The impact of 20 Liters’ partnership with World Relief in Rwanda goes far beyond providing water filters to churches, communities and families. Through Community Hygiene Clubs, Rwandans are becoming leaders in health, sanitation and development – transforming their villages from the inside out.
In February 2025, World Relief launched a significant initiative in Rwanda’s Mugesera Sector. Three local leaders were trained through the Community-Based Environmental Health Promotion Program model, with the goal of establishing active hygiene clubs that could inspire lasting behavior change at the grassroots level.
One of the most inspiring outcomes is the creation of the Twitezimbere Community Hygiene Club (CHC) – a name that means “Let’s Develop Ourselves.” Today, the club has 70 active members and continues to grow in number and influence.
Twitezimbere CHC meets twice a month to learn about hygiene, sanitation and nutrition. But this is no ordinary discussion group. Members put what they learn into practice – and the results are visible across the community.
“Thanks to the Community-Based Environmental Health Promotion Program training, our community has changed,” said Francine Uwanziga, president of the Twitezimbere Community Hygiene Club. “People now work together, take ownership of hygiene and nutrition, and we’ve seen real progress in health and unity. It’s more than a club; it’s a movement of hope.
This year alone, club members have:
Built five new latrines and rehabilitated 15 others, improving safety and sanitation for families.
Installed 30 tippy taps to provide simple, handwashing stations and improve hygiene practices.
Purchased bars of soap for use at club meetings and public handwashing areas.
Acquired jugs and containers for safe water storage, reducing the risk of waterborne illness.
Established five kitchen gardens for families, improving nutrition through fresh vegetables.
Made bricks to build more latrines in the future, ensuring families in need remain healthy.
The change goes beyond health and hygiene. The club has launched a World Relief Savings for Life groups where community members save and access loans from pooled resources, giving them access to financial resources for personal and collective needs. This financial empowerment adds another layer of resilience and independence, helping families meet both personal and collective needs.
Twitezimbere has become a symbol of what’s possible when communities are equipped with the right tools and knowledge. With support from 20 Liters, World Relief and the CBEHPP model, hygiene education has evolved into a sustainable, grassroots movement – strengthening not only public health, but the very fabric of community life.
