Right to be provided for

It’s the season to be jolly and the season to expect presents from your parents, never mind that it is Jesus’ birthday, not yours, right? As you make lists after lists and scheme and behave well all in an effort to get your parents to buy you the latest video game come Christmas day, I have got some good news and some bad news. Well, the good news is that by asking your parents to provide for you, you are well within your rights because according to article 194 of civil code book one, the law that governs persons and family, “parents shall have a maintenance obligation towards their children.” Now before you take this information and run with it, there are two things you might want to know. When the law talks about the maintenance obligation; it doesn’t necessarily mean that your parents have to indulge your every desire. If they are providing you with food, shelter and education (the basics), then they are doing their part. Whatever else they are doing is just a bonus and for that, be thankful. The second thing is that article 194 says that children shall also have the same obligation towards their parents in their time of need. It’s a two-way street. Therefore, hopefully, whatever you are demanding for right now, you can be able to provide it if/when necessary. The bad news is that your parents are not obliged to provide the cash you need for those new kicks. The ‘maintenance obligation’ could also be adhered to in kind; at least that’s what article 194 says. Therefore, your parents could decide that instead of a fancy gadget, they should gift you with knowledge about your culture. After all, it is their obligation to ensure that you grow up with knowledge and a sense of pride in who you are. Yes, article 194 also talks about the fact that parents have an obligation to instill in their children an education based on the Rwandan cultural values. And what a better time to teach/learn about culture than during the holidays, and especially during Christmas time when the whole family is gathered? Let’s hope you’re lucky enough to get both the gifts and the education. But given a choice, pick education. As my teacher used to say; education is the only thing no one can take away from you.

Education

Right to be provided for