Being raised in a safe environment, receiving an education, access to healthcare, and adequate nutrition are among the fundamental rights of a child. These rights must be upheld by every parent or guardian responsible for the upbringing and care of children. Granting a child their rights is not an act of charity but a duty, aimed at ensuring a better future for the child, their family, and the nation as a whole.
During the celebration of the Day of the African Child in Kicukiro District, Gatenga Sector at GS Karembure, emphasis was placed on the rights of children and their responsibilities within their families. Children were reminded that they should take an active role in matters concerning them, especially in the observance of their rights, since a disobedient child cannot benefit from these rights meaningfully.
David Nkera, the Director of education in Kicukiro District, stated that while parents and educators must uphold children’s rights, those rights become truly beneficial when children themselves take part and respect their caregivers.
He stated:
“Dear children, your rights must indeed be respected, but you also have responsibilities to obey and respect those who care for you, so that these rights have real value for your better future.”
Nkera gave an example, explaining that even if a parent or teacher fulfills their duties by ensuring a child has access to education, it won’t help if the child does not put in effort.
He emphasized:
“Children may have their school fees paid and receive all necessary supplies, but if they do not engage and study seriously, they may end up failing or dropping out of school, thereby jeopardizing their future and wasting the efforts of their parents.”
David Nkera, the Director of education in Kicukiro District addressing the students
Sister Edith Uwimbabazi, the headmistress of GS Karembure, emphasized that as educators, they strive to ensure that children’s rights are respected.
She said:
“Here at school, we uphold children’s rights by supporting their education, and no child is excluded. Thanks to the Rwandan government’s school feeding program, every student receives a nutritious meal at school. Furthermore, if a child falls sick, we immediately contact their parents so they can be treated before the illness worsens and ensure that they continue learning in good health.”
Sister Edith Uwimbabazi, the headmistress of GS Karembure
Fabrice Ishimwe, a sixth-grade student at GS Karembure, expressed appreciation for the recognition of the African Child and urged his peers to fulfill their responsibilities, especially obedience, to avoid consequences in the future.
He said:
“Some children refuse to go to school and end up facing serious consequences. Often, they fall under bad influence, engage in harmful behaviors like drug use, and may even get arrested and find themselves into prisons. But when you study hard, you improve yourself and bring pride to your country.”
Fabrice Ishimwe, a sixth-grade student at GS Karembure
Alandra Emmanuella Umuhoza, also a student at GS Karembure, thanked both teachers and parents for their continued care and guidance, noting that children who do not listen to their guardians often face consequences such as unplanned pregnancies or involvement in drug abuse.
She said:
“A child who refuses to listen to caregivers and drops out of school faces many risks, including being manipulated, getting pregnant at a young age, which damages their emotional wellbeing, and turning to drug abuse, leading to a troubled life.”
Alandra Emmanuella Umuhoza, also a student at GS Karembure
The day of African Child, celebrated annually on June 16. in Kicukiro District was marked with various activities including discussions, performances, dances, and a play highlighting both the consequences of disobedience and the benefits of discipline and responsibility among children.
The best performers rewarded school materials
The students celebrating African Child Day by performing traditional dance
The guests enjoyed the students’ performance
Aline Nyampinga