Challenge

For many years, communities in Kicukiro District, Rwanda, faced serious challenges in accessing safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Families relied on unsafe water sources, and many households had to walk long distances to collect water. Children often struggled to balance attending school and helping their families fetch water, while sanitation facilities were limited and shared by many households.

At the time, less than half of the households in the district had access to reliable water services, and public institutions such as schools and healthcare facilities faced major gaps in sanitation and hygiene infrastructure.

The challenge was to demonstrate that sustainable and universal WASH services could be achieved through a systems-based approach, ensuring long-term access for every family, school, and health facility.

Approach

Right Venture Creative produced a documentary highlighting the transformation of Kicukiro District through the implementation of the Everyone Forever approach, led by Water For People in partnership with the district government and other stakeholders.

The production focused on:

Documenting the history of WASH challenges in Kicukiro prior to 2009
• Capturing interviews with government officials, WASH experts, and community members
• Showcasing infrastructure investments such as water networks, sanitation facilities, and school WASH services
• Highlighting collaboration between local government, communities, utilities, and development partners

Through interviews, field footage, and community storytelling, the documentary illustrates how long-term planning and partnerships created sustainable WASH systems.

Results

The documentary highlights the significant progress made in expanding sustainable WASH services across Kicukiro District.

Key results include:

Household access to safe water increased from less than 50% to over 96%
• Access to water and sanitation in public institutions increased from 48% to 100%
• Rehabilitation and expansion of over 82 kilometers of water supply networks, providing access to more than 125,000 people
• Installation of improved WASH facilities in schools, including sanitation blocks, handwashing stations, and girls’ hygiene rooms, helping reduce school absenteeism

Through strong collaboration between Water For People, Kicukiro District, utilities, communities, and development partners, the district became the first in Rwanda to achieve the Everyone Forever model, ensuring sustainable WASH services for all.