WESTERN PROVINCE

KIBUYE — At a delayed children’s Christmas party held on Monday in Ruganda, many children resolved to make significant achievements in 2008.

The party that was organized by joint churches and attended by parents attracted over 100 children. It doubled as a holiday ending party.

Though there were various activities performed by the children, including poems, singing, and praying, the most eye catching part was when the time for making New Year resolutions approached. The children resolutions attracted prizes.

"I will make sure I emerge first in class throughout 2008,” said Nadine Ingabire, 10,   promoted to primary five last year.

To her, academic achievement seemed her best choice, but since the party attracted children with varying targets, some of the resolutions were totally different.

"I will work hard and buy fishing net this year so that I can be a rich child through fishing,” said 10- year- old Erize Mutware. Indeed other children had bigger dreams for this year and one would wonder how they could achieve them.

"I will make sure I get a job however hard it maybe so that I can cater for my little sister’s needs. I want her to become a nurse in future, me I have to be a pilot by all means in the nearby future,” said Teofile Nsengiyumva, impressing her teacher.

"I knew he has such a vision,” said Mary Rose Mutetsi one of her teachers.

Elders in attendance explained that such functions that enable children talk and express their goals, though neglected at times; help shape children into more focused and responsible citizens.

"I urge my fellow parents to always speak openly to their children and give them a chance to speak out their minds,” said Mujawamariya Onnet one of the organizers, adding that the nursery trees make the foundation of the forest, and our little ones are the future.

Mujawamariya urged parents to restrain from harsh punishments to children, warning that it widens the gap between parents and children.

"Let them dream, all realities come out of dreams, just work hand in hand to make them achieve their dreams,” she said.

Most speakers emphasised charity and good parenthood. They stressed that loyalty and openness to children are important virtues for responsible parenthood.

"The bible says we are our children’s parents on earth so we should fulfill the obligation,” said one of the pastors present.

Meanwhile, all children were given New Year gifts that included scholastic materials.

Ends