The Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), Assumpta Ingabire, has encouraged parents to take good care of their children, stressing that a child who does not receive proper upbringing faces long-term consequences, yet children are the very foundation on which the nation relies.
She made these remarks while joining Ngoma District in celebrating the National Early Childhood Development Day under the theme: “A well-nourished child is a parent’s pride.”
Some parents from Rukira and Rurenge sectors in Ngoma District admitted that today’s parents are neglecting their responsibilities to provide proper upbringing.
Tuyiringire Claude, a father from Rukira Sector, said:
“Technology is making many parents forget to talk to their children. After work, instead of asking how their children are doing, they spend time on their phones. As a result, children also get attached to phones, watching inappropriate content.”
Uwimana Claudine from Rurenge Sector added:
“Parents today, including myself, have neglected our duties. Some children are becoming teenage parents or getting into drugs because no one talks to them. As our proverb says, ‘a tree is shaped while still young.’ I admit we have failed in our responsibilities.”
NCDA Director General Ingabire emphasized that caring for children means laying the foundation for the kind of Rwandan citizen the country aspires to have.
She said:
“A parent is the first educator of a child. Proper upbringing is necessary. A child who doesn’t receive it ends up on the streets, becomes addicted, turns into a delinquent, or suffers stunting. Parents, I urge you once again to take your role in providing proper upbringing seriously, because it is crucial for bringing positive change in children’s development. Remember: building a sustainable nation means investing in children, by giving them the right care and education.”
She went on to thank parents, teachers, clergy, private sector actors, NGOs, volunteers, local leaders, development partners, and all stakeholders who contribute to the wellbeing of Rwandan children.
She concluded by saying:
“Raising children well from an early age is a strong foundation for building a resilient Rwanda. I assure you of NCDA’s partnership in promoting child development and protection.”
In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that more than one million children aged between 2 and 17 had experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence.
