A safe learning environment
The art classes offer a way for members of the local
communities near the gorilla park to engage in their
surroundings, and with each other, both during class and the art exhibitions. We know from the conversations during the art exhibitions that people thought their experience with AoC art classes was time will spent, and that art posted at the ORTPN office in Kinigi represented a new way to share information about the value of nature and ecosystem health.

The potential to alleviate poverty
The issue of job training does come up and creates a source of tension. We emphasize that employment is not the proposed outcome of the art classes, but that we hope AoC staff and invited guests will serve as role models. Each of these experts explain to the class a bit about their background and their current job. As such, they offer the students proof that it's possible to be paid to work with nature, or work as an artist, or work to improve public health.

Better public health
The topic of health is introduced into the class, and thus the artwork, in different ways. For example, illnesses can pass from person to person, or person to animal, or environment to animal, and vice versa; goodnutrition is important to health, which is why gorillas need the forest and people need to eat a balanced diet; personal hygiene involves simple daily steps such as washing hands and clothes and brushing teeth. The instructors learn that people want the
information and tools about how to stay healthy. We also know that the magnitude of the need is far greater than what AoC can provide and we will look for ways to share this information with public health officials.

AoC classes are possible because of the strong support of ORTPN (l'Office Ruandais de Tourisme et des Parcs Nationaux), local leaders, school district heads, and MGVP, Inc.

Each is helpful in organizing the best location for each class and suggesting the most appropriate students.