Prince Albert II visits hive-schools in Rwanda
The Prince and his Foundation actively support the OFA's activities © Franck Axel Nyabagabo
Prince Albert II learned about a project that trains vulnerable women in beekeeping in the Musanze region of Rwanda.
Prince Albert II visited the Rwandan region on Friday 26 September, to see the work of the Observatoire Français d’Apidologie (OFA – French Beekeeping Observatory). The Sovereign visited two sites where beekeeping is taught, accompanied by Thierry Dufresne, who founded the organisation.
Training to empower women
The facilities they visited are at the “Vierge des Pauvres” charity home in Ruhondo and at the One & Only hotel, located in the Volcanoes National Park. The centres take in women with financial difficulties and teach them beekeeping techniques. By selling the honey they produce, they are able to generate their own income and become more independent.
Prince Albert II spoke directly to the programme participants during his tour. Discussions focused on the initiative’s concrete benefits in their day to day lives and looking to the future. The day concluded with the official opening of a third educational apiary in Ruhengeri.
As well as its social work, the OFA has been carrying out scientific research in the Nyungwe forest since 2022. Researchers are analysing the local propolis, the resinous substance produced by bees. Their studies confirm it has disinfectant qualities and is ability to combat fungi. These Rwandan samples will be added to the observatory’s international database.
The Prince Albert II Foundation provides financial support for the different aspects of the project, where environmental protection and local economic development go hand in hand.