On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, leaders of the Human anti Violence Club visited GS Ntete School located in Kiramuruzi Sector of Gatsibo District in Rwanda’s Eastern Province to encourage students to join the club and raise awareness about the fight against violence toward children.
The visit aimed to strengthen the role of schools in child
protection by educating students about their rights and promoting active
participation in initiatives that prevent violence both at school and within
families. Through discussions, awareness sessions and practical activities, the
club seeks to empower students to speak out and take action against abuse.
The outreach activity was led by Patrick Irasubiza, a Human anti Violence Club mobilizer from the organization’s headquarters in Rwankuba,
Murambi Sector, Gatsibo District. He explained that the club plays a key role
in helping students understand their rights and responsibilities, while also
providing a safe space to discuss challenges they face.
Currently, the Human anti Violence Club operates in seven schools
across Gatsibo District: GS Ntete, GS Nyabisindu, GS Rwankuba, GS Rwimitereri,
GS Nyagatozu, GS Rubona, and GS Gakoni Catholic. Club leaders say their
long-term goal is to expand the initiative to all schools in the district.
At GS Ntete alone, the club has attracted more than 100 student
members. School authorities and club leaders emphasized that they want every
student to join, citing the club’s importance in promoting child welfare and
positive behavior.
During his address to students, Irasubiza reminded them that
violence against children is strictly prohibited under Rwandan law and
punishable by law. He stressed that every child has the right to learn in a
safe environment free from abuse.
He also highlighted the importance of reporting violence, saying children should know where and how to report abuse so they can receive help in time. According to him, the Human Violence Club listens to children’s concerns, particularly those arising from their home environments, and works with relevant authorities to find solutions.
“The main mission of this club is to eliminate violence against
children, educate them about their rights, and give them a voice in matters
that affect their lives,” he said.
The student representative at GS Ntete, Kenedy, praised the club
for helping students better understand their problems and how to address them.
He asked club leaders to support them with learning materials, noting that
members sometimes struggle to find discussion topics during their weekly
Wednesday meetings.
The school’s Vice Head Teacher in charge of discipline, Samuel
Ngirinshuti Nzabitega, commended the Human anti Violence Club for its positive
impact and encouraged students to actively participate.
“It would be best if every student joined this club,” he said.
“It helps them understand their own rights and those of others. When violence
occurs, students are able to recognize it and know where to report it so that
action can be taken quickly.”
Speaking to IMIHIGO NEWS, Ngirinshuti said the school agreed to host the club after realizing that many children lacked knowledge about their rights and did not know where to seek help when abused.
“There are many children who don’t understand their rights and
have no one to talk to,” he said. “This club guides them and shows them the
right channels to follow.”
He added that although students face challenges such as limited
access to learning materials, the school is committed to working with the
club’s leadership to address these issues wherever possible.
The session concluded with club members accompanying their
mobilizer on a visit to the school’s vegetable garden, symbolizing the club’s
commitment to practical action and community support, not just discussions.
The Human Violence Club was founded by Sabrina Joyce Smith, an
Australian national, as an international initiative aimed at combating violence
against children, promoting human rights, and building peaceful and respectful
societies, particularly in Africa and Rwanda.
The club was introduced in Rwanda to support national child
protection programs, especially in schools, where children are taught about
their rights from an early age.
Both GS Ntete School and the Human anti Violence Club expressed
confidence that their continued partnership will help maintain a safe,
violence-free learning environment, enabling children to grow with confidence,
knowledge, and strong values. Students were encouraged not to stay behind, but
to actively join the club and take part in shaping a safer future.
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