Kamonyi District, Rwanda — August 27, 2024
A five-day intensive training program focused on hygiene and sanitation behavior change commenced this week for the Community Hygiene Clubs Committee members from Kigorora and Nyagisozi villages in Mugina Sector, Kamonyi District. The initiative aims to empower committee members with essential knowledge and skills to enhance health standards within their communities
The training is a critical component of the ongoing Mugina Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project, a comprehensive program running from 2023 to 2025. The project is implemented by the local organization ARDE/KUBAHO in collaboration with German partners Sign of Hope and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The Community Hygiene committee following the training
Over the course of the training, participants will delve into various topics, including environmental hygiene, childcare, home sanitation practices, the structure and purpose of hygiene clubs, understanding and preventing waterborne diseases, and incorporating plays and recreational activities to promote health education.
“Our goal is to equip the committee members with practical and sustainable hygiene practices that they can pass on to the wider community,” said Iturinde Chantal, Field Officer at ARDE/KUBAHO and one of the lead trainers. “By strengthening their capacity, we ensure that the message of proper hygiene and sanitation reaches every household, ultimately reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases.
Chantal ITURINDE, ARDE/KUBAHO Field Officer and one of the trainers.
Upon completion of the training, these committee members will cascade the knowledge to three established hygiene clubs in Nyagisozi and Kigorora villages, which are are comprised of over 100 individuals each.. This grassroots approach is designed to foster community ownership and sustained behavior change, leading to improved health outcomes and enhanced quality of life for residents.
Trainees holding learning materials during the session
A close up of one of the photographs being used.
The Mugina WASH project phase II aligns with national efforts to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities, reduce disease burden, and promote sustainable development. By fostering collaborations between local and international organizations, the project exemplifies a concerted effort to address critical health challenges through education, infrastructure development, and community empowerment.
