RICH Leads Dialogue on Strengthening Families Through Responsible Parenting in Rwanda
4 min read
Kigali, Rwanda-February 11,2025. In a powerful display of collaboration, the Rwanda Interfaith Council on Health (RICH) spearheaded a pivotal National Interfaith Dialogue on “Fostering Positive and Responsible Parenting for Strong and Healthy Families.” Held at M-Hotel in Kigali, the event attracted a wide array of religious leaders, government officials, and key stakeholders, all focused on addressing the pressing challenges facing Rwandan families today.
Cardinal KAMBANDA calls for collective action to strengthen families
The event kicked off with an inspiring speech from His Eminence Antoine Cardinal Kambanda, the chairperson of RICH, who emphasized the critical role families play in both societal and spiritual development. “The family is a fundamental institution, central to God’s plan and the future of Rwanda,” Cardinal Kambanda stated. His address highlighted urgent issues affecting families, such as youth vulnerability to drug abuse, unplanned pregnancies, and school dropouts. He urged collective responsibility from religious and governmental bodies to tackle these problems head-on, with a particular focus on supporting parents in their roles.
Minister UWIMANA Consolee reinforces government’s commitment to family support
The event also saw the participation of the Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Uwimana Consolee, who reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to supporting and empowering families. Minister Uwimana highlighted how the government’s initiatives, including policy reforms and community-based programs, aim to strengthen family structures and improve the well-being of Rwandans. She emphasized the importance of responsible parenting in creating a foundation for sustainable development and acknowledged the pivotal role of religious institutions in reinforcing the values that lead to healthier, stronger families. Her speech underscored the need for continuous collaboration among various sectors to address the multifaceted challenges families face.
Government and religious bodies join forces to address family challenges
Aline UMUTONI, Director General of Family Promotion and Child Protection in MIGEPROF shared the government’s comprehensive approach to strengthening family structures, citing recent legal reforms and community programs aimed at promoting gender equality, child protection, and financial stability. Key initiatives include the establishment of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) and the widespread deployment of community-based family monitors known as “IZU.” Umutoni emphasized the need for greater collaboration between public institutions, private organizations, and faith-based groups to address ongoing challenges like substance abuse and ineffective family communication.
Dr. IKUZO Basile, Director of HIV Prevention Unit at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) shifted the focus to health, discussing the latest data on HIV testing and prevention. Highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat HIV transmission, Dr. IKUZO underscored the essential role that religious institutions can play in raising awareness and dispelling HIV-related stigma, particularly among youth.
Empowering families for a stronger Rwanda
On her part, Vestine MUSABYEMARIYA from “Secretariat National pour l’Action Familiale” (SNAF) stressed the importance of the family unit as the bedrock of national development. She reflected on the Catholic Church’s 40-year commitment to strengthening families through the “Ubusugire bw’Ingo” (Stability of households) program, which offers practical guidance on parenting, conflict resolution, and family planning. Her presentation reinforced the idea that parents hold the key responsibility in shaping the future of their children, urging them to model values of respect, love, and responsibility.
Panel discussion highlights collaborative solutions
A dynamic panel discussion followed, moderated by RICH’s SG Gatete Jean Marie Vianney, where representatives from different sectors shared insights on enhancing parenting across Rwanda. The panelists discussed the crucial role of fathers in child education, the importance of integrating faith with education, and strategies for addressing modern-day challenges, including technology’s influence on family dynamics and the need for more transparent conversations between parents and children on sexual health.
RICH’s call to action: strengthening families through education and collaboration
The dialogue concluded with a series of key recommendations aimed at fortifying Rwanda’s family structures. Participants called for:
- Stronger partnerships between the government, religious institutions, and private sector to provide more robust support for families.
- Expanded pre- and post-marital education programs to equip couples with the tools needed for successful parenting and financial management.
- Promoting awareness on HIV and reproductive health issues, with an emphasis on the importance of open communication within families.
Minister UWIMANA’s closing remarks reflected the government’s dedication to supporting families, stating that the success of Rwanda’s development depends on strong, resilient family units. Cardinal KAMBANDA also delivered his final remarks, urging continued collaboration to ensure that Rwandan families remain strong and united in their pursuit of a healthier future.
This dialogue represents a significant step forward in ensuring that Rwanda’s families remain strong, resilient, and united in their pursuit of a brighter future for their children.
Telesphore KABERUKA
