Heza Herald || February 2026 Edition

Closing a Chapter, Strengthening Community Impact

February marked the successful conclusion of IMENA Program Phase II and Eco-Club activities across Burera, Nyamasheke, Gisagara, Gasabo, and Kirehe. What began months ago as structured community engagement has now transitioned into sustained local ownership. These closure events were not just ceremonies — they were celebrations of measurable transformation.

Community Engagement at Scale!

Throughout the implementation period, thousands of community members participated in sessions focused on critical health and resilience behaviors, where nearly 10,000 people were reached on One Egg per Child per Day, reinforcing the importance of affordable, protein-rich nutrition. More than 8,900 participants strengthened their understanding of hygiene and sanitation practices — a cornerstone in preventing disease and malnutrition. Additionally, over 5,000 community members engaged in discussions around antenatal care visits, while thousands more explored economic resilience and hazards preparedness through 10+ community saving groups and other community gatherings. The numbers reflect something powerful: informed communities are becoming proactive communities.

A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship

Over the course of implementation, Eco-Club members and communities planted more than 1,000 fruit trees, with a remarkable survival rate above 80%. These trees now stand as living symbols of resilience which is contributing to nutrition, environmental protection, and long-term climate adaptation.

Beyond tree planting, all established Eco-Clubs remain fully functional, with structured leadership and continued engagement in environmental conservation, hygiene promotion, and peer education. The foundation has been laid for sustained youth-driven climate action.

Celebrating Through Sports and Creativity

Closure events were marked by vibrant activities that blended celebration with learning. Friendly football matches brought together Eco-Club members and fellow students, strengthening solidarity and teamwork while reinforcing the spirit of collective responsibility. Beyond the pitch, students took the stage through role plays and cultural performances that carried powerful messages about hygiene, environmental conservation, and child wellbeing. Through creative storytelling and performance, learners demonstrated their understanding of the value of trees, proper sanitation practices, and healthy daily habits. By translating technical themes into relatable scenarios, students ensured that key messages were not only heard — but remembered and embraced by their peers and communities

Recognizing Champions and Strengthening Systems

A highlight of the closure ceremonies was the recognition of outstanding hygiene and environmental champions; students who consistently modeled positive behaviors and inspired others to follow. Their leadership reflects the growing culture of responsibility and peer-driven change within schools.

To reinforce sustainability, sanitation materials were officially handed over to schools, enabling them to maintain and improve hygiene standards established during the program. The strong presence and active participation of local leaders, school authorities, and Frontline Functionaries (FLFs) further affirmed institutional commitment. Most importantly, the progress achieved is no longer dependent on external support, it is embedded within school structures and community systems. Ownership now firmly rests in the hands of the communities themselves.

What This Means

The Heza Initiative Project coordinator, Ms. Alice Mwizerwa reflects on the impacts achieved in the spell of Heza Initiative in the five districts and emphasizes that the true success of the program lies in the systems strengthened and the behaviors sustained.

As IMENA Phase II and Eco-Club activities conclude, what remains is far greater than a completed program cycle. Thousands of community members are now better informed, youth are organized into functional clubs, and schools are equipped to sustain hygiene and environmental standards. Trees are growing, healthy behaviors are spreading, and local systems are more engaged than before.

The true success of this phase lies not only in the numbers reached, but in the ownership cultivated. Communities are no longer passive beneficiaries they are active stewards of their own health, environment, and resilience. As we transition into the next chapter, we do so with confidence: the foundations are strong, the momentum is real, and the impact will continue to grow.