Teachers, parents urged to fight child labour

Nyagatare - Teachers and parents in Nyagatare District have been urged to play a key role in fighting child labour.The call was made by Moses Mugabo, the coordinator Rwanda Education Alternative for Children (REACH) project in the district. The project operates in the sectors of Mimuli, Nyagatare, Karangazi and Matimba. Since its operations started in the district, over 748 children have been rescued from child labour. In a meeting that brought together primary school teachers from the four sectors, Mugabo said that it is a child’s right to have access to education and no one should infringe on them. “Children are entitled to better education. It is one way of preparing them for a better future. You should be part of the fight against child labour,” he said. Mugabo added that it was the parents’ responsibility to prepare a good future for their children. According to REACH project officials, the project targeted rural areas since they are the main centres for child labour.“Most of the child labour fields include quarrying stones and chasing birds in rice plantations. These are mainly rampant in rural areas,” said Felix Muramutsa. Grace Uwamariya, the head teacher of Rutaraka Primary School noted that a child engaged in labour cannot be productive in class. Hobess Nkundimana, the inspector of labour in Nyagatare district commended the project for its advocacy in fighting child labour in the district. REACH operates in seven districts in the country and has rescued over 8,300 children from child labour activities Ends

National

Teachers, parents urged to fight child labour