The government has launched a nationwide school cleanliness initiative aimed at instilling hygiene as a lifelong culture among learners, recognizing that schools host nearly one-third of the country’s population.

According to the Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, the "FresheriKuIshuri" initiative is part of a broader national cleanliness campaign introduced last year.

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He said the school-focused initiative complements the wider government effort to promote hygiene and sanitation across the country.

"Since a significant proportion of Rwandans are in schools, it was necessary to design a specific campaign targeting learning institutions so that cleanliness becomes part of our culture from an early age,” the minister said on Monday, January 12, at the launch of the programme at GS Karembure in Kicukiro District.

Nsengimana stressed that cleanliness should not be treated as a one-day activity but as a continuous programme.

"This is not an event; it is a culture. We want schools to give it special attention throughout the term and beyond,” he added.

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He also emphasized the role of parents and guardians in ensuring the campaign&039;s success. He noted that cleanliness contributes directly to students’ confidence, health, and academic performance.

"When children are not clean, they are more exposed to diseases, which can lead to absenteeism and poor performance. Cleanliness should therefore be viewed broadly, not just as being neat, but as a foundation for good health and better learning outcomes,” he said.

He further emphasized that cleanliness starts at home, urging parents to ensure children are clean before sending them to school, including maintaining clean uniforms and personal hygiene.

Officials reiterated that the campaign is being implemented countrywide and is aligned with the long-standing national ethos captured in the saying "Isuku ni isoko y’ubuzima” (Cleanliness is the source of good health).

"Cleanliness is not something you only find at school; it should be everywhere. That is why it must start with individuals and families,” Nsengimana noted.

Schools will work closely with authorities to improve sanitation standards, including regular evaluation of classrooms and washrooms, and involving students directly in maintaining cleanliness.

School and community reactions

Edite Uwimbabazi, Head Teacher of GS Karembure, welcomed the campaign at her school, describing it as timely and impactful. She said the initiative reinforces values already being promoted in schools and helps learners understand the importance of hygiene in their daily lives.

"This programme shows how much the government values cleanliness as a pillar of effective learning. Healthy students perform better, and this can only be achieved through collective effort involving teachers, parents, and learners,” she said.

Francois Uwimana, a parent, also commended the initiative, noting that such campaigns serve as important reminders.

"It’s not that cleanliness was absent before, but these reminders help everyone stay alert. The impact goes beyond schools; it improves households and contributes to Rwanda’s image as one of the cleanest countries at the global level,” he said.

Martine Urujeni, Vice Mayor in charge of Socio-Economic Affairs at the City of Kigali, said the city has prioritized school cleanliness and is working closely with schools to assess and improve hygiene standards.

"We began evaluations earlier this month, and throughout this term, we will not only assess schools but also partner with them to improve cleanliness, in line with the City of Kigali’s vision,” she said.

Nationwide rollout

The official launch of the FresheriKuIshuri campaign took place simultaneously across the country, covering schools in all provinces, including Musanze, Rubavu, Bugesera, Huye, Rusizi, Karongi, and Nyagatare districts, among others.

The government hopes the initiative will strengthen hygiene practices in schools and communities, ultimately promoting better health, discipline, and academic performance among learners.