The Government of Rwanda, through the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), has officially launched a nationwide school hygiene and cleanliness campaign called #FresheriKuIshuri. This campaign aims to promote daily habits of cleanliness among learners, teachers, school leaders, and parents, starting from home and continuing at school. 🏫🧽
The campaign was launched on Monday, January 12, 2026, and will run throughout the entire second school term of the 2025/2026 academic year. While activities started in many schools across the country, the national launch took place at GS Karembure School in Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District, City of Kigali.
🌱 Cleanliness as a National Priority
The #FresheriKuIshuri campaign is part of Rwanda’s agenda “Isuku Hose” (Cleanliness Everywhere) national program, launched by the Government in 2025. Since nearly one-third of Rwandans are students, schools were identified as the best place to start building a strong, lasting culture of hygiene.
“This is not a one-day activity, Cleanliness is a culture” Minister Joseph said
📰 Why #FresheriKuIshuri Matters
Launching the campaign, Minister of Education Joseph Nsengimana explained that clean schools help learners feel comfortable, stay healthy, and think better.
🗣️ “One-third of Rwandans are in school. That means schools are the best place to build a permanent culture of cleanliness. A clean learner thinks well, learns well, and lives well.” He said
The campaign focuses on:
- Personal hygiene of learners 🧼
- Clean school uniforms 👕
- Clean classrooms and toilets 🚻
- Clean air and environment 🌳
🏫 The Launch at GS Karembure
At GS Karembure, a school with 2,460 students, leaders, teachers, and students joined hands in cleaning activities, inspections, and awareness sessions. Trees were also planted 🌱, showing that environmental cleanliness is part of healthy living.
🎙️ Voices from Leaders
Minister Nsengimana emphasized the role of parents:
🗣️ “A child starts the day at home. Parents must check if the child has bathed, brushed teeth, and is wearing clean and not torn clothes before going to school.”
He added:
🗣️ “Cleanliness is not for one day. It is a Rwandan culture. Every learner should look at themselves and ask: ‘Am I fresh today?’”
He also reminded teachers to be role models:
🗣️ “Teachers are examples. Learners copy what they see.”
👩👧 Perspective from Gender and Family Ministry
The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolée, who joined the campaign at Centre Scolaire Notre Dame de Fatima in Musanze, said the campaign will help children grow with good habits that they will carry into their future families.
🗣️ “When children learn something early, it stays with them. Cleanliness learned at school will be seen in the families they create tomorrow.”
She highlighted that poor hygiene still affects family wellbeing in some communities, and starting with children is the best solution.
🏙️ Kigali City’s Role
Urujeni Martine, Deputy Mayor of the City of Kigali in charge of Social Affairs and Economic Development, said the city had already started school hygiene inspections on January 5, 2026.
🗣️ “We will inspect 693 schools this term to make sure hygiene standards are respected.”
🧑🏫 School Management Commitment
Soeur Edith Uwimbabazi, Headteacher of GS Karembure, said managing cleanliness in a big school needs extra effort.
🗣️ “With many students, we must focus more on toilets, cleaning materials, and enough cleaning staff.”
She promised that the school will continue teaching students to practice hygiene daily, not only at school but also at home.
🎒 Students Speak Out
Students welcomed the campaign with excitement.
Manirakiza Fabrice, a Senior Six student at GS Karembure, said:
🗣️ “Before, we did not have a regular cleaning day. This campaign will help us and even guide younger students to be cleaner.”
Rutayisire Kenia, another student from senior three, added:
🗣️ “We learned that cleanliness is not only on Fridays. Washing hands, uniforms, and keeping clean should be every day.” 🧼👕
🌍 Nationwide Movement
The #FresheriKuIshuri campaign was also launched in other districts including Musanze, Bugesera, Rubavu, Rusizi, Nyagatare, and Karongi, led by senior government officials such as State Minister Irere Claudette and others
🔚 Cleanliness Is the Future
As Rwanda continues to invest in education and wellbeing, #FresheriKuIshuri stands as a powerful reminder that cleanliness is the foundation of health, discipline, and academic success.
🗣️ “When you are not clean, you get sick. When you are sick, you miss school. When you miss school, you fail,” warned Minister Nsengimana.
Clean is smart. Clean is healthy. Clean is the Rwandan way. 🧼🌟
TCN || The Comments News
