On Friday, June 27, 2025, children at the Nyagatare Rehabilitation Center celebrated the Day of the African Child under the theme: “Raise Me Well, My Future is Bright.” The event featured lively performances and strong messages, highlighting the ongoing effort to protect and advance children’s rights.
This annual celebration, officially observed across Africa on June 16th, honors the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa, where schoolchildren protested an unjust education system. In Nyagatare, the children at the center used the occasion to stress the importance of a good upbringing and strong values for a better future.
The children at the center expressed themselves through poems, dances, and songs. Many of their performances carried meaningful messages, such as: “When raised with love, I grow with dignity; I become a solution, not a problem.”
Eric, a 14-year-old at the center, shared his experience: “The center teaches me to respect others, to study hard, and to plan for my future. I’ve learned that my tomorrow can be better than today.”
This reflects the goals of rehabilitation centers in Rwanda, which aim to provide care, education, and life skills to vulnerable children. Rwanda’s National Rehabilitation Service oversees various centers, including Gitagata and Iwawa, focusing on holistic rehabilitation and reintegration.
A representative from RCS (Rwanda Correctional Service), Paul Iyamuremye, praised the efforts to provide care and discipline to the children. They stated, “Proper upbringing is the foundation of sustainable development. We call on families and communities to take the lead in raising responsible children.”
The official also urged parents, teachers, and society to continue guiding children with dignity, values, and a clear vision.
This aligns with Rwanda’s broader commitment to child protection, seen in government initiatives and partnerships with organizations like UNICEF, which focus on education, protection, and inclusive development. The Day of the African Child 2024, for example, focused on “Education for all children in Africa: The time is now,” highlighting the continent’s push for quality education for every child.
The celebration concluded with awards given to the most disciplined and hardworking children, acknowledging their efforts and positive changes. The theme, “Raise Me Well, My Future is Bright,” served as a powerful reminder that strong values and consistent guidance are crucial for shaping a generation of responsible and hopeful African youth ready to contribute to their communities and the continent’s development.
