On 21^st September 2017 Rwanda joins the rest of the World to celebrate the International Day of Peace under the national theme “Together for Peace: Promoting the values of respect and dignity through peaceful families”.   

Addressing the youth from across the country and other participants at a conference held at the Parliament of Rwanda, the Minister of Gender and family promotion, NYIRASAFARI Esperance reiterated the role of the family in building peace, : “The Government of Rwanda recognizes the importance of ‘family’ it is the foundation of the society. A parents, we have the responsibility of building peaceful families for our children and our nation; let us be the good example they can follow.” “For a nation to prosper, it needs to have stable families.” Minister Nyirasafari added. She also urged the youth to take the lead in promoting peace as they are the future of the nation; “even if you were raised by irresponsible parents but you are grown up now, you are educated and supported, we believe you will become great parents and preserve our country’s peace and dignity.” The Minister advised them to avoid the use of drugs as they destroy their lives and their future.  She reminded them that they have a lot to fight on their way to success; “Train yourselves to be contented with what you have and always strive to gain more for yourselves, your families and your country but with dignity, do not be deceived by those who promise you jobs and scholarships yet targeting to traffic you.” Minister Nyirasafari noted.

The youth who participated at this conference expressed their commitment to be agents of peace starting from their families. They emphasized on the importance of dialogue and requested for the establishment of the youth evening forum following the model of Parents evening forum knows as Umugoroba w’ababyeyi at the village level, to promote dialogue and strengthen the strategies of fighting families’ conflicts which are the hindrance to sustainable peace in the community.  The focus on the family this year is testament to the commitment of the government and peacebuilding actors in the country to sustain achievements gained and keep up the momentum.