The visit took place on August 29, 2025, in Nyagatare Sector, Nyagatare District, where the juvenile facility is located.
Several participants described the experience as highly valuable, noting that it helped them deepen their understanding of laws relating to child justice.
'This visit helped us connect what we were taught in class with real-life practice. It allowed me to see how far Rwanda has advanced in building infrastructure that supports child justice," Asiimwe Norah told IGIHE.
"I found it to be a commendable initiative that protects children's rights within the justice system. After this visit, I encourage everyone working with children to always value them.'
Her views were echoed by Niyitegeka Jean Marie Vianney, another participant, who said the visit offered an opportunity to see in practice what they had studied in books, adding that the lessons would be useful in his future career.
'We witnessed how children who have strayed from society are treatedâ€"not with punitive measures, but in ways that rehabilitate them. This is not punishment but correction. Here, they are given the chance to study, from primary to secondary education, and even undertake vocational training," he explained.
Niyitegeka also welcomed the fact that children receive care from mental health specialists who help them heal and prepare to reintegrate into their families and communities after rehabilitation. He noted that this sets a positive example for anyone working in child justice, emphasising that children should be corrected in ways that support their growth rather than punished harshly.
Bigirimana Consolate, a lecturer and head of the Child Justice Law program, explained that ILPD prioritises teaching methods that take students into real environments where legal principles are applied.
'Such programs are designed to give our students practical knowledge, bridging the gap between classroom learning and field practice. Here, they saw how a child's rights are protected once admitted to the rehabilitation center, whether as someone on trial or as a convicted child, while also considering their welfare, education, and overall well-being, " she said.
The Child Justice Law program began in 2023 and has so far enrolled around 65 students.
During the visit, students also learned about the operations of the Nyagatare Juvenile Rehabilitation Center and expressed satisfaction at seeing the Government of Rwanda prioritizing children's rights.
IGIHE
