Rwandan Values and Risky Behaviours in Society
Primary 6 · Social and Religious Studies
Rwandan Values and Risky Behaviours in Society
Lesson 4 of 4
15 min
Mutesi is 12. A man who owns a shop near her village starts giving her sweets and phone airtime. One day he says, "You are special. Come to my house after school, but don't tell your mother. This is our secret." Mutesi feels uneasy. That evening she tells her aunt everything. Her aunt hugs her. "You did exactly the right thing," she says. "A good adult never asks a child to keep secrets like that."
As you grow up, your body changes. This is called puberty, and it is normal. Sexual intercourse is for adults, in a responsible and committed relationship. For a child it is harmful, and in Rwanda it is against the law. Unprotected sex means sex without any protection against infections or pregnancy. For children, the safest choice is to abstain: to wait until adulthood.
In Rwandan law, a child is anyone under 18 years old. Any sexual act with a child is a serious crime, and the adult is punished. It is never the child's fault.
Important
Where to get help in Rwanda (all free): 116, the child helpline, to report abuse of a child · 112, Rwanda National Police emergencies · 3029, Isange One Stop Centre, which helps children and victims of violence at hospitals across the country · 166, Rwanda Investigation Bureau. You can also tell a parent, a teacher, a religious leader or your village leader.
HIV is a virus that weakens the body's defence against disease. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS, when the body can no longer fight illnesses.
| HIV CAN spread through | HIV does NOT spread through |
|---|---|
| Unprotected sex Blood, for example sharing razor blades, needles or other sharp objects From a mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, if she is not treated | Hugging or shaking hands Sharing food, cups or plates Sharing a toilet or a classroom Mosquito bites Playing together |
There is no cure for HIV yet, but medicines called ARVs allow people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives. HIV testing is available at health centres. People living with HIV deserve respect and friendship, never insults or exclusion.
Tip
Wait, Walk away, Tell. Wait: sex is for adults. Walk away from pressure, gifts and "secrets". Tell a trusted adult, or call 116.
Answer: Sex without any protection against infections or pregnancy.
Answer: Any two of: HIV or other STIs, early pregnancy, dropping out of school, worry and shame, family conflict.
Answer: The man was using gifts and a secret to trap her. Telling a trusted adult protected her, and it is never the child's fault.
Answer: No. HIV does not spread through sharing food, cups or plates.
Answer: 116.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
Written by Ganzaa. The helpline numbers were checked against the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (rib.gov.rw, link only). Teachers may compare the health facts with guidance from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (rbc.gov.rw).
Quick check
HIV can spread through mosquito bites.
