The Minister of Local Government, Dominique Habimana, has urged residents of Nyagatare District to protect children from labour that interferes with their education, particularly herding cattle in pastures and engaging in strenuous agricultural work.
The call comes after residents raised concerns that some children in rural areas are being sent to farms to herd cattle and perform heavy tasks instead of attending school.
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Residents Raise Concerns Over Child Labour
Some residents said child labour remains a concern in certain parts of Nyagatare, where children are sometimes required to spend long hours working on farms or looking after cattle.
Nsengiyumva Joel said some children spend time herding cattle or doing other farm work, leaving them with little opportunity to study. “We see children going to farms to herd cattle or do other work. This can stop them from having time to study. We ask that those who employ them stop so that every child can go to school.”
Nshimiyimana Eric also called for stronger measures against child labour, particularly in rural areas. “We know some people use children in farms and other heavy work. Others spend the whole day herding cattle. Authorities should act to end this because it violates children’s rights.”
Parents Urged to Protect Children
Residents also emphasized the responsibility of parents in protecting children from work that interferes with their education.
Mutuyimana said children should be given the opportunity to study and prepare for their future. “A child should study to gain knowledge for their future. As parents, we must take responsibility to protect children and help them continue school so they can develop themselves and the country.”
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Minister Says Children Belong in School
Minister Habimana strongly warned against sending children to farms to herd cattle or perform heavy labour. “Children must not go to farms to herd cattle, it is forbidden. They should be in school, not in farms or heavy labor.”
He called on residents to work together to protect children and ensure they have the opportunity to attend and complete school.
The Minister also warned that people found engaging children in prohibited labour could face punishment. “Everyone should watch out for one another, protect children from heavy work. Whoever is caught will be punished.”
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Education Seen as Key to Children’s Future
Minister Habimana emphasized that education plays an important role in preparing children for their future and enabling them to contribute to the development of the country. “Children grow up to be important people. That cannot happen if they do not study.”
He urged parents and the wider community to ensure children attend school regularly and complete their education.
Community Responsibility
The Minister stressed that protecting children from labour that prevents them from attending school should not be viewed as the responsibility of parents alone.
Parents, community members and authorities all have a role to play in ensuring that children are protected from harmful or excessive work and given the opportunity to learn.
The message in Nyagatare is therefore clear: children should be in school rather than spending their time herding cattle or performing heavy work that could interfere with their education and future.
