Every year in June, Rwanda observe a nationwide campaign aimed at strengthening positive parenting practices and promoting the holistic development of children among parents, caregivers and the general community.

Led by the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) in collaboration with government institutions, development partners, communities, and families, this year’s long-month campaign served as a reminder that raising children is a shared responsibility.

The campaign run under the theme “Ndera Neza, Nkure Nemye” loosely translated as “Raise Me Well, Let Me Grow and Thrive”.

The campaign featured various activities including the celebration of the Day of the African Child (DAC), the celebration of Early Childhood Development (ECD) day in Gatsibo, media engagement activities including RBA Hafi Yawe programme, participation in Car Free Day, a mass sport activity in Rwamagana, and dialogues with parents whose children have/had engaged in delinquency.

The campaign encourages parents, caregivers, and communities to raise children with love, protection, guidance, and support to enable them to grow into responsible and productive citizens.

Speaking at RBA Hafi Yawe Program in Musanze District, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Consolee Uwimana urged parents and caregivers to dedicate sufficient time to positive parenting and intensify efforts to combat stunting.

“Let us raise children with love and positive parenting. This will help them grow, thrive, and develop into productive citizens,” she said.

The Deputy Director General of NCDA, Gilbert Munyemana, emphasized positive parenting practices rooted in Rwandan culture and reminded families of their collective responsibility to raise children into responsible and upright citizens.

“Raising a child is a shared responsibility within the family and community, whether the child has parents or is orphaned. Family dialogue should once again take center stage, just as it did in traditional Rwandan cultural settings such as igitaramo,” he said.

During the campaign, people were reminded on positive disciplining approaches, highlighting that physical and psychological punishment can negatively affect children's emotional and mental well-being. Instead, parents are encouraged to opt for dialogues, listen to them, guide them with patience, and create a safe and supportive family environment.