Rwanda National Police

As Rwanda joined the rest of the world to mark the World Children’s Day on November 20, 2025, activities in Kigali placed a strong focus on child safety, with students from various schools gathering at Canal Olympia Rebero in Kicukiro District to learn more about road safety under the ongoing “Turindane” campaign, fostering protective behaviors among the young population.

The event under the theme: "My Day, My Rights" was organised by Rwanda National Police (RNP) in partnership with UNICEF and the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) as part of the nationwide efforts to promote responsible road use.

The road safety awareness highlighted the link between child protection and safe mobility, reminding the public that every child has the right to travel to and from school without harm. 

Students were taught proper road-use habits, how to interpret traffic signs, and how to cross the road safely after ensuring no vehicle is approaching or has stopped to give way.”

Students were enlightened on proper road-use habits, including interpreting traffic signs, crossing safely by ensuring no vehicles are approaching or have stopped to give way. This aims to promote safer pedestrian practices.

The NCDA Deputy Director General, Gilbert Munyemana said the theme for this year's World Children's Day adds significance because it integrates practical road-safety education. 

“This is a meaningful day, we conducted a road safety campaign for children, teaching them proper road use, safe behaviors to prevent accidents, and how to navigate pedestrian paths and road signs, ensuring their safety and awareness," Munyemana said.

He emphasized that the right of every child to life and safety is a responsibility shared by all. 

“This initiative emphasizes the vital importance of collective responsibility to safeguard children's rights, promoting awareness and practical measures for their safe road crossing and self-protection, ensuring their safety on their way to and from school."Munyemana urged parents, teachers, and partners to continue imparting safe-road-use knowledge to children and fostering responsible behavior from an early age.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Teddy Ruyenzi noted that road safety must remain a priority given the toll and impact of road accidents.

“This campaign is part of ‘Turindane Tugereyo Amahoro’ and it aims at encouraging all road users to adopt behaviors that prevent accidents, protect themselves, and safeguard others.”

She urged the children to be mindful of the lessons learnt and to serve as ambassadors of safe road use among their peers.

She also reminded them that pressing challenges—such as family conflict, drug abuse, or risky behavior.

“Your future depends on the choices you make today, including how responsibly you use the road,” she said.

UNICEF Representative, Lieke Van de Wiel described road safety as a central child-rights concern. 

“Every child has the right to move safely in their community, to walk to school without fear, and to return home protected from harm. Road safety is not just a matter of transport or infrastructure—it is a child-rights issue,” she said. 

“A child who knows how to cross the road safely, a driver who slows down near a school, and a parent who remains vigilant—all of these choices save lives. You live in a country that is deeply committed to your rights and invested in your success. Rwanda believes in your potential—and so do we.”

The awareness featured interactive road-safety lessons and simulated road-crossing exercises for students, teachers, and parents.