Rwanda National Police

Parents and guardians should play an active role in crime prevention by acting responsibly and caring enough about the well-being of their children and other residents in community.

The message was delivered during a special 'Parents’ community evening' on July 15, which brought together parents and guardians, local leaders, residents and police officers in Nyabihu district.

During the discussions, which were held in Mukamira Sector, the District Community Liaison Officer of Nyabihu, Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Marie Rose Uwizera, noted that the elderly in society should provide the community with an organized method of protecting children and youth against a life of criminality.

“The presence of responsible and patriotic parents and guardians in any society can act as a deterrent to potential offenders, who are quickly deterred from any community that has its own safety system supported by residents,” she said.

“Therefore, on top of providing ample care to their children and being exemplary members in community, parents and guardians need to constantly offer help and guidance to their children whenever they are faced with dangerous situations, and also report to police whenever they suspect gangs that try to exploit the youth.”

One of the parents at the meeting, Odette Murekatete, noted that although modernity and technology has exposed the youth to several forms of criminality, it is the obligation of parents to always reach out to them and sensitize them about the importance of abiding by the law, values and living a responsible life.

“Everyone has a role in making our homes and communities safer. We as parents have a bigger role to play by keeping in touch with law enforcers, openly discussing with our youth, as well as being updated with the latest information about the challenges affecting our communities, so that we can offer our contribution in maintaining law and order,”” Murekatete said.