WASH Program
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene education through Community Hygiene Clubs and School Health Clubs, supporting Rwanda's effort to improve hygiene behaviors nationwide.
About the Program
In 2009, the Government of Rwanda launched the Community-based Environmental Health Promotion Program (CBEHPP), aiming to reduce the national disease burden through community-based hygiene behavior change and improved sanitation.
CFO supports the implementation of hygiene education through Community Hygiene Clubs and School Health Clubs. Our goal is to support the Ministry of Health's effort to improve hygiene behaviors and the Ministry of Education's key health interventions for improved school health, with a focus on girls' hygiene and menstrual health management.
Community Health Clubs (CHCs)
Community Health Clubs address sanitation and hygiene behavior change while strengthening social cohesion and commitment to common goals.
- Emphasizing positive peer pressure for behavior change
- Establishing clubs that include entire communities
- Promoting a 'culture of health' through altering norms
- Increasing social capital and alignment with cultural values
- Twenty weekly classes over one year for graduation
On April 27, 2023, 91 Community Hygiene Clubs graduated after completing their year-long training program. Each group representative received a certificate of appreciation for the outstanding work done for their neighbors.
“Today, please join us in thanking the 91 community hygiene clubs for the outstanding work they have done for their neighbors. They attended twenty classes each week for a year.”
— CFO Country Representative
Key Intervention Areas
Community Hygiene Clubs
Establishing clubs that include entire communities to promote a 'culture of health' through peer education
School Health Clubs
Supporting schools with hygiene education, girl's rooms, and menstrual health management
Menstrual Hygiene Management
Providing education, supplies, and girl's clubs focused on proper menstrual health practices
Hand Washing Education
Teaching proper handwashing techniques at critical times to prevent disease
Water Treatment Practices
Training households on effective methods to treat and safely store drinking water
Sanitation Improvement
Encouraging construction and proper maintenance of hygienic toilet facilities
Key Behavior Change Achievements
Based on KPC Surveys conducted in 2020 and 2022 in Gatsibo District
Before
52.2%
After
98.9%
Households with improved drinking water source
National average: 77% rural
Before
73.0%
After
88.9%
Households treating drinking water effectively
National average: 32% rural
Before
31.9%
After
69.3%
Households using hygienic toilet facilities
National average: 69% rural
Before
10.3%
After
54.4%
Households with hand-washing stations
National average: 10% rural
Before
71.5%
After
98.1%
Households washing hands at critical times
School Health Initiative (2021-2024)
A three-year WASH program in Gatsibo District funded by C.E.I. Italian Bishops' Conference
140
Community Hygiene Clubs Trained
91
Clubs Graduated in 2023
17
Schools Supported
51
Teachers Trained on SRHR
23
School Health Clubs
23
Girl's Clubs Established
- Equipped Girl's rooms in 17 primary and secondary schools
- Distributed WASH kits and sanitary pads
- Trained 51 teachers on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
- Implemented 23 School Health Clubs and 23 Girl's Clubs
- Developed and distributed training modules for schools
- Conducted community awareness campaigns on TV and radio
TV & Radio Campaigns
On May 28, 2022, CFO hosted a TV show focusing on “Menstruation health management for adolescent girls and young women in Rwanda: access to information and sanitary pads.” WASH messages were also aired via Radio Ishingiro.
Community Events
CFO celebrated World Water Day with Gasange Sector communities in 2023. Students, teachers, CHWs, and local leaders conducted awareness campaigns through INTEKO Z'ABATURAGE at cell level using sketches and performances.
Support Clean Water & Sanitation
Help us bring hygiene education and clean water access to more communities in Rwanda.