GAKENKE - Residents of Gakenke district have been urged to stop subjecting children to heavy domestic work which affects their school attendance.

The chairman of the District Advisory Council, Zéphyrin Ntakirutimana, made the remarks during celebrations to mark the Day of African Child held in Nemba sector on Wednesday.

"Every one should value children and the best way of doing this is through respecting their rights,’’ Ntakirutimana said.
The celebrations were organized by World Vision-Rwanda.

Poems, plays, songs and drama competitions on the rights and forms of abuse of children’s rights highlighted the event.

Saaden Meena, Director of Administration World Vision, observed that marking the Day of the African Child provides an opportunity to monitor and assess the progress in implementation of the commitments contained in the policies aimed at protecting children.

"Children are the only hope for the future of all the families of our country, and continent,” Sadeen said.

He added that the extent to which a society respects children by  protecting  them from harm and abuse and by providing them with opportunities for a health and productive life has an impact on both their future and the future of that  particular society.

Over 90 best performing students in the competitions were awarded with scholastic materials including books, dictionaries, and school bags.

The vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Hyacinthe Twishime, commended the support given by World Vision, adding that children should be involved in decision making especially in regards to their goals.

Ends