African child day marked by call for greater responsibility among children

The message was delivered Tuesday in Kayonza District by Batamuriza Mireille, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), during the national celebration of the day held under the theme: “Raise me well, let me grow with dignity.”

Batamuriza said parents and caregivers have a responsibility to provide children with proper care, education, emotional support and basic needs that promote healthy growth. However, she added that children also have responsibilities in shaping their future.

“We came to visit you and talk with you, but we are leaving you to continue improving yourselves,” she told children. “Work hard in your studies and use your holidays to become useful members of society.”

She said Rwanda has made progress in promoting child welfare but still faces challenges, including child abuse, child labor, teenage pregnancies and school dropouts.

UNICEF Rwanda Representative Julianna Lindsey said the organization has witnessed improvements in children’s development during its 40 years of work in the country.

She highlighted progress in education, maternal and child health, nutrition, child protection and school feeding programs, while pledging continued cooperation with Rwanda.

Rwanda’s Constitution defines a child as anyone under 18. The 2022 national population census showed that children below 18 make up 45% of the country’s population.