At Rubavu Technical College – TSS, every lesson is an opportunity to blend theory with real-world experience. Last time, our Level 3 Tourism students stepped out of the classroom for a hands-on session focused on tents and outdoor accommodation services—a key component of modern tourism. The morning sun lit the school compound as students gathered around their instructor, Trainer Dusengimana Jean d’Amour, who began the lesson with an important question: “What makes a tourist feel at home, even in the wilderness?” The students were eager. Some mentioned safety, others talked about comfort, and a few spoke about the beauty of nature. Their teacher smiled and revealed the purpose of the day’s practical lesson: Understanding how to set up, inspect, and manage tourist tents. Learning by Doing The students were divided into small groups, each assigned a different tent model—backpacking tents, dome tents, and family-size tourist tents. Guided by the teacher, they learned: • How to identify the right location for a tent • The correct way to install tent poles and fix the rainfly • How to check stability and ensure tourist safety • Techniques for maintaining tents during long trips or outdoor tours Laughter and teamwork filled the air as students compared their tent-pitching skills. Some tents stood proudly within minutes, while others needed a little extra teamwork—but each struggle became part of the learning experience. More Than Just a Tent After the practical activity, Trainer Dusengimana Jean d’Amour gathered the class again and explained the importance of this skill in the tourism industry. He emphasized that outdoor and adventure tourism is growing rapidly, and professionals who can guide tourists, set up campsites, and manage outdoor equipment are highly valued. He reminded the students that good hospitality isn’t only found in hotels— sometimes it is built under the stars, with a simple tent and a warm welcome. A Lesson to Remember As the session came to an end, the students looked proudly at their pitched tents. For many, it was their first time building one from scratch. The day left them not only with a new skill, but also with a stronger appreciation for tourism as a profession that blends nature, creativity, and service. At Rubavu Technical College – TSS, we continue to nurture practical skills that prepare our learners for real opportunities in the tourism industry—one tent, one lesson, and one inspiring experience at a time.