Students pursuing the Child Justice program at the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) undertook a study visit to the Nyagatare Juvenile Correctional Facility on August 29, 2025. The visit provided them with practical exposure to the realities of child justice in Rwanda, complementing the theoretical knowledge acquired in class.

During the visit, students observed how the center rehabilitates children in conflict with the law, ensuring that their rights and dignity are safeguarded throughout the process. They described the experience as eye-opening and essential for their professional development.

Norah Asiimwe, one of the participants, expressed her appreciation for the initiative:

“This visit helped us connect classroom lessons with real-life practices. We saw the progress Rwanda has made in establishing facilities that uphold child justice while protecting children’s rights. It is an impressive approach, and I encourage everyone who interacts with children to always respect their dignity.” 

Sharing the same perspective, fellow student Jean Marie Vianney Niyitegeka said the visit brought to life what they had only encountered in textbooks.

“We witnessed how children who have committed offenses are rehabilitated rather than simply punished. Here, they are supported through formal education—from primary to secondary school—as well as vocational training. We also saw how mental health specialists help prepare them for reintegration into society and their families. This model demonstrates that child justice should focus on rehabilitation, not harsh punishment.”

The visit was organized as part of ILPD’s practical approach to teaching. Consolate Bigirimana, lecturer and coordinator of the Child Justice program, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in bridging theory and practice.

“Our goal is to ensure students not only study child justice in books but also witness how it is applied in real life. By engaging directly with institutions like the Nyagatare Juvenile Correctional Facility, students better understand how the rights, education, and welfare of children in conflict with the law are protected. This experience enriches their knowledge and prepares them for their future careers in the justice sector.”

The Child Justice program at ILPD, launched in 2023, has so far attracted 65 participants. Through a combination of classroom instruction and field-based learning, the program aims to build a new generation of legal professionals who are committed to promoting child-friendly justice in Rwanda and beyond.