Parents have been urged on creating violence-free homes and embracing positive parenting which would enable them safeguard children's wellbeing and secure Rwanda's future development.

The call was made on June 16, 2026 during the celebration of the Day of the African Child (DAC) in Mwiri Sector of Kayonza District.

Celebrated under the theme “Ndera Neza, Nkure Nemye” loosely translated as “Raise Me Well, Let Me Grow and Thrive”, the event was attended by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Mireille Batamuriza, the UNICEF Rwanda Country Representative, Lieke van de Wiel, NCDA staff, district officials, partners, parents and children.

Speaking at the event, PS Batamuriza urged parents to embrace positive parenting approaches starting acting on their behaviours.

"Children learn by observing, so parents must be good role models," Batamuriza told the members of the community who had gathered at Groupe Scolaire Rwisirabo in Mwiri Sector.

"The kind of parenting we want is one based on dialogue, appropriate to the child's stage of development, that protects children and instils values in them."

Batamuriza said achieving Rwanda's development ambitions requires families to end all forms of violence.

"We want parenting that equips children with knowledge and raises them within strong family environments. To achieve our country's development goals, we need families that are free from all forms of violence, starting with the youngest members of society," She noted.

In her remarks, the UNICEF Country Representative to Rwanda highlighted the importance of the celebration of the Day of the African Child saying that it reflects the dignity every child deserves.

In line with observing the Day of the African Child, NCDA conducted a whole month campaign aimed at raising public awareness and promoting positive parenting practices.