English
Kinyarwanda
Parents and guardians in Karongi District have been warned against engaging children in harmful and child labour activities noting that “all children should be protected and in school.”
While addressing parents at Ecole Secondaire Ruganda, the vice mayor of Karongi in charge of Social Affairs, Drocelle Mukashema, said that children requires due attention and follow up to mold them into responsible people and future leaders.
The meeting held on September 11, was also attended by the District Police Commander, Supt. Emmanuel Karuranga, mentors and students of Ecole Secondaire Ruganda.
“Nurturing children starts at home; preventing unwanted pregnancies, school dropouts and child labour activities is the responsibility of everyone as teachers, parents, leaders and the community,” the vice mayor said.
“First, it should be clear that every child should be in school, but when they are at home, they are in the hands of parents and guardians; likewise when they are at the school, teachers are accountable,” she added.
The DPC also warned of appropriate action to whoever will be hampering the government policies and programme including education and violating the rights of children.
Child labour, under the Rwandan laws, is defined as the denial of children’s rights and a barrier to holistic child development.
Parents and child were also urged to partner with the Police to ensure that rights of children are protected and promoted by reporting any violation through a Child Helpline (toll-free) – 116 – or other police communication channels.
