“Family is the foundation of the Nation”, First Lady Jeannette Kagame

Her Excellency the First Lay of Rwanda Jeannette Kagame has urged Rwandans, parents , authorities and Stakeholders to work together for the promotion of the family as it is the foundation of the nation. The First Lady was speaking at the launch of the Integrated Campaign on Governance and Family Promotion, she stressed on the link between the two: “Programs on family promotion, governance and health are complementary. That’s how Rwanda's leadership want them to be. Good governance starts at home, and it is the responsibility of the leadership to promote the family sustainability in al spheres.” First Lady noted.

The Integrated Campaign on Governance and Family Promotion was launched in all Districts across the country and in Kirehe District at National Level. The event brought together Government Officials, the Civil Society, development partners and thousands of residents of Kirehe District. It was combined with the celebration of the International Day of Girl Child celebrated on 11^th October and the International Rural Women’s Day celebrated on 15^th October. As part of the Campaign program, the event was also an occasion to officially launch the Health Week dedicated to the promotion of Mother and Child health. At the ceremony, children under five years old were given milk as a symbol of promoting healthy nutrition and growth as part of children rights. Children with physical disabilities were given wheel chairs that will facilitate their movement. Children were also vaccinated from measles, given Mebendazole and Vitamin A. In line with supporting families, poor families received cows as part of the Girinka –One Cow per poor family program.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion informed that the Campaign will tackle issues hindering the promotion of the family through sensitization among parents and officials especially to take part in the right upbringing of children and the youth; “we will encourage parents an local leaders to support and implement the early childhood services  at the village level. This will bring positive impact in the nutrition and growth of our young generation. We will continue to educate our youth in reproductive health to address the issue of early pregnancies.” On the latter, the Minister mentioned that during the 16 Days of activism, the focus will be on hunting and prosecuting the perpetrators of child defilement and those who impregnated teenagers.

The Integrated Campaign on Governance and Family Promotion is organized in collaboration with Social Cluster Ministries with their Stakeholders. It will last for two months countrywide and the planned activities are dedicated to the promotion of health services, services rendered to citizens, positive parenting, child rights protection, women and girls empowerment ad the fight against Gender Based Violence.