SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda joined the rest of the world to mark the 26th International Day of the African Child (DAC) which took place at all SOS locations under the theme “Protect the child, build a better future”.
Patrick Hatari, the Program Director who joined SOS Children’s Villages in Byumba during the celebration of DAC said, “The 2022’s theme of DAC is to protect the child and build a better future for them. This requires efforts of everyone to end violence against children. It is now time to remind each and every one to be responsible and take good care of his or her children to as they are the leaders of tomorrow.”
Patrick added that the DAC is an opportunity to re-affirm the central role of the family in protecting children and ensuring the well-being of all children.
“Protecting children is all about taking care of them by offering them all necessities to grow up in a loving family and safe environment. Those include attending school, having food to eat, and getting medical care,” he noted.
He also encouraged families to advocate in their villages to end the violence against children.
“Every child should belong to a loving family and receive necessities for their well-being. Our children deserve to be loved, cared for and secured. Remember that we still have people who abuse our children in different ways, our role as parents is to protect our children. “Patrick said.
The DAC will also be an occasion to raise public awareness on issues affecting children such as dropping out of school, malnutrition, child labor, gender-based violence, and child trafficking, among others.
Joseph Munyezamu, the Director of Good Governance in Gicumbi District thanked SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda for its support towards strengthening families and ensuring children from vulnerable families to be well protected.
Joseph saids, “SOS Children’s Villages in Rwanda contribute a lot to protecting vulnerable children across the country. Your support is highly appreciated.”
He urges parents to be role models for their children. “Our children need your support to reach their goals. Give them good education instead of spending time in a bar drinking beer. Let us together raise our children for a better future and for the country as well.
SOS Nyamagabe Location celebrated the DAC, by re-enrolling 39 children who dropped out of school whereas SOS Kayonza Location celebrated the DAC by offering materials to an EDC Centre nearby the village.
SOS Kigali location celebrated the DAC together with the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security founded by retired General Roméo Dallaire, who led the UN peacekeeping mission for Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The Kayonza Location celebrated DAC by offering materials to the EDC Centre near the village. The Kayonza Village Director Jean Claude Mbuto says that the materials will facilitate children and the teachers as well.