Parents, children’s committees join forces to protect children from harmful work

By Boris Prince Cyubahiro

Children’s Voice Today (CVT) organized a learning workshop for parents of Children Advocacy Committees (CACs), and children protection committees under the theme “Protecting children from harmful work is our responsibility.”

Held in Kigali on December 5, 2024, the event aimed to strengthen the role of parents and communities in safeguarding children’s rights and promoting their participation in family and community activities.

Innocent Ntakirutimana, Child Protection and Participation Programme Coordinator at CVT said: “The aim of this workshop was to share ideas and information on how to raise children in CVT member groups by teaching them good moral behaviors. However, one of the challenges we face is that some children come from very poor families, making it difficult to satisfy their basic needs, which hinders their wellbeing. That is where we focus much of our effort.”

Innocent also noted that the workshop fostered a collaborative spirit among parents, who agreed to form committees to address follow-up issues with children’s groups. Additionally, parents pledged to contribute financially to support children’s group activities.

One notable achievement of CVT, according to Innocent, is raising awareness about children’s rights.

He added, “All the children in our groups know their rights and are confident to report any violence against them. They also act as a voice for other children in their communities.”

Elizabeth Muyinganyiki, a child representative in CVT’s Amizero group in Nyamirambo, shared her perspective on the importance of CVT’s efforts.

“Knowing that our rights are responsibilities for our parents makes us feel valuable and important in society. This gives us confidence to voice concerns for ourselves and others,” she said.

Muyinganyiki stressed the need for greater awareness among parents and children about rights violations, such as emotional abuse and harmful work that hinders education.

“Children should participate in home activities, but not in ways that violate their rights,” she explained. “For us in CVT, we know how to approach our parents when we notice rights violations. However, challenges persist for children who are not part of CVT groups.”

Chantal Umulisa, a supporter of CVT, emphasized the relevance of the training, particularly during the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

She pointed out that family conflicts are a significant cause of violence against children, often leading to school dropouts.

“Children’s Voice Today teaches children about their rights and participation, equipping them to advocate for themselves,” said Umulisa. She urged parents and the government to collaborate with CVT to create a safe environment for children.

“Parents must adopt friendly communication with their children to ensure their holistic development,” she added.

The workshop served as a crucial platform for bridging gaps between parents, children, and stakeholders in the fight against child rights violations.

CVT’s ongoing efforts underline the importance of collective responsibility in shaping a secure and empowering environment for all children.

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