In Rwanda’s Rubavu District, Parents Build Homes for Their Children Before Marriage
In a unique tradition that has been passed down through generations, parents in Rwanda’s Rubavu District are building homes for their children before they get married. This custom, which has faded in other parts of the country, remains a proud heritage for certain families in the volcanic region.
Faustin Nkerabigwi, a devoted father, has built four houses for his sons, complete with plots of land, to ensure they have everything they need for a happy and comfortable life with their future spouses. For him, this is more than just providing shelter; it’s about leaving a lasting legacy and a symbol of family unity.
"When I have a child, I build them a house and buy a plot of land around it. This tradition was passed down to me by my father," Nkerabigwi said in an interview.
Jean Baptiste Manizabayo, one of the beneficiaries of this tradition, credits his family’s support for his success. With his family’s help, he received a motorcycle, which enabled him to provide for his family and manage household expenses.
"All the support I received from my father now helps me to feed my family," Manizabayo said.
François Hanyurwimfura, a 60-year-old resident of Mutura Village in Nyundo Cell, Mudende Sector, also continues this practice. A successful pyrethrum farmer and father of five, Hanyurwimfura has built homes for his two married sons, ensuring their happiness and stability.
Hanyurwimfura emphasizes that supporting one’s children is not just about financial capacity but also about the willingness to care for their well-being. He believes this practice helps reduce family conflicts and fosters a harmonious environment for future generations.
"Some parents here do not support their children, though some lack the means. However, it’s a good practice that others should embrace for the sake of future generations as it decreases family conflicts," he explained.
This tradition of parents supporting their children symbolizes a time when families were united and cared deeply for one another. Jean de Dieu Nsanzabera, an orator, writer, and artist specializing in Rwandan culture, believes that this sense of community and mutual support should be revived and celebrated.
"Families used to come together and support their children; they were united. But over time, culture faded, people became selfish, and families stopped caring for their children as they once did," Nsanzabera observed. "That culture should return."
The practice of family support aligns with the provisions of Law Nº 71/2024 of 26/06/2024 governing persons and family. Article 176 of this law describes family donations as voluntary acts, while Article 240 emphasizes the duty of spouses to care for, nurture, and educate their children based on national values.
Nsanzabera says that the tradition of helping children by building them houses and giving them household items before they get married is a reminder of the importance of family bonds and the necessity of supporting one another in times of need. He further adds that it is a custom worth preserving and passing down through generations, as it exemplifies the values of love, care, and generosity within a family.
