A Month of Growth and Connection

October was a month of deep learning, joyful collaboration, and renewed commitment to healthier, greener communities. Across Rwanda, young people, caregivers, and community leaders came together in sharing knowledge, planting hope, and championing good nutrition for every child. featured a nutrition camp, national celebrations and school greening, as we witness the power of partnership and purpose in action.

Youth for Nutrition Camp : Building Rwanda’s Nutrition Ambassadors.

In partnership with UNICEF Rwanda, Heza Initiative hosted a five-day Youth for Nutrition Camp at UNICEF Headquarters. The camp brought together 20 passionate youth from Heza Initiative and local NGOs to explore nutrition, food diversity, and behavior change strategies with a focus on Rwanda's Context.

Led by Prof. Dr. Hilda Vasanthakaalam, the youth engaged in interactive sessions, group projects, and field visits; including a trip to Ndera Health Centre, where they learned about antenatal nutrition, early childhood feeding, and community outreach practices.

"This training reminded us that nutrition is not just about food - it’s about knowledge, dignity, and empowerment" shared one young participant

By the end of the camp, all 20 participants were certified as Youth Nutrition Ambassadors, ready to promote healthier eating habits and the One Egg per Child Every Day campaign in their communities.

World Egg Day 2025 :The Mighty Egg and the Fight Against Stunting.

On October 11, Burera District came alive with song, laughter, and purpose as over 350 participants joined the World Egg Day celebration under the theme “The Mighty Egg: Packed with Natural Nutrition. Together with UNICEF, MINALOC, RBC, NCDA, and the UK high commission, Heza Initiative championed egg consumption and balanced diets as simple, sustainable tools to fight malnutrition.

The day featured a Community Egg Walk through Gitovu Sector, cooking demonstrations at Ruhombo ECD, and nutrition education sessions emphasizing locally available foods. The highlight was sharing a balanced meal — each child receiving one egg as part of a nutritious dish.

"We do not have to wait for expensive food to prepare a balanced meal — everything we need is already here” reminded Alice Mwizerwa, Acting Executive Director of Heza Initiative.

Local leaders pledged to sustain the _One Egg Per Child Every Day___campaign, reinforcing the goal to reduce Burera’s 40% stunting rate through continuous nutrition education and community engagement.

Eco-Clubs Consultative Workshop : Greening Schools, Inspiring Change.

On October 23, Heza Initiative convened educators, agronomists, and district officials at Gisagara District Hall for the Eco-Clubs Consultative Workshop.

The workshop defined clear frameworks for Eco-Club operations and reaffirmed the vital role of schools in shaping climate-smart, environmentally conscious students. Discussions led to practical action - the planting of 50 fruit trees at GS SAGA Primary School, symbolizing growth and shared responsibility.

In our Eco-Clubs, innovation meets inspiration where every child gives a name to the tree they plant, creating a personal bond and sense of responsibility. This simple yet powerful idea transforms tree planting from an activity into a relationship of care. By naming their trees, children learn accountability, nurture empathy, and grow into lifelong guardians of the environment.

Pacifique Mugisha Ishimwe named his tree Kura Dusarure which translates “Grow So We May Harvest,” a name that perfectly embodies the spirit of shared growth and community flourishing.

“Our children are the best environmental ambassadors,” said one district official. “What they learn today will shape the Rwanda we inherit tomorrow.”

These Eco-Clubs now serve as living laboratories for climate resilience, integrating hygiene, sanitation, and tree planting into daily learning.

Insights from the Field — HCD in Action.

This month, Heza Initiative’s HCD-trained field staff led a Rapid Inquiry acrossRuhango and Nyamagabe Districts to better understand why some children miss or delay vaccinations. Using human-centered design methods, the team engaged caregivers, community health workers, and health center managers in open dialogues that revealed powerful lessons for as to why some children miss vaccination. Among others, Faith and misinformation, hidden caregivers, gender and Family dynamics as well as inadequate access to Technology were spoted as the critical barriers limiting access to vaccination services.

“The more our field staff spend time in communities, the more they uncover what really drives change,” says Alice Mwizerwa.

These insights are shaping new, community-driven interventions. From stronger reminder systems to faith-based dialogues and father-friendly mobilization campaigns as we ensure that no child is left behind.

Impact Snapshot : October 2025

Focus Area	Key Results
Youth Empowerment	20 youth trained as Nutrition Ambassadors
Nutrition Awareness	350+ community members reached through World Egg Day
Environmental Stewardship	500 fruit trees planted through Eco-Clubs
Community Engagement	5 districts actively implementing Imena Program activities and Eco clubs + 2 districts for HCD for Immunization.

Together, these numbers tell one story youth, families, and communities standing up for a healthier, greener Rwanda

Field Staff Spotlight : Françoise Isugi Wihogora.

From Burera District, Françoise Isugi Wihogora continues to inspire the Heza family through her dedication and passion for community service.

“Working as a field staff has shaped me both personally and professionally as a nutritionist,” she shares. “Seeing the positive changes in families’ nutrition and wellbeing inspires me daily. I encourage other youth to serve their communities , it brings growth, experience, and meaningful impact.”

Her story reflects the heart of Heza Initiative: real people transforming lives through everyday service.

Coming Up in November :Join the Movement!

As we step into November, Heza Initiative is preparing another series of youth-led nutrition outreaches, school greening activities, and community dialogues. You can be part of this growing movement.

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