Media as a tool for child protection and advocacy

Considering that there are different cases on child abuse in Rwanda, various civil society organizations are put in place in order to fight with child protection and advocacy in collaboration with the media.

On May 30, 2025, Youth Mentoring Agents for Development Organization (YOMADO) based in Rilima Sector in Bugesera District organized a workshop for journalists from different Media Outlets, aimed to strengthen collaboration in reporting child abuse cases and ensuring that children’s right is protected.

Philbert SEMINEGA, the Chef Executive of YOMADO explains the mission and the achievement of the organization.

“YOMADO was established in 2008 but started working in 2015 after being registered by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB). Since then, we have carried out our activities in Kamabuye and Ngeruka Sectors of Bugesera District, with the mission of protecting children and combating all forms of abuse. We should extend our activities across the entire district, but we currently operate in those sectors due to the scope of the project we are implementing.  We began an active advocacy in August 2024, with the Plan International support.” he Said.

“At the beginning, we noticed that a lot of parents were unaware of child abuse. Through our awareness campaigns, we have educated them about all forms of abuse and children’s right. Recent reports from local governance structures show us that parents are now more informed and engaged.” he added

Callixte Gasana, who is in charges of Early Childhood Development (ECD) program in Bugesera District, attended the workshop.

“It is a pleasure to attend this workshop organized by YOMADO. As district officials working closely with children, the workshop has improved my knowledge and created an important synergy with the media to protect children’s rights.  Most of us are parents ourselves. I encourage journalist to continue focusing on child protection in their reporting.  As for YOMADO, I hope you will increase the training period and expand your activities to the remaining sectors of Bugesera District.”  he said

Appolinarie Bamurange who is in charge of Gender and Family Promotion in Bugesera District, has also attended the workshop.

“We encourage YOMADO to expand its child protection activities to other parts of Bugesera District.  While we already have a strong collaboration, it’s important that their activities reach every sector of Bugesera District. I also thank YOMADO for viewing the media partners in child advocacy. Media should be seen as allies in this cause, not as critics because of the lack of professionalism.” She said

Youth Mentoring Agents for Development Organization (YOMADO) implements its activities in partnership with Plan International.

According to Article 4 of the 2023 Ministerial Order on Child Protection issued by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, “The child has right to adequate development. Every parent has the responsibility to care for the child as of conception to ensure appropriate child development.”

Fulgencie Mukamusoni