ActionAid rallies parents to prioritise girls’ education

Musanze- ActionAid this week inaugurated classrooms worth Rwf 75 million at Nyamurimira Primary School as part of a campaign to promote girls’ education and women empowerment in Rwanda. The inauguration was also in line with the Global Campaign for education of girls, marked this month in Rwanda. ActionAid also commissioned six classrooms along with 16 toilet units and donated scholastic materials and chairs to the school. The Country Director ActionAid, Josephine Uwamariya, said there is need for combined efforts to change the traditional mindset that hinders girls education. “The cultural attitude which condemns girls to domestic chores or early marriages will not create a holistic development. There is potential in the local community for women and girls to engage in development activities,’’ Uwamariya said. The Global Campaign for education was celebrated this year under the theme, ‘Emphasizing empowering women and girls through education’. Musanze District Mayor, Winifrida Mpembyemungu, asked parents to take advantage of the government program in supporting girls’ education. Observing that polygamous practices greatly affect girls’ education, the mayor warned parents against forcing their daughters into early marriages. “Parents should not retain girls at home to help them with domestic chores; it has been proven that both boys and girls can compete in all fields,’’ she said. Meanwhile in Burera district, the government through the one laptop per child donated 700 laptops to pupils at Kigeyo Primary School in Nemba sector. Ends

National

ActionAid rallies parents to prioritise girls’ education