My name is Jean Claude Mwendo Ndege. I am a Ranger working at the Rumangabo station. I was born in Rumangabo august 26, 1977 in Kivu North. I am married to Jacqueline Bavukahe Jacqueline with whom I have six children. I joined the Rangers in April 1998.  I joined because I wanted to earn a living and because my friends, who are Rangers, recommended the job and the life to me. It is thanks to my work as a Ranger that I am established and have a family.

Being a Ranger is an honorable life. That said things have changed for me since I joined. Now it’s more than that; now I have a sense of personal mission regarding conservation. It concerns me that even now some people don’t appreciate the importance of safeguarding the fauna and flora of our parks. I am young and ambitious and I will give all that I have to serve my country through my work as a Ranger. At the moment I’m working at Rumangabo or I’m out on patrol in the campaign against the illegal manufacture of Makala (charcoal). Before I joined up I wanted to be a professional footballer: I play right back for a team in central Rutchuru. Rebuilding Virunga National Park to its former glory is a big challenge but we are increasingly hopeful because we have confidence in our leadership and in the quality of our work.