Promoting hygiene and sustainability: Conservation Heritage-Turambe awards top families in Kinigi
Sixteen families from Nyabigoma and Kaguhu Cells in Kinigi Sector, Musanze District, were awarded on November 20,2024 for their exceptional commitment to hygiene and sanitation as they prepare to move into a newly constructed “Smart Green Village.” This relocation initiative is part of the broader efforts to restore and expand Volcanoes National Park.
These families are among 342 households (out of a planned 510) selected to be relocated to the modern village, thanked to their participation in a hygiene contest aimed at promoting cleanliness and healthier living standards.
Transforming Lives Through Hygiene Training
During nine months period, residents participated in training sessions aimed at fostering a culture of cleanliness and improved living standards.
Beatrice Musabyimana, a social health worker from Nyabigoma, praised the project for instilling a deep understanding of hygiene and equipping families for their future settlements.
“We deeply appreciate the Social Assistance to Relocated Community under the Park Expansion Program, implemented by Conservation Heritage-Turambe with RDB’s support,” she said. “It reminded us of the importance of personal and household hygiene, balanced diets, and proper maintenance of our new homes.”
She highlighted that the training prepared them to take care of the modern houses, complete with four to five rooms, as well as the provided tools and furnishings.
Awards for Excellence
Myase village in Kaguhu cell emerged as the best performer, contributing 8 of the 16 awarded families. The top family scored 47.7/50 points, followed closely by another family from Kaguhu with 47/50. awards included mattresses, Bed covers,sheets and towels valued at over 1.5 million Rwandan francs.
Bernard Makuza, leader of Nyarusizi village, emphasized the motivation such recognition brings:
“This initiative inspires us to uphold high hygiene standards and strive for excellence in community responsibilities. Even those who didn’t win are now motivated to perform better.”
Nutrition and Hygiene to Combat Stunting
The training also addressed stunting, emphasizing the link between proper nutrition and cleanliness. Winfride Nyirazuba, a farmer from Myase village, shared how the initiative transformed their approach to food preparation and hygiene.
“We used to wonder why our children were stunted despite having food. We’ve now realized that unsanitary practices were a major factor. This knowledge empowers us to provide nutritious, clean meals in our new homes.”
Safety and Sustainability near the park
Relocating to the Smart Green Village will also enhance safety and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. “Living close to the park has been challenging, with animals like buffaloes posing a constant threat,” Makuza explained. “Relocation not only ensures security but also offers modern housing and tools to maintain sanitation.”
A Legacy of Change
Valerie Akuredusenge, a Program Director of Conservation Heritage-Turambe, highlighted the initiative’s goals of instilling lasting behavioral change:
“These awards aim to inspire others to prioritize hygiene and sanitation. This is just the beginning, and we hope those who didn’t win will strive for excellence in the future.”
Beyond hygiene, the program also educated families on land registration to mitigate conflicts.
As part of the park expansion, 3,740 hectares will be added to Volcanoes National Park, increasing its size by 23%. This effort aligns with the government’s goal of enhancing community welfare and promoting resilience to climate change, while also boosting the gorilla population by 15-20%.
The multi-sector collaboration, involving RDB, REMA, the Rwanda Water Board, and Meteo Rwanda, underscores the national commitment to sustainable park expansion and community development.
