Rwanda and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have commemorated 40 years of partnership in development, focusing on improving the lives of children and citizens. The celebration took place on November 13, 2026, at Mayange School in Bugesera District, Eastern Province. The event featured a tree-planting activity, aiming to combat malnutrition among children. Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, urged students, teachers, and parents to care for the planted trees, highlighting their role in promoting healthy living.
Minister Nsengimana emphasized the significant achievements of the 40-year partnership between Rwanda and UNICEF, particularly in education and healthcare. He noted that UNICEF has been a key partner in initiatives that will shape the country's future, including the development of future medical professionals and engineers. The minister expressed gratitude for UNICEF's support, which has contributed to the country's progress.
Eastern Province Governor, Pudence Rubingisa, announced that the tree-planting initiative aims to plant 40 million trees. He stressed the importance of the partnership between Rwanda and UNICEF in environmental conservation and sustainable development. The governor emphasized that the collaboration will have a lasting impact on the country's natural resources and citizens' well-being.
Lieke Van de Wiel, UNICEF's representative in Rwanda, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to its partnership with Rwanda, particularly in initiatives focused on child development and environmental conservation. She highlighted the achievements of the partnership and emphasized that the tree-planting initiative will continue, promoting children's rights and sustainable development.
Concorde Nsengumuremyi, Director General of the Rwanda Forestry Authority, praised the 40-year collaboration between Rwanda and UNICEF, citing progress in reforestation and environmental conservation. He assured that Rwanda will continue to invest in initiatives that expand and protect forests, combating malnutrition and soil degradation.
The celebration featured the planting of fruit trees, including mangoes, avocados, and lemons, encouraging children and citizens to care for the environment and combat malnutrition. The event's theme, "Plant a tree, conserve it, and protect the environment," resonated with the importance of collective action in promoting sustainable development.
The partnership between Rwanda and UNICEF has yielded significant results over the past 40 years, with a focus on improving the lives of children and citizens. The two organizations will continue to collaborate on initiatives that promote sustainable development, environmental conservation, and child well-being, shaping a brighter future for Rwanda.
Key points
- Rwanda and UNICEF have partnered for 40 years to improve child and citizen well-being.
- The partnership has focused on education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
- The tree-planting initiative aims to plant 40 million trees, promoting sustainable development and combating malnutrition.
