Stakeholders Unite to Combat Child Labour in Nyarugenge

By Elias Hakizimana

Child labour persists as a pressing concern in Nyarugenge district, Kigali city. ‘Children Voice Today’ (CVT), a local organization advocating for children’s rights and welfare, has taken a significant step to combat this challenge.

During an annual meeting on Friday, December 22, 2023, Innocent Ntakirutimana, Coordinator of CVT’s Child Protection and Participation Programme, highlighted the persistent burden of child labour. He emphasized the necessity for collective action to prevent and eradicate this issue.

“Ensuring the rights and well-being of children is paramount. Unfortunately, we still witness children performing tasks beyond their physical capabilities. This gathering aims to assess the current scenario, identify challenges, and collectively strategize to eliminate child labour,” remarked Ntakirutimana.

Steven Nshuti, 16, a member of ‘Amizero,’ a grassroots group under CVT dedicated to preventing child labour in Nyarugenge communities, echoed the prevalence of this issue.

“We witness children carrying heavy loads of produce, earning meager wages insufficient for their needs. We call upon concerned authorities to take decisive actions to oversee and address this critical concern,” appealed Nshuti.

Odette Mukandahigwa, overseeing family promotion and child protection in Gitega sector, Nyarugenge district, highlighted family mindsets as a central issue contributing to child labour.

“Most challenges are rooted in family conflicts. Collaborating with local authorities and ‘Inshuti z’umuryango’ (Friends of the Family) through initiatives like ‘umugoroba w’umuryango’ (evening family dialogues), we aim to support families in resolving conflicts and reinforce their responsibility in upholding children’s rights and preventing them from being exploited for labour,” emphasized Mukandahigwa.

Mukandahigwa commended CVT for convening the annual gathering involving stakeholders and children, emphasizing the importance of children’s voices in combating child labour effectively.

Evariste Nkunda, Public Health Data Manager in Nyarugenge district, reaffirmed the district’s commitment to addressing child labour. He highlighted its inclusion in budget plans and performance contracts for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing the collective endeavor needed to tackle this issue effectively.

Rwanda’s labour law, n° 66/2018 of 30/08/2018, stipulates penalties for employers engaging children in prohibited work. Conviction for such offenses may lead to imprisonment ranging from two to five years and fines from five hundred thousand to five million Rwandan francs.

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