Last month, children all over the country participated in the 9th National Children Summit centred on how children can grow up in a culture of self-reliance. The theme was chosen by the children themselves after being consulted in all Districts.

Speaking for the children present, Charles Ngabo, the President of the Children in Western Province, said “As children, we must learn to depend on ourselves as we work together, as no one can accomplish anything alone.”

Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Oda Gasinzigwa told the children gathered at Karongi District that their views and ideas are welcomed by government. “We need your strength to continue to build this country. We are committed to keep on soliciting your views and opinions on national policies as well as other child rights protection interventions.”

Speaking for UNICEF Rwanda which has supported all the previous summits, Ms. Noala Skinner told the children, “You have to prepare the future you want, today.”

Among the resolutions of the 9th summit, the children vowed to say no to drugs, to encourage dropouts to return to school, to save, to safeguard public infrastructure, to fully participate in keeping the country clean, to raise awareness on children’s rights, and participate in social enterprises (Kwiharika).

Kwiharika originates from Rwandan culture where children were given a small portion of land around the house where they would grow crops. Today, children can undertake activities appropriate for their age like planting trees or crops within their household compounds/garden.

With children’s commitments, also came recommendations for parents and the government. The children recommended that parents open savings accounts for their children as well as giving importance to time spent talking with their children. The children recommended that families continue to adopt children so that no children are left in orphanages.

The children recommended that the government set up a monitoring mechanism in markets to fight child labour. In addition, they recommended that the government set up a mechanism to follow up the well-being of children at village elvel as well as local leaders attending different children forums to keep abreast on what children need.

Since 2004, Rwanda has successfully organised National Children’s Summit to ensure meaningful child participation. As the summits evolved, children have gained more confidence in expressing their opinions and dreams for the future of their country.

Source: www.gov.rw