Rwanda Friday announced ban on boarding schools at primary level, which educationists say has endangered the family development of children. 
The ban, the latest of a wide range of changes in the education system of the country, is contained in a new ministerial order approved by cabinet on Thursday.
Speaking to journalists in Kigali Friday, Rwanda’s Minister of State in charge of Primary and Secondary Education, Olivier Rwamukwaya said the ban which takes immediate effect will in part help re-organize the education system. “Schools that already have boarding section have been given a grace period of three years to phase it out. We want children to grow up in families and with their parents,” Rwamukwaya said.
The ban affects about 34 boarding primary schools in Rwanda.
“Boarding schools will only be at secondary school level. Parents should know that it’s their primary responsibility to raise their children,” Rwamukwaya said.
He said exceptions would only be given to schools with children living with disabilities which will require authorization from the Ministry of Education.
Rwamukwaya said several stake holders were consulted such as the National Children’s Council, the ministries of gender and family promotion, and local government before the policy being adopted.
Also approved by cabinet is Ministerial Order spelling out sanctions against child labor and parents who do not send their children to school.
The law will take its course in cases where anyone violates the order, Rwamukwaya warned, calling on the public to play its watchdog role to ensure every child’s rights are respected.
The order was long over due, according to Rwanda’s Minister in charge of Cabinet Affairs, Stella Ford Mugabo.
It was delayed to put in place measures that would facilitate children go to school and not drop out, she said.
She argued that with universal access to education and continued sensitization, government believes all parents now understand the need to educate their children. Enditem
Source: Xinhua
