Karongi: African Child Day Celebrated with Vocational Tool Donations to Empower Youth
Vice Mayor during her speech
Karongi, June 25, 2025 — In a vibrant celebration of the Day of the African Child, dozens of children in Karongi District received toolkits to support the vocational skills they have acquired—marking a meaningful step toward self-reliance and future economic empowerment.
The event, held in Rubengera Sector, was organized by the Karongi District authorities in collaboration with various child-focused partners, including World Vision, Caritas Rwanda, ActionAid, CLADHO, and others committed to children’s rights and welfare.
Although the Day of the African Child is globally marked on June 16, Karongi commemorated it on June 25 due to the overlap with national exam schedules.
Children showcased a wide range of talents and participated in interactive games and performances. Most significantly, those who had completed short-term vocational training in trades such as tailoring, carpentry, welding, masonry, hairdressing, and other technical fields received start-up kits to help launch their careers.
One such beneficiary, Niyobugingo Pacifique, 17, who completed a six-month tailoring course at Butamwa and spent three additional months in practical internship, expressed joy and hope:
“These tools will help me start my own small business and improve both my life and that of my family,” he said.
“I’m very thankful to Caritas Rwanda for supporting my training and providing me with the tools I need to begin working.”
Speaking on behalf of all development partners, Uwiragiye Reymond, Representative of World Vision/Kivu cluster, commended the collaborative effort behind the celebration and emphasized the importance of standing with children.
“Our theme this year is ‘Ndera neza nkure nemye’—‘Raise me well so I grow with dignity.’
We urge parents to nurture their children with care, helping them grow with wisdom and purpose,” he said.
“There can be no sustainable development if children are left behind. That’s why we’ve provided toolkits to support these trained youth as they begin to shape their own futures.”
He called on the young recipients to take good care of the equipment and use it productively.
Karongi District Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Development, Julienne Ntakirutimana, thanked the partners for their invaluable contribution toward child welfare and development.
“Every one of us was once a child,” she said.
“When a child is well raised and supported in their development, they grow into productive and responsible citizens.”
She encouraged children to respect their parents and avoid wandering the streets during the upcoming school holidays. Instead, she urged them to help with light chores at home and make time for revision.
“For those of you who received vocational kits today, consider this a great beginning,” she added.
“Start applying your skills now—turn what you’ve learned into income and progress. Parents, please continue guiding your children and helping them stay on the right path.”
Pictorial
Gashonga Jean Claude
