BURERA – Ruhengeri Catholic Diocese has come up with ways of encouraging dialogue between parents and children in Burera district.

The pilot programme encourages children and their parents to form a forum through which a wide range of issues are discussed on a weekly basis. The issues include gender, child labour, Aids and reproductive health.

According to Fr Janvière Nduwayezu, officer in charge of Diocesan Youth Commission and HIV control, the idea was conceived to encourage open discussions between children and parents and to help parents understand the challenges children face.

"This platform helps parents identify their fears, strength and encourage hope among the young generation especially to stop the peer group influence among them,’’ Fr Nduwayezu said.

Visiting the group of families in Gahunga sector, on Monday, an official from the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Médiatrice Mukeshimana, said that the open discussions are part of the wider effort to prevent abuse of children’s rights.

Mukeshimana, urged parents to use the platform to uproot a culture of silence on child labour, sexuality, Aids, and children’s rights.It bridges the gap between children and parents, she said.

"We discuss challenges within our families, there is free expression and it has helped to bring unity especially in polygamous families,’’ said Peacom Rwayitare, 52.

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