Like any other child, children in prisons also need to enjoy their child rights. It was in this regard that Association Umwana Iwabo (Enfant Chez Soi) recently threw a Christmas bash for the children at Bambino.

In her speech the president of the association Gloriosa Mukanzanire said that they started the activity of helping children in prisons in 2005.

"We started with Kigali Central but now we are operating in two other prisons of Rubavu in Ruhengeri and Ntsinda Rwamagana prison.”

"With the support of European Union, we try to help these children and their mothers with the basic needs added Mukanzanire.”

Throwing Christmas parties for children from different prisons is going to be an annual event. We believe that through pubic gathering celebrations with other children in the society, children from prisons can at least have a smile on their faces Mukanzanire said.”

In her conclusion, Mukanzanire said that on 14 the associating will be throwing another Christmas bash to children in the prison of Rubavu Gisenyi in Northern Province of the country.

The director of the prison Dativa Mukanyangezi said "Children in prison live a miserable and unhappy life; a prison is not a child friendly place. We need more people to work hand in hand with Ministry of defence to cater for these children since it is a major problem.

She further said that not very many people think of helping children in prison, among the few good Samaritans Umwana Iwabo association has really shown its passion for the children in prisons.

According to the person in charge of the prisoner’s welfare for both children and adults of Kigali central prison name withheld, told the Children’s Times that, the management of the prison is happy for Umwana Iwabo association.

She further said that though their parents are victims of their deeds, children should not suffer the consequences of the crimes of their parents, they are innocent she emphasized.

Children from Kigali central prison and Ntsinda from Rwamagana attended the party. Among the activities that excited the children were playing on the swings, moving toys and dancing with artists from Trinity group who had come to entertain the congregation.

Children present enjoyed the meal and walked away with the gifts which were prepared by the management of Bambino.

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