{In various parts of the countryside, children under 18 years quit their families while others drop out of schools, head to the cities for odd jobs where some are employed as domestic servants. }
As they struggle for survival, they face various challenges including violation of their rights, work overload and get marginal care, unlike other children of the home.
As an effort to tackle children rights abuse, Children’s Voice Today (CVT) in
collaboration with Save the Children are implementing a program that will see children get education on their rights, get reintegrated into their families and advocate for children domestic servants that have faced violence to access justice.
The organization also builds awareness among Rwandans on children rights, fighting against child abuse as well as teaching children different handcrafts through the project ’Books Can Open Closed Doors’, that brings together children working as domestic servants, their bosses and local leaders.
Talking to IGIHE yesterday, during the closing ceremony of trainings of Child Home Servants, the president of CVT, Yvan Niyiguha, said they want to partner with the government at all levels to ensure that children in question get empowered and make a good use of their association.
The Director, Adoption, Protection and Promotion of Child Rights at National Commission for Children , François Bisengimana emphasizes that the family is the founding unit of socialization and therefore children should be given a chance to grow with their families.
“Giving many responsibilities to a minor child jeopardize his/her growth since it is beyond their capacity. We have to join efforts to protect and maintain the rights of children doing domestic jobs,” he said.
The representative of Save the Children, Valens Nkurikiyinka told children working as to serve their nation and society transformation.
Japhet Nyandwi , one of the benefiting children of CVT trainings said that he has acquired culinary and hair cutting skills he hopes to put to use in shaping his future.
One of parents employing children at home reminded parents to do all that is possible to respect domestic servants’ rights.
CVT was established in 2001 to protect children rights and to empower them to make own decisions. It is a member of African Movement of Working Children and Youth.
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