Project History

Mediatrice Akin-OJO facilitating a workshop on One Health.

Rwandan scientist, Mediatrice Uwanyirigira Akin-OJO, had a vision--a vision of a bright future for the world where humans, animals, plants and their environment could sustain wellness and thrive. In 2018 she found mentorship from Dr. Katey Pelican at the University of Minnesota through Dr. Hellen Amuguni, the P.I. of a One Health fellowship program sponsored by the Cummings Foundation in partnership with Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA and the University of Global Health Equity in Kigali, Rwanda. While participating in One Health training, she met a mentor from the One Health program, Dr. Jeanine Went, an educator by training. Years later, Mediatrice shared her idea with Dr. Went and a collaboration ensued to develop One Health for Kids: a club where primary and secondary students can learn about one health concepts and issues, and become empowered to change their lives, their communities, and their world for the better.

Through the gracious donation of the Cummings Foundation with sponsorship by P.I., Dr. Hellen Amugini, funding has been secured through the end of this fiscal year.

2023

Graduates of our One Health for Kids Training Weekend, 2023University of Global Health Equity, Kigali Heights

We received approval to start One Health for Kids in two districts of Rwanda: Burera & Nygatare.
We recruited faculty volunteers to advise the clubs and college and graduate students to help out after school.
We trained all of our volunteers at UGHE in Kigali Heights, and provided them with resources for the school year.
Clubs started in October 2023 with student officers elected to help lead each group!

2024

Year two of the One Health for Kids program commenced in October 2024.
Due to Marburg Virus, the clubs were restricted from meeting throughout the fall term.
One Health Clubs resumed in the spring of 2025.

2025

One Health for Kids Launch celebration, November 3, 2025University of Global Health Equity, Kigali Heights

We recruited new schools from the following districts to participate: Burera, Kigali, Nyagatare, and Huye, Rwanda.
We recruited faculty volunteers from each district to advise the clubs.
We trained all of our faculty volunteers at UGHE in Butaro, Rwanda, and provided them with lessons to start the school year.
Previously established clubs resumed in October, and new clubs were launched in November, with student officers elected to help lead each group!
Our pilot project expanded from 2 upper primary and 2 secondary schools from 2 districts to 7 upper primary and 8 secondary schools from 4 districts.
An official Launch was held in Kigali, Rwanda on One Health Day, November 3, 2025, on the campus of UGHE Kigali Heights (pictured above)!

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