During the 7th National Children’s Summit on January 4, 2012, under the theme: “Children and Equity: Our Contribution to EDPRS”, the children of Rwanda will give their views on the impact of EDPRS on their lives, and interact with decision-makers on their hopes and wishes for EDPRS II, with a focus on supporting the poorest or disadvantaged children.

On December 14, 2012, the National Commission for Children (NCC) in cooperation withMIGEPROFlaunched one week long grassroots consultations at the cell and sector levels across the country. Thus, thousands of children are being given the opportunity to talk about what EDPRS means for them. In particular the children are being given the chance to give their concrete suggestions that their delegates will present in the Summit.

The children’s ideas and suggestions will focus on three strategic priority areas. The first one is about every child’s need to grow up in a family, the loving environment most fit for vulnerable children and the best alternatives to institutionalization. The second area concerns health: healthy children means a healthy Rwanda; healthy lifestyles for children include: prevention of drug abuse, HIV and STIs. This category also places emphasis on the role of sport in development, gender and adolescent rights, and nutrition for an optimum development of all Rwanda’s children. The third area focuses on promoting school achievement and retention for a better future for all children including the most vulnerable children, whereby they can say: learning for our future is our dream and the dream for Rwanda

The grass root consultations were launched officially in Karenge Cell, Sector Karenge, in Rwamagana District, by the Honorable President of the FFRP/Parliament.