Parents evening forums and the transformation of domestic conflicts in Rwanda : A case study of Kimisagara sector in Nyarugenge district 2015 - 2018

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of the homegrown solution "Parents' Evening" on the dynamics of domestic conflict. As this study is exploratory and relevant, its size was limited to the Kimisagara sector in the Nyarugenge region. Empirical data were collected on based on research questions, while a theoretical framework, which combined theory and other perspectives on domestic conflict theory, was used to conduct this research. The study found that after the official launch in 2013, parents‟ evening forums have much impacted in helping parents to share ideas on possible issues of family, to improve their children education, handling challenges of violence and resolving family conflicts whereby they contribute in government programs aimed at addressing conflicts and country‟s development by educating both boys and girls, men and women on morals and values and educating them on reproduction issues as well as improving the family‟s peaceful relationsand while reducing possible negative conflicts. The study also found that amongst the subjects that are discussed in parents‟ evening forums, majority include domestic conflicts and how they should be eradicated. These conflicts are for example about gender based violence; but also addressing issues of hunger and malnutrition in families by implementing the program of kitchen garden; children education; educating young girls on reproduction matters through Iriba rya Masenge program; the use of technology in the activities of a family (biogas, solar electricity...); eradicating some of diseases such like Malaria as well as the promotion of the culture of saving by working with microfinances.