A New Tool to Address Parent–Adolescent Communication and Improve Family Harmony in Rwanda
A new Parent–Adolescent Communication (PAC) Training Guide will be rolled out early next year with the aim of strengthening sexual and reproductive health education for adolescents and young people.
Developed by Imbuto Foundation in collaboration with health experts and partners such as the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), the guide is intended for trainers who work with parents and young people in both school and community settings.
The tool was validated by key stakeholders on 16 December 2025. It brings together previously separate materials into a single, comprehensive reference, offering structured guidance on how to discuss sensitive health topics effectively.
Eric Kayiranga, Programme Specialist in the Health Division at Imbuto Foundation, said the guide is divided into four parts, covering adolescent health and sexual and reproductive health from conception through young adulthood.
“Though the main target group is adolescents aged 10 to 24, this guide also includes relevant information for children under 10 to ensure parents are equipped with knowledge before their children reach adolescence,” he explained.
Kayiranga added that the guide supports trainers in delivering sessions in a structured manner across schools, out-of-school programmes, and other community settings.
François Régis Cyiza, Director of Child and Maternal Health Programmes at RBC, said the guide addresses longstanding gaps in sexual and reproductive health communication.
“It helps parents and educators guide adolescents through key stages, including puberty and understanding the reproductive system, while promoting behaviours that prevent teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV,” he said.
If effectively implemented by all concerned actors, the guide could contribute to reducing the number of adolescent pregnancies, which are currently on the rise, according to the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey 2025 (RDHS7) released recently by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
The survey shows that the proportion of girls aged 15 to 19 who have ever been pregnant increased from 5% in 2019–2020 to 8% in 2025. This sharp rise follows fluctuations recorded over the past two decades. In 2005 (DHS 3), the rate stood at 4%. By 2010 (DHS 4), it had risen to 6%, and in 2014–2015 (DHS 5), it reached 7%. The rate then dropped slightly to 5% in 2019–2020 (DHS 6).
A study released in January 2025 by actors such as Interpeace demonstrated that adolescent pregnancies are a source of family conflict. In addition, adolescent mothers experience mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression due to stigma, family rejection, and a lack of appropriate support.
Cyiza highlighted that cultural and communication barriers have historically limited open discussions between parents and adolescents.
“Many parents have information but don’t know how to approach their children. The guideprovides a pathway to support young people as they transition to adulthood,” he said.
