As part of efforts to protect children from abuse and help them grow up healthy, the SOS Children’s Villages Nyamagabe, in collaboration with the Nyamagabe District, has launched a campaign encouraging school children to prioritize dental hygiene.
The campaign was conducted in several schools where students were educated on the importance of brushing their teeth properly and maintaining oral hygiene. Children were also given oral health check-ups (medical screening) so that those with dental problems could receive early support and treatment.
Edouard Byinshi, The Director of SOS Children’s Villages Nyamagabe, said that promoting hygiene is one of the ways to protect children and support their healthy development.
“In our program to promote children’s rights and protect them from abuse, we have focused on ensuring that children grow up healthy. That is why we organized this awareness campaign in schools to remind children that hygiene is essential from clothing and food to oral hygiene,” he said.
He added that besides maintaining oral hygiene, children should also pay attention to the cleanliness of the food they eat and the places where they take their meals.
To further explain the importance of dental hygiene, Placide Manishimwe, a dental specialist working with SOS Children’s Villages Nyamagabe, noted that poor oral hygiene can negatively affect both a child’s health and social life.
“If someone does not maintain proper oral hygiene, they may develop bad breath that can make people avoid them when they speak in public. In addition, dental diseases can cause severe pain, disturb sleep, and negatively affect a child’s academic performance,” he explained.
He also emphasized that children should begin brushing their teeth at a very early age. “Some children only start brushing their teeth when they reach secondary school, which is a mistake. A child should begin brushing as soon as their first tooth appears, with the help of their parents.”
Students who participated in the campaign said it helped them better understand how to take care of their teeth. Jeanette Muhoracyeye, a student at Kigeme B Secondary School, said she previously did not know the proper way to brush her teeth.
“I didn’t know there was a specific amount of toothpaste a person should use. I used to brush my teeth but not properly, and sometimes they would still feel uncomfortable. Now I will pay more attention to it and also remind my younger siblings to brush their teeth properly,” she said.
District authorities are therefore encouraging parents to prioritize both the upbringing and health of their children.
Agnes Mukamana, a resident of Gasaka Sector, explained:“Sometimes I leave for work early while the children are still asleep and return late at night. Occasionally I do not get enough time to check whether they have brushed their teeth.”
The leadership of Nyamagabe District also says the campaign complements other programs aimed at improving public health.
Agnes Uwamariya, The Vice Mayor of Nyamagabe District in charge of Social Affairs, noted that although general hygiene has become a common practice among residents, oral hygiene still requires more attention.
“In the district today, many residents understand the importance of body and clothing hygiene. However, when it comes to oral hygiene, there are still weaknesses. That is why we partnered with SOS Children’s Villages Nyamagabe to launch this campaign so that children can learn these habits early,” she said.
Agnes Uwamariya, The Vice Mayor of Nyamagabe District in charge of Social Affairs, emphasized that “It is important for parents to teach children hygiene habits when they are still young because what a child learns early becomes part of their character. If you do not pay attention to it early, it becomes difficult to correct later in life.”
She also reminded parents that they have the responsibility to provide children with toothbrushes and toothpaste to support the “Fresheri ku Ishuri” program, which encourages students to maintain daily hygiene.
The dental hygiene campaign organized by SOS Children’s Villages Nyamagabe in partnership with Nyamagabe District began on March 12 and concluded on March 16, 2026. Organizers say the campaign has already shown encouraging results, as many children have started to better understand the importance of brushing their teeth every day.
Currently, diseases linked to poor oral hygiene are among the top ten health issues affecting residents in Nyamagabe District. Local authorities hope that continued awareness among children and parents will significantly reduce these cases.
