Huye: Ministry of Health Urges Students to Embrace Hygiene as a Permanent Culture

The Ministry of Health has urged students across Rwanda, particularly in Huye District, to adopt hygiene as a permanent culture rather than a temporary practice.

The call was made by Jean Marie Vianney Ndayizigiye, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, during a hygiene and sanitation awareness campaign known as “Fresheri ku Ishuri” (Freshness at School).

Hygiene Starts With the Individual

Ndayizigiye delivered his message while interacting with students and teachers at G.S. Cyarwa School, located in Tumba Sector, Huye District.

He emphasized that hygiene should begin with each student and be practiced everywhere.

“Hygiene should become part of our daily lives. Every student must take responsibility and promote cleanliness at school, at home, and wherever they go. Hygiene is the foundation of good health,” he said.

He added that cleanliness of the body, classrooms, homes, and public spaces is essential for preventing diseases and improving overall wellbeing.

Students Gain Practical Knowledge

The Fresheri ku Ishuri campaign brought together many students and teachers, who said they gained valuable knowledge about hygiene and sanitation.

Bertin Niyigena, a sixth-year secondary school student at G.S. Cyarwa, said the campaign helped correct previous mistakes.

“We paid attention to hygiene before, but not correctly. Now we are committed to strengthening it and making it a culture. Wherever I go, I will tell others that hygiene is very important,” he said.

Parents Commit to Hygiene at Home

Parents also welcomed the initiative and pledged to reinforce hygiene practices within families.

Jeanne Mukamana, a parent with children at the school, said hygiene education must start at home.

“A child’s hygiene begins at home. We will be more vigilant and teach our children hygiene so that what they learn at school continues in the family,” she said.

Teachers to Lead by Example

Teachers and school administrators were encouraged to integrate hygiene into daily school routines and serve as role models.

The Head Teacher of G.S. Cyarwa said the school has committed to monitoring hygiene daily.

“We will include hygiene in our daily programs and ensure it becomes standard practice, not something remembered only during campaigns,” he said.

On behalf of teachers, one educator noted that personal behavior matters most.

“Teachers must lead by example because students learn more from what they see than what they are told,” he said.

Rwanda’s National Hygiene Target

The Ministry of Health reminded the public that under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Rwanda aims to achieve 100 percent hygiene and sanitation coverage by 2029.

Officials stressed that the involvement of students, parents, schools, and local leaders is critical to achieving this national goal.

Local Leadership Encourages Students

The Mayor of Huye District, Ange Sebutege, encouraged students to view hygiene as a pillar of good health and development.

“Hygiene is the foundation of good health. A clean student thinks clearly, performs better in school, and grows into a responsible citizen,” he said.

Campaign Continues Across Huye

The Fresheri ku Ishuri campaign continues in various schools across Huye District under the theme “Hygiene Everywhere Starts with Me.”

The initiative aims to inspire everyone to take personal responsibility in promoting hygiene and sanitation for a healthier Rwanda.