KIGALI, 01 June 2021 – In a month-long campaign starting on Worlds’ Parents’ Day, UNICEF alongside the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), National Agency for Child Development (NCDA) and other partners launch a series of interventions to promote positive parenting and mental wellness in Rwanda.

In Rwanda, the parenting month coincides with the celebration of the Day of the African Child (DAC 2021) which will be observed on 16th June 2021 under the theme “Isibo, as a pivot to the child development” to inspire a reflection within ISIBO residents towards their role and responsibilities in child development and protection, with a focus on preventing and eliminating all forms of child malnutrition while promoting child’s growth and development within households.

“Despite the COVID-19 effects on families especially during lockdown periods when children were obliged to drop their leisure time and schooling, both parents (men and women) did a tremendous work in terms of parenting. I commend them for their efforts in parenting and educating their children to ensure a brighter future for them, and I also encourage them to keep the momentum throughout the childhood of their children ”. Says Prof. BAYISENGE Jeannette, the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF).

Parenting has always been the most important and hardest responsibility in the world – and COVID-19 has placed even more pressure on parents and caregivers. In the second year of the pandemic, they are continuing to support their children’s learning and development, keep their households functioning and looking after their family’s wellbeing.

“I would like to applaud parents and caregivers for being there for their children and taking on the additional roles inflicted upon them by the pandemic,” said UNICEF Representative in Rwanda Ms. Julianna Lindsey. “With this campaign, we are focusing on positive parenting and mental wellness to support and encourage parents with resources on how to cope during COVID-19.”

UNICEF will highlight the important role that parents, and caregivers play in the development of their children especially in the early years, through sharing mini parenting master classes, supporting positive parenting education sessions and implementation of the National Parenting Curriculum. In light of the pandemic, the campaign will also raise awareness on mental wellness of parents, caregivers, and children. 

“UNICEF will continue to work with the Government and private sector to support an investment for parenting programmes and family-friendly policies in the country,” added Ms. Julianna Lindsey.

Since 2016, UNICEF has been working closely with the Government, private sector and civil society partners in Rwanda to ensure improved conditions for parents and investing in early childhood through creating child and family-friendly spaces.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, UNICEF supported the Government of Rwanda to develop and broadcast radio episodes on early stimulation and learning for children. This enhanced continued provision of services to young children at home and safeguarded the child development and learning gains which were attained before the pandemic.

In collaboration with the NCD, UNICEF also supported the Government to develop national guidelines for ECD centers re-opening in the context of the pandemic and supported implementation of the guidelines by establishing handwashing facilities and procuring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for improved hygiene and safety of the center-based and home-based ECD spaces.

Currently, UNICEF in partnership with NCD is also implementing the “Caring for Caregivers” package, a global tool being piloted in different countries, including Rwanda. The tool is meant to equip stakeholders in ECD with necessary knowledge and skills to be able to support parents and caregivers, so that they can also improve their capacities to provide better care and support to young children, despite the negative impact of  the pandemic and other adversities families are facing.