August 06, 2026 – The National Child Development Agency (NCDA) convened 567 children’s representatives from sector to provincial and City of Kigali level, and refugee camp, decision makers, development partners and other key stakeholders in a national children’s summit held at its 18^th edition.

The summit was held in the Parliamentary building and was presided over by the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Consolée Uwimana.

Held under the theme “I am the future”, the platform was an opportunity for children’s representatives to express challenges their peers are facing, and suggest solutions and priorities to take into consideration during the designing and the implementing programmes affecting children’s development and wellbeing. 

Speaking at the meeting, the children’s committee chairperson at national level, Isimbi Kelia hailed the country’s leadership for allocating space for children, urging to invest more efforts in preventing behaviours and malpractices that affect children such as drugs abuse, alcohol consumption, violence against children and school dropouts.

“My fellow children, remember that, beyond our rights, we also have responsibilities to respect our elders and guardians, embrace our studies and avoid reckless behaviours like abusing alcohol. Let’s uphold Rwandan culture and values,” she said.

By reflecting on the theme “I am the future”, the Director General for the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), Ingabire Assumpta revolved around the dignity of children, a reason they should be cared for and also be part of their own development, this, she said – will lead to ensuring their families’ development and that of the nation.

Speaking about the implementation of the 17^th national children’s summit resolutions, she said that NCDA has embarked on a journey towards caregiver professionalization, and conducted mobilization around positive parenting to streamline child care practices. 

In her remarks, Minister Consolée urged parents to put their children first. 

“No worthier pleasant you can give your children than loving them, spending quality time with them, and ensuring positive parenting. We acknowledge that families are fundamental to children’s growth and development. Let us strive to build strong, secure and capable families grounded in love and harmony,” she said.

During the summit, children enjoyed musical entertainment and took the lead in moderating the sessions. They also held a debate on positive parenting and performed a poem. They also visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum located in the Parliament to learn about the history of the struggle to stop the Genocide that was perpetrated against the Tutsi in 1994.