MUHANGA, Rwanda, June 20, 2026 – Children Empowerment Network – Rengera Umwana Club (CEN) joined Rwandans in Celebrating the International Day of the African Child 2026 with a series of activities aimed at promoting children’s rights, health, environmental stewardship, and participation. The event, held at Don Bosco Kabgayi Oratory in Muhanga District, brought together children, parents, youth, volunteers, and partners, who renewed their commitment to ensuring every child grows up in a safe and supportive environment.
Training on reproductive health, the distribution of SafePads, tree planting, the “Tree of Hope” initiative, games, and opportunities for children to express their views were among the activities that marked the celebration of the International Day of the African Child, organized by Children Empowerment Network – Rengera Umwana Club.
The event brought together children, parents, youth, volunteers, and various partners to advance the campaign for children’s rights and promote a safe environment where children can grow and achieve their dreams.
This year’s celebration was held under the theme “Ndera Neza, Nkure Nemye,” emphasizing that nurturing children well is the foundation for the sustainable development of families and the nation.
Activities began in the morning with the reception of participants, followed by opening remarks and an explanation of the history and significance of the International Day of the African Child.
Organizers emphasized that the day is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to remind society that every child is entitled to fundamental rights, including education, healthcare, safety, protection from violence, and participation in decisions affecting their lives.
One of the most widely appreciated activities was a training session for adolescent girls on reproductive health and menstrual hygiene. The session highlighted the importance of access to accurate reproductive health information, proper hygiene practices, and the correct use of SafePads, with the goal of helping girls remain in school with confidence and reducing challenges caused by inadequate menstrual hygiene products.
Following the training, selected adolescent girls received SafePads to support them in managing their daily lives with dignity and proper hygiene.
Another highlight of the event was the “Tree of Hope”, where children wrote their dreams, aspirations, and future goals on pieces of paper.
The messages were then attached to a symbolic tree, reflecting the belief that every child’s dream deserves encouragement and support.
NIYONKURU Divine, a member of Children Empowerment Network – Rengera Umwana Club, said the “Tree of Hope” initiative seeks to help children feel valued, remain hopeful about the future, and recognize that people are committed to supporting them in achieving their ambitions.
As part of efforts to integrate children’s rights with environmental conservation, participants also planted fruit trees.
The activity aimed to teach children that environmental protection is essential to building a better future, as children’s well-being is closely connected to a healthy environment.
Children also participated in a variety of games and competitions, providing opportunities to enjoy themselves, build friendships, and strengthen teamwork.
Among the day’s highlights was a friendly football match between Children Empowerment Network – Rengera Umwana Club and Don Bosco Kabgayi Football Training Center.
The match ended in a draw before Don Bosco Kabgayi Football Training Center secured a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout.
ISHIMWE Jaques, who officiated the match, said the purpose of the game was not simply to determine a winner but to promote cooperation, mutual respect, and the use of sport as a tool for improving children’s lives.
Following the competitions, children who excelled in various activities received awards, encouraging them to continue developing their sporting abilities and demonstrating positive behavior.
Another distinctive feature of the celebration was the opportunity given to children to express their views on issues affecting their rights and to share what they believe should be done to support their development.
Children voiced their desire to grow up in caring families, receive quality education, be protected from violence, and enjoy equal opportunities to develop their talents.
Parents and stakeholders praised the confidence and openness with which children expressed their views, describing it as an important step in upholding every child’s right to be heard.
The Director of Children Empowerment Network – Rengera Umwana Club, TWIZEYIMANA Emmanuel, thanked all members, partners, donors, and volunteers whose contributions made the event possible.
He said “Protecting children is not just the responsibility of the family, but of everyone in society. When we come together, we can change the lives of many children. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment, with access to education, good health, and the opportunity to achieve their dreams.“
He also emphasized that such initiatives help children better understand their rights, build self-confidence, and develop the values needed to become responsible leaders in the future.
NYIRAHABIMANA Scolasticat, who works closely with Shyogwe Sector, said activities organized by Children Empowerment Network – Rengera Umwana Club play an important role in helping children understand their rights, prevent violence, embrace sports, protect the environment, and actively participate in shaping their future.
She further commended the opportunity given to children to learn, play, express their views, and enjoy a day dedicated to them, describing it as a positive example of how every child deserves comprehensive care and support.
At the conclusion of the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to working together to promote children’s rights and build a society that offers every child an equal opportunity to thrive.
Children Empowerment Network – Rengera Umwana Club also called on government institutions, non-governmental organizations, schools, faith-based organizations, private institutions, donors, and the wider public to continue supporting initiatives that improve children’s well-being.
Members of the organization stressed that protecting children is not the responsibility of one individual but a shared commitment requiring the participation of everyone so that every child in Rwanda can grow up in safety, access quality education and healthcare, and pursue their dreams with hope.
