What We Do
The Bilharzia Storytelling Initiative works across seven key areas to combat Neglected Tropical Diseases and empower communities.
Working across Bugesera, Gatsibo, and Ruhango districts to eliminate NTDs.
Our Programs
Seven pillars driving our mission forward
Raise Awareness
Conducting campaigns to inform the public about Neglected Tropical Diseases, focusing on transmission, symptoms, and prevention in high-risk areas.
Promote Hygiene
Encouraging cleanliness and hygiene practices, such as avoiding contact with contaminated water sources, using clean water, and maintaining overall sanitation.
Improve Water Access
Increasing efforts to provide clean water, especially to marginalized communities, to reduce the risk of NTDs.
Educate Youth
Motivating young people to learn about NTDs and actively contribute to combating them in their communities.
Foster Collaboration
Building partnerships with health institutions, local authorities, private organizations, artists, and other stakeholders to sustainably eliminate NTDs.
Develop Young Talent
Supporting children's talents by promoting educational messaging through schools and media channels.
Support Education & Employment
Collaborating with institutions to help children develop talents, provide financial support for schooling, and create job opportunities aligned with their abilities.
Our Activities
Real activities making a real difference in Rwandan communities
Notebook Distribution
Distributing illustrated health notebooks across 10 schools in Bugesera (4), Gatsibo (3), and Ruhango (3) districts. Each notebook carries NTD prevention messages that children take home to their families.
Teacher, Parent & CHW Training
Structured training sessions for teachers, parents, and Community Health Workers on schistosomiasis knowledge, transmission routes, and prevention strategies.
Friendly Inter-School Games
Sports events organized with MERCK and RBC support, featuring qualification matches between schools and halftime health advocacy sessions to spread awareness through play.
Entertainment & Community Events
Stage events featuring music, dance, and health messaging that engage entire communities. These events showcase youth talent while delivering critical NTD prevention information.
Where We Work
Operating across 3 districts with 10 partner schools
Bugesera District
Gatsibo District
Ruhango District
Our Approach
We combine storytelling, training, and community events to create lasting change.
Educate
We distribute illustrated health notebooks and train teachers, parents, and community health workers on NTD prevention and transmission.
Engage
Through inter-school sports games, music, dance, and community entertainment events, we make health education engaging and accessible to all ages.
Empower
We develop young talent, support education, and build partnerships with organizations like MERCK, RBC, and END Fund to sustain community-led change.