KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Responsibilities of an African child

Contrary to popular belief, being a child isn’t just about being on the asking and receiving end of things. As a child you also have responsibilities to your peers, parents, country and even the world. In fact, article 31 of The African Charter on the rights and welfare of the child says that every child shall have responsibilities towards his family and society, the State and other legally recognised communities and the international community. Some of the responsibilities stated in article 31 include; working for the cohesion of the family, respecting parents, superiors and elders at all times and assisting them in case of need. Article 21 of Rwandan law no. 54/2011 14/12/2011 relating to the rights and the protection of the child further elaborates on this. It states: “Depending on his/her understanding level, the child, must respect any human being, especially his/her parents or guardian. He/she shall also help his/her parents or guardian proportionally to his/her capabilities.” You are also expected to serve your national community by placing your physical and intellectual abilities at its service. You can do this by participating in Umuganda, by joining school clubs that promote patriotism or community service. You can also work hard in school and attain knowledge which you will use later to develop the country. Another duty is to preserve and strengthen social and national solidarity. This means that your words and actions are supposed to unite people instead of dividing them. While it is fine to go to school and learn other languages and cultures, it is also your duty to preserve and strengthen African cultural values wherever you are. However, article 31 cautions that the promotion of culture must be done “in the spirit of tolerance, dialogue and consultation and to contribute to the moral well-being of society.” As a child, you should also preserve and strengthen the independence and the integrity of your country. A good example of this is that when you interact with people from other parts of the world, you should give a good representation of Rwanda. Furthermore, your patriotic concern should not only stop on the boundaries of Rwanda. Article 31 states that you should contribute to the best of your abilities, at all times and at all levels, to the promotion and achievement of African unity.

Education

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Responsibilities of an African child