In a bid to work in an exemplary manner, Nemba Health Center management in Gakenke district unveiled modern gardens at the center. They came up with the exemplary gardens as part of inspiring and encouraging ordinary citizens to live in a clean environment.

For a person who has ever been at theis health center, the first site shows that something big has changed. At the entrance, you are welcomed by well trimmed and catered for grass sorrounded by nice and painted stones. The stone colours come in red, black and white. There are trees that have been planted in the middle of the garden which all give the center a whole new look.

In a phone interview with the director of the center Prosper Niyitegeka said that they wanted to preach what they do. « There is no way we were going to sensitise people hygiene and cleanliness while doing the opposite. This is going to ease our work, » he siad.

Niyitegeka said that in a way of sustaining the gardens, they were plannning to begin charging people who want to take photos from the gardens.

Apart from promoting hygiene and cleanliness, the gardens will also provide jobs for the people who will be caring for it on a daily basis.

Speaking to Mukamwiza Phoebe, a patient we found at the health center, she said that when one receives treatment from a clean place, it raises their hope of getting well quickly.

The health center management says that the the gardens cost them 2.7 million Rwandan francs.