About CFI Child First Initiative (CFI) Rwanda is a local Non-Governmental Organization dedicated to advancing children's rights and equality. Established in January 2006 under the Voice of Community Organization and renamed in 2014, CFI works across various sectors of child development in Rwanda. The organization is committed to upholding the rights of children as defined by national policies, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC). Mission To promote positive change and protect children and young people from violence, eradicate the root causes of violence against children and women, and transform communities from harmful traditional perceptions. Vision A community where children's rights are promoted, protected, and respected, and where their well-being is sustained. Objectives Protect children and youth from violence in the family, community, and school. Promote positive parenting practices. Improve community health, including nutrition and sexual and reproductive health. Provide legal aid services to child victims of violence and gender-based violence. Program priorities Child Skills Development and Participation: Empower children and youth with knowledge about their rights and protect them from violence. Promote their active participation in family, school, community, public services, policy-making, and judicial systems. Family Strengthening: Build the resilience and capacity of families, communities, and partners to address current and future challenges to child well-being. Systems Strengthening: Ensure that structures, policies, and practices uphold and promote the rights and well-being of all children, especially the most vulnerable. Research: Inform and support evidence-based approaches to child protection and development. Core values Priority is given to children and people before systems, structures, and financial considerations. Honesty, transparency, and factual communication guide all interactions with donors, communities, institutions, and partners. Innovation, creativity, and flexibility are encouraged to respond effectively to evolving challenges. Collaboration is built on shared goals, mutual accountability, and collective participation. Every effort is focused on achieving meaningful and lasting positive change. Approach and strategies CFI Rwanda works with families, communities, schools, local leaders, and faith-based organizations to raise awareness of child rights, protection, and participation. The organization aims to shift harmful traditional beliefs and build a society that supports and empowers children.