The 148th Turning Pages session was hosted by Wildlife Tours Rwanda, marking the fifth time in the program’s history that a session has taken place at a tour company. The first four were hosted by GoDiscover Africa Safaris.
The latest session brought together a small group of five participants. I limited attendance to give everyone an opportunity to contribute. The discussion brought together tour operators and young content creators, giving me an opportunity to learn as much as I shared my experiences as a tourist on the ground. The biggest takeaway was that learning is a two-way street.
Davidson boasts an impressive résumé in tourism, and his experience enriched the discussion.
The session featured Visit Rwinkwavu, one of the booklets available in the Afrika Nzuri Library. Our discussion took us through Rwinkwavu's historical background, its mining heritage, the well-known Rwinkwavu Hospital, the stadium, and other landmarks that shape the identity of this small town.
Our host shared fascinating stories about Rwinkwavu that were new to me, adding to what I had documented in the booklet.
For the other participants, the discussion offered an opportunity to discover Rwinkwavu and appreciate the value of exploring overlooked destinations, taking time to connect with local communities and discover the stories that make each place unique.
The conversation offered something different to each of us. The young creatives saw possibilities for sharing stories about destinations with wider audiences, including young people who might not necessarily encounter them through books. For me, the discussion rekindled memories of my time in Rwinkwavu while giving me fresh perspectives on a place I had already explored. I also came away with invaluable tips on researching a destination before visiting.
With video creators in the room, we explored the possibility of Afrika Nzuri venturing into video production as another way to showcase the beauty of Africa. I explained that Turning Pages is a reading program, while Afrika Nzuri has a broader storytelling mission that can embrace different formats. The door is open for young people to get involved, bring their skills to the table, and play an active role in taking these stories to wider audiences.
These gatherings give me an opportunity to listen, learn, and challenge my own thinking.
We often lecture young people in different forums. But we rarely allow them to teach us. Perhaps we should trade places more often, listen to their ideas, and recognize the possibilities their perspectives can reveal.
Sometimes, the most valuable thing we can bring to a room is not another lesson. It is a willingness to listen.