RITAH MUKANDE

RITAH MUKANDE - RWANDA
Advocating Children’s Right to Education

Rwanda went through a period of genocide in 1994 which left many children orphans. Close to 30% of all below 18 years are orphans. At least 60% of the households are poor. While there has been an excellent enrollment rate 93.5%--girls drop out much more than boys. It is very important to recognize the role and contribution that every Rwandese can make, especially children.

Mukande is the president of the Girls’ Education Alliance in Rwanda (GEAR). GEAR is an innovative initiative led by children and young people whose objective is to empower girls, promote networking and provide a forum for girls and young people to express themselves. It was established through a partnership for girls’ education comprised of Ministry of Education, FAWE (Forum for African Women Educationalists), PACFA, etc. GAER was established as part of Rwanda’s efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

“Women and girls of Rwanda have no rights, little education, and few skills to solve their problems. I want to make a difference in the lives of women and girls particularly those suffering from the consequences of war. I will be an advocate for girl’s education and engage young people in solving their own problems through training in life skills. I want to increase the number of girls enrolled in school.”

Her participation in WLW develops Mukande’s ability to nurture strategic allies, strengthen child-networking through ICT access, and enhance creative facilitation skills.

Mukande was born in Uganda where she went to primary and secondary school. She moved to Rwanda after the war. She pursues her degree in the school of journalism and communication at the National University of Rwanda.