The Speaker of Parliament, Donatille Mukabalisa, has called on parents to create more time for their children to ensure their proper upbringing.

Mukabalisa, who was speaking at the opening of the eleventh National Children’s Summit at Parliament Buildings in Kimihurura, yesterday, outlined integrity, loyalty, heroism, and hard work among the values children need to learn at an early age to become responsible citizens.

The summit, held under theme, "Positive parenting: the foundation of culture,” attracted more than 48 children representatives from across the country.

"A family should be the foundation of cultural values and the source of power of Rwandans. A family should be at the heart of positive influences that nourish the country‘s overall development based on our unique culture,” said Mukabalisa.

The Speaker noted that when children are given a cultural based education at family level, many of the issues affecting children such as drug abuse, teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, and street children can be overcome rapidly.

Damien Ngabonziza, the National Commission for Children (NCC) board president, said a platform like the National Children’s Summit is highly valued.

He asked the children to use it fruitfully, making their voices heard on issues they are facing today for actions that shape their lives.

Shadrak Nsabimana, the vice president of National Children Council, said children commend the efforts of different stakeholders in taking measures to address challenges raised at previous summits.

He asked for more commitment and actions to address the issues still affecting children.

"We are thankful for this platform, where we express our opinions and highlight issues to policy makers. We feel valued and empowered and will come out with more commitment to be active citizens for our country’s development,” Nsabimana said.

During the summit, children appealed for more early childhood development centres.

Since 2015, with the support from UNICEF such centres have been constructed in different parts of the country.

The early childhood policy was developed and approved early this year.

The children also asked the government to put more efforts in family planning awareness.

At the previous summit, the children called for access to education for children in refugee camps from primary up to secondary school level, which was addressed, among other issues.

What children say

Anita Giramahoro, 15, child representatives from Bugesera District.

‘As part of culture we want talent development centres established, where children talents can be spotted and nurtured at an earlier age.’

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Claude Muhoza, 16, representative from Rulindo District.

‘We want sports competitions that can bring together children from different districts and have fun while also creating friendship.’

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Ruth Ikunzi, 16 from Bugesera Disctrict.

‘We want children with disabilities to be provided with health care and assistive devices to facilitate their movement to school or elsewhere.’

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Patrick Niyirora, 16 from Ngoma District.

‘We are not learning enough cultural aspects at schools and we want education officials to consider it and possibly include it in the curriculum.’

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Divine Umuhoza, 14 from Nyamagabe District.

‘Access to affordable healthcare is important for children. Some parents are reluctant to pay their health insurance contribution on time and we call upon them to do it so that no child misses medication due to parents’ negligence.’

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