The Minister of State for Primary and Secondary Education, Dr Mathias Harebamungu, yesterday decried all forms of child abuse in schools, especially sexual exploitation.

Speaking to hundreds of local leaders and district education officers who were planning for the 12-year basic education program, the minister called upon the stakeholders to work together to protect children and maintain discipline in schools.

A recent report by the Ministry revealed that over 600 school children suffered abuse in the last two years.

"It is unimaginable that school children find themselves in circumstances where their human rights are infringed.  Early pregnancies affects the children, both physically and psychologically. It must stop," he warned.

The Eastern Province Director of Planning, Boniface Ntirenganya, reiterated the need to prevent child abuse.

"Children are abused by relatives, teachers and other members of the community. We need to do something about it quickly,” Ntirenganya said.

"Male teachers in most primary schools take advantage of their positions to abuse pupils who fear and respect them,” he added.

At least 110 school children in the Eastern Province were found to be pregnant.

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