The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Rwanda has celebrated 70 years since its inception and lauded the progress made in protecting children rights.
The ceremony concurrently took place with the launch of a film ‘The Beginning of Life’ advising parents on how take care of their children. It was shown in Rwanda for the first time on Wednesday 14th December 2016. The film was shot in nine countries including Kenya and demonstrates the process of child growth from birth until adulthood along with the parent’s role in the growth.
Various experts revealed that a parent can determine the future of the child within the first three years and start following up him/her to make him a better person for the society.
The permanent secretary in the Ministry of Gender and family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Umutoni Gatsinzi Nadine said that the government will collaborate with UNICEF to conduct research on how to promote child growth.
“The government has implemented a policy taking care of a child from pregnancy up to six years. In collaboration with Ministry of education and UNICEF, we are establishing institutions and other bodies to build kindergarten schools too strengthen early childhood development and imparting moral values and excellence,” she said.
“ Research will be carried out soon to establish what infants need and what can be done for them to enhance better growth in family. It will help us to improve the program aimed at reaching children from poor families to get their rights respected,” she added.
The representative of UNICEF in Rwanda, Ted Maly has commended the contribution they have made in the 30 years of operating in Rwanda and their collaboration with the government to offer proper education to kids.
“Our program is founded on promoting children rights, sending them to school, get health care and get their needs. Through the collaboration with the government of Rwanda, I voice my appreciation to President Paul Kagame and the first lady for their role in promoting critical thinking among the children of Rwanda,” he said.
UNICEF supports Rwanda in a number of programs including “Tubarerere mu muryango” which cares for orphaned children.
UNICEF was founded on 11th November 1946 by UN General Assembly.
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