Partners, Youth Unite at IPESAR TSS to Champion Child Rights and Combat Abuse

RUBENGERA, FEBRUARY 5, 2026 – A critical awareness campaign dedicated to child rights and the fight against all forms of child abuse was successfully held on February 5, 2026, at IPESAR TSS secondary school, located in the Rubengera Sector (AP BYIRINGIRO).

The event was organized through a collaborative effort involving the Rwanda Extractive Industry Workers Union (REWU), World Vision, and the IPESAR TSS school administration. It drew a large crowd of 362 children and youth, specifically 179 boys and 186 girls, along with 4 student leaders and 2 participants with disabilities.

The campaign’s central theme was the protection of a child’s rights and the prevention of any abuse inflicted from conception until the age of 18. Organizers placed a particular focus on addressing sexual violence against children and tackling the issue of prohibited child labor.

Participants were engaged in discussions where they shared and reviewed examples of child abuse prevalent in their communities. They explored various methods for preventing and fighting abuse, and were educated on the legal penalties handed down by courts to those convicted of child abuse crimes, depending on the severity of the offense.

Attendees were reminded that cooperation in child protection is paramount, emphasizing three essential principles:

1. Prevention: Taking measures to stop abuse before it occurs.
2. Reporting: Swiftly providing information to relevant authorities, including the Police, RIB, IZU, World Vision, REWU, and the Sector administration, upon witnessing an incident of abuse.
3. Child’s Duties: Fulfilling a child’s responsibilities, such as studying, showing respect, and assisting parents with simple chores, while upholding general moral values.

Reflecting on the factors in their communities that lead to child abuse, the participating youth made a collective commitment. They resolved to openly discuss with their parents anything that could potentially lead them into temptation or danger. Furthermore, the young participants vowed to actively avoid negative peer influences, recognizing ‘bad company’ as a common environment where they might encounter individuals who seek to exploit or abuse them.