UNICEF Rwanda

Today, , , and partners joined children in Kayonza to mark under the Parenting Month theme “Ndera Neza, Nkure Nemye” (Raise me well, let me grow and thrive).

The event highlighted the importance of positive parenting and called for accelerated action to ensure every child in Rwanda and across Africa has access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) — key foundations for children’s health, protection and development.

Today, UNICEF Rwanda teamed up with NPC Rwanda and joined thousands of runners on day one of the Kigali International Peace Marathon, celebrating peace, unity, and healthy lifestyles.

But the excitement didn't stop on the track.

At our stall in the Peace Marathon Village, revellers took on the Challenge, showing their support for a world where every child can grow up in peace, safety, and dignity. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, took part, and stood up for children.

Because peace is more than crossing a finish line—it’s ensuring every child can learn, play, grow, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

As the Kigali International Peace Marathon continues, let's all do our part to uphold, protect, and champion children's rights every day, everywhere. Together, we can help build a future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏾‍♂️ Peace. Unity. Children's Rights.

As the world marked , UNICEF Rwanda celebrated the conclusion of the Friends of Nature Competitions, a key milestone of Environment Week that engaged more than 5,000 students across the country in debates, essay writing, and poetry on climate change.

Across 8 schools in Rubavu, Nyaruguru, Musanze, and Nyabihu districts, 71 students — 36 girls and 35 boys — were recognized for their outstanding creativity, environmental awareness, and commitment to climate action. Through their powerful voices and ideas, they called on everyone to become a Friend of Nature.

The Friends of Nature project equips adolescents with climate literacy, strengthens environmental clubs, and harnesses the power of the arts to inspire awareness and action. Because climate change is not just a scientific issue—it is a human story. The annual action plans developed by environmental clubs reminded us of a powerful truth: when young people are given a platform, they lead.

🌱 Together, we can empower the next generation to protect our planet and build a more sustainable future.

Play changes lives.

Every time children run, laugh, explore, and imagine, they are doing more than having fun they are building confidence, strengthening relationships, developing skills, and supporting their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Play helps children learn, connect with others, and grow into healthy and resilient adults. It is an essential part of childhood and a powerful foundation for lifelong development.

This International Day of Play, let's celebrate the power of play and ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits it brings.

When health facilities are equipped to provide safe and quality care, entire communities benefit.

Today, UNICEF Rwanda dispatched essential supplies to Rusizi and Nyagatare District Hospitals to help strengthen infection prevention and control, improve water and sanitation services, and support quality patient care.

These investments will contribute to safer healthcare environments, better protection for frontline workers, and improved access to essential services for children and families. They also strengthen preparedness and the capacity of health facilities to respond effectively to public health threats, including diseases such as Ebola.

Because stronger health systems save lives and help ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive and thrive.

A healthy environment is the foundation of healthy communities, thriving economies, and brighter futures for children.

The actions we take today to protect forests, restore ecosystems, conserve water, and reduce pollution help create a world that is cleaner, safer, and more resilient for generations to come.

This World Environment Day, we are reminded that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. Together, we can build a greener future where both children and nature can thrive.

Because every action counts, and every action matters.

Today, UNICEF Rwanda brought together CSO partners to reflect on safeguarding and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) in practice. Participants shared experiences, lessons and approaches to create a culture of zero tolerance of SEA, strengthen safe programming, accountability and the integration of PSEA into Ebola preparedness efforts.

Yesterday, we joined the Ministry of Environment, UNDP in Rwanda Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) and the Gisagara community for , helping build erosion-control terraces and care for newly planted trees as we officially launched Environment Week.

Together, we're taking action to protect our environment and build a more resilient future for every child ahead of World Environment Day on June 5. 🌱

Menstrual health is a human rights issue.

It requires collective action to ensure access to safe products, accurate information, supportive services, and an environment free from stigma.

Today, in partnership with WFP, the World Bank, and the Government of Rwanda, we proudly launched a new joint programme aimed at strengthening jobs, early childhood development, and community resilience across Rwanda.

Through this collaboration:

✅WFP will support productive jobs and community assets through Public Works.
✅UNICEF will strengthen and professionalize home-based ECD services through training, mentoring, and accreditation.
✅The World Bank will support diagnostics, policy review, and enhanced coordination.

Led by the Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC) and implemented with national and local partners, this programme reflects a shared commitment to investing in children, families, and sustainable development.