On 12 January 2026, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Hon. Consolée Uwimana, launched the “Fresheri Ku Ishuri” (Freshness at School) campaign in Musanze District, Northern Province. The campaign aims to promote hygiene and sanitation in schools and to instill positive hygiene practices among learners from pre-primary to secondary level.

The launch took place at Centre Scolaire de Fatima Primary School, where the Minister delivered a message on the importance of hygiene as a foundation for good health, effective learning, and overall child development. She encouraged learners to adopt proper handwashing, oral hygiene, and cleanliness of school materials and surroundings, both at school and at home. The Minister emphasized that good hygiene helps prevent diseases, reduces school absenteeism, and improves learners’ concentration and academic performance.

Addressing learners, Hon. Uwimana highlighted children’s rights, including the right to sexual reproductive health education, and protection from all forms of violence, particularly gender-based violence. She urged students to trust their parents and teachers, seek guidance when faced with challenges, and report any form of abuse. Teachers were encouraged to play a key role in sustaining the campaign by integrating hygiene education into daily school routines and nurturing hygiene as a lasting value.

After launching the campaign, the Minister visited Bazizana Village in Nyange Sector to assess hygiene and living conditions at household level. She expressed concern over poor sanitation and   called on local authorities to strengthen community sensitization on hygiene, support households to improve sanitation facilities, and ensure continuous follow-up on community wellbeing.