During a Consultative Meeting with Religious based Organisations held today at Marriott Hotel in Kigali, Minister Espérance Nyirasafari of Gender and Family Promotion,  acknowledged that Religious Leadesr have done a lot but more could be achieved with deliberate efforts to promote child protection and family values.

“The Government sought the support of faith-based organisations at a time when there was a need to foster unity and reconciliation among Rwandans and religious organisations did a good job. I believe that since the majority of Rwandans belong to a certain religion, clerics can still play a big role in pushing for child protection or promote violence-free families,” she said.

She said most children end up on streets because of violence in their families.

“We call upon religious leaders to encourage believers to embrace the culture of fostering as well as preaching about peace and love in homes,” she said. The meeting was organised in collaboration with the Rwanda Governance Board and attracted Government Officials and Religious leaders from various denominations.

Prof. Anastase Shyaka, the chief executive of Rwanda Governance Board, said that faith-based organisations can play a greater role in pushing for more ethical society founded on cohesive families.

Mary Kamanzi from Peace Plan said building strong families would be the best solution to the challenges faced in communities.

“I think the street children issue is as a result of children who run away from dysfunctional families. So building a strong family would make a child want to stay home,” she said.

Right Reverend Alexis Birindabagabo from the Anglican Church pledged contribution in promoting the “Tubarere mu Muryango” national program aiming at raising all children in families, “if we commit today that every one of us and our church members will adopt an orphan, we could achieve the target of raising all Rwandan children in families and not in institutions.”

In 2012, government moved to phase out orphanages in the country and rather encourage for the children in such facilities to be absorbed into families either through fostering or adoption. At least 2,294 out of 3,323 children (who were previously living in orphanages) have been reintegrated into foster families since the inception of “Tubarere Mu Muryango.”program.