The festive season which we have begun, is a period characterized by merry-making where families, especially believers in Christianity, meet to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. On the other hand, many others meet for end of year fetes to celebrate achievements registered over the year past, and possibly set goals for the coming year. This will likely be even much more livelier, with Rwandans and citizens of Rwanda reeling from the effects of Covid-19, which paralyzed the global order and particularly froze major end of year celebrations for two years back-to-back. These two events have a week between them and this entire period is characterized by lots of drinking and eating which may lead to some negative consequences, intended or unintended. A particular countrywide campaign that has been running over the past few weeks comes to mind when you think of the different parties that are going to be thrown both in Kigali and the countryside. This noble campaign aims at discouraging serving alcohol to children under 18 years of age. Not just in bars but also in house parties or anywhere else.There is actually a debate around a proposal to increase this to 21 years because of the mayhem alcohol abuse is causing among our youth, including the exacerbation of mental health cases in the country. As we get into celebrations therefore, we should continue looking out for such bars or parties where children will be served alcohol. It should be the work of law enforcement or local leaders, especially since their main preoccupation will be to ensure people celebrate in peace and serenity. We should take a communal approach to monitor such people intoxicating our children. That way it will be more effective. Such should not be happening on our watch. The campaign will yield better results that way if it is owned right from communities.
