. I fear this will overburden our city though and that’s a problem! 8 9 Keza and Ntwali in their new neighbourhood of Kinyinya. Look! That girl I think she goes has the same to our school, uniform as us! let’s go and say hi! Come on, Keza! SchooWl will be really fun! I hope I can join the football team. Hey, wait! Don’t worry, take a seat and try to relax. I don’t want to go! The bus is too full! Huh? Hi, I’m Keza and this is my No way! I’m in S2 brother Ntwali. as well. My name’s I’m in grade S2. Simbi. Ewww... there are so many cars and trucks! Nice to meet cough you, Simbi! cough !! 10 11  Hurry up, kids! Go to the water pump before it’s dark. Afterwards, you need to do your At school, two weeks later… Driiiiiiing ! homework. Hurry… it’s the bell, we’re It’s the late again! third time this week. Oh no! Look at that long line! We‘re going to get home way after dark. You two are late… again. ! Keza, I’m worried about you. You’re a good student, but you’re always late and your marks are dropping. I’m really sorry, Mr Kamanzi. I fetch water until it’s dark. When I get home, there’s no light so I can’t do my homework. There’s no way I can finish my homework tonight. My teacher is going to be disappointed again. I understand it’s not easy, but try to find a way. 12 12 13  Hey Keza, I heard that you can’t study because there’s I don’t know what no electricity in your The next week, at Keza’s house… to do! Now I’m in house? trouble because it’s too dark to do my homework. What are you doing? I’m harvesting rain so we don’t have to go to the water pump! Hmmm, is this one of the strange ideas from your environmental club? Wow, really… Have you heard about Simbi’s you always have crazy inventions? She light?!? brought her solar lamps to our environmental “Go Green Club.” Now we always have light! It is! And now we can finally study in the afternoon instead of late at night. Wow, so cool! This Go Green Club is awesome! Yes! Join the Go Green Club tomorrow so I can show you! 14 15 In the afternoon… I’m so The next day, the kids observe the damage happy to the storm has brought to Kinyinya. see you! Come in. Wow! Is this the solar lamp? Look how bright it is. The rain destroyed so much. Some of the houses even Yeah, the sun collapsed! charges it during the day and then This is terrible! I can use it to study at night. What do we do now? We will have to rebuild everything. I don’t want to leave our home again!! The sounds of thunder grow louder and louder. Oh no, the storm is getting I want to help! really crazy! But where do we start? I know… let’s use Simbi’s inventions! But we need more people, we can’t do it alone. 16 17 17 Later that afternoon… The next afternoon at school… Mine too, I can’t believe and the that my house roof fell How completely off. could this flooded. happen? It was soooo scary! The rain affected all of us. We need to work together. Calm down, everyone! Oh no… Keza, Simbi and the Go The house is Green Club have an flooded! idea on how to rebuild our homes! Noooo! My inventions are ruined! Ntwali is right, children. You’re probably wondering why these things are happening more often? It’s called climate change, and that’s why we have more droughts and heavy rainfalls. 18 19  Join the Go Green The emissions caused by Club and help people are changing the us fight climate climate all over the world. change! In the future, rain may get even heavier and the temperatures could rise. We can use them to build stronger walls Humans are and homes. polluting the air and the water, and Extreme heat and putting lives in drought is causing serious danger. terrible fires, But if we work threatening entire together, we ecosystems. can protect the environment. Natural materials like bamboo, clay and wood do less damage to the environment. Our neighbourhood will be clean and green! 20 20 21  … and this is how we can have green The Go Green Club goes back to electricity and Two public servants of the Mayor’s Office Kinyinya and explains their plan to fresh water. We don’t need attend the Go Green meeting in Kinyinya. their neighbours. to harm the environment to These children live a good life! Yes! He will be excited are doing amazing What is green things. The Mayor to hear that children electricity? should know about are developing ideas this! for a greener and better Kinyinya. Electricity that comes from the sun or is made with the power of water! This is our mission. Everyone can contribute in different ways from The public servants return to the Mayor’s reducing waste to office to bring him the good news. planting more Mayor! Something amazing is happening in Kinyinya. You need to see this! Let’s protect our planet. Let’s save Kinyinya! 22 23 At the city hall… The Mayor kept his promise and joined the Go Green WOW! Club in Kinyinya. They built new houses, schools and hospitals with clay, wood and bamboo… Can you believe that the Mayor wants to meet us? It’s so exciting! He liked the work of the Go Green Club! The new neighbourhood was green and environmentally friendly. Houses were stronger and could resist heavy rain. Nobody had to worry anymore. They’ve thought of everything, from clean electric buses and motos, to green spaces planted with many plants and trees. We want to use green technologies, natural materials and solar energy to build a sustainable neighbourhood in Kinyinya. Do you want to be part of it? Oh wow! Yes! We’d love to! 24 25 Clean solar energy arrived in Kinyinya. Keza’s family never had power cuts again, and the Great news kids could play and study any time they class, everyone wanted to … passed! Oh wow… I got 100%! Well done, Keza. And I have more good news! The First Lady wants to meet you. And they were not the only ones. Rwanda is so proud of you! 26 26 27 27 3 YEARS LATER... Kinyinya is now a green city and an inspiration to other Keza is now travelling all over Rwanda, teaching cities in Rwanda affected by climate change. Together, people about climate change and sustainable living. we really can save the planet! Moving here with my family changed our lives! Now every city in Rwanda is becoming a green city, just like Kinyinya. And you? Would you like to live in a green city? 28 28 29 29  ABOUT THE BOOK Green City Kigali is a new sustainable neighbourhood for low and middle- income residents being developed by Rwanda’s Green Fund (FONERWA) with financial support from the German Development Cooperation through KfW Development Bank, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). At Green City Kigali, we believe that community participation, raising awareness and local engagement are essential to the success of an urban development project. For this reason, we collaborated with the Rwandan publishing house and social enterprise “Imagine We,” to produce an educational comic book for children called Keza And The Green City. The goal of the book is to educate the young people of Rwanda about sustainable urban development and its relevance for Rwanda’s future growth. It was also created to empower Rwanda’s children to become ambassadors for the environment. Keza And The Green City revolves around an 11-year-old Rwandan girl called Keza. The story starts with Keza and her family leaving their home in Bugesera and moving to Kigali because extreme drought has destroyed their crops and livelihood. Initially, Keza is very sad to have left her home and has a hard time adjusting to life in the city due to pollution, traffic and the crowded neighbourhood. Her grades at school also begin to suffer because she spends hours at the overcrowded water pump fetching water for her family instead of doing her homework. One day, after heavy rain, her neighbourhood is completely flooded and mudslides cause many houses to collapse. The children, with the help of a young inventor and their science teacher, decide to take action and start rebuilding the houses using natural materials available in the area. Meanwhile, the Mayor of Kigali is trying to find solutions to reduce the effects of climate change and to protect the citizens of Rwanda. He believes the only way forward is to build a green city that provides adequate shelter and protection while reducing harmful emissions. When the Mayor finds out about the children’s initiative, he joins their effort and immediately starts building sustainable houses, equips every house with solar panels, and introduces electric mobility. When the Green City comes to life, the communities celebrate and Keza becomes the new Rwandan ambassador for climate change. To find out more about Green City Kigali, greencitykigali.org  ISBN: 978-99977-779-2-8 ISBN: 978-99977-779-2-8 32 32