Gad's story
Gad Niringiyimana is a husband, a father of four and a resident of Gisasa Village in Kisoro District. Today, he is known as a sanitation leader in his community. But not long ago, his own home told a very different story.
Before Africa Water Solutions began working in his village, Gad’s family used a grass-thatched pit latrine that was poorly built and unsafe. The walls and floor had holes, and it was hard to tell where one was even meant to squat. The household had no bath shelter, no dish rack and no basic facilities to support good hygiene. Like many families, Gad worked hard every day, but sanitation was not something he had given much thought to, simply because he did not know better.
Everything changed during a community sanitation meeting. As people openly discussed the health risks of poor sanitation, Gad felt deeply ashamed. He remembers wanting to leave the meeting, but instead, he made a quiet promise to himself – his family would never live like this again.
After, Gad was chosen by his neighbours to serve as Chairperson of the Village WASH Committee. The trust placed in him pushed him to act. He went home and immediately began digging a new pit latrine. This time, he took care to build it properly; neatly mudded, well finished, fitted with a satopan and safely shuttered. He also built a
bath shelter for the first time. His home quickly became an example that others could see and learn from.
Gad did not keep this change to himself. With support from the AWS team, he trained his wife and children in good sanitation and hygiene practices, ensuring the improvements at home would last. He then reached out to his neighbours, working closely with other WASH committee members and AWS staff to encourage households to improve their habits and facilities.
By leading through example, rather than words alone, Gad helped his village move forward together. Over time, Gisasa Village achieved Open Defecation Free status, a moment of pride for the entire community.
When asked what this journey meant to him, Gad said, “If Africa Water Solutions had not come, I would still be in darkness. Now grace has covered me, and my eyes are open. Kahangare AWS! (meaning Long live Africa Water Solutions).”
Today, Gad is not just a WASH chairperson; he is a role model. His story shows how knowledge, encouragement, and community leadership can turn shame into confidence, and simple actions into lasting change. Through people like Gad, Africa Water Solutions continues to support families and villages to live healthier, more dignified lives.
