Section 4.1 Psychological and behavioural challenges

Studies conducted in Rwanda on juvenile delinquency, came to similar conclusions and evidences portraying a steady and drastic increased rate of juvenile crime and delinquency in recent decades (Nsanzimana, 2019). By extrapolating the number of juvenile delinquents reported from study conducted by the UNICEF in 1974 (350 cases) to MIGEPROF reports of 2005 (8,000 cases) it is well established that the number of juvenile delinquents multiplied countrywide approximately 23 times in 2005. A study conducted in 2012 by the NCC on situation of street children in 11 Districts of Rwanda in 2019, reached to the same conclusion that the juvenile delinquency in Rwanda remains an issue of concern (Nsanzimana, 2019).

In Rwandan schools (Nsanzimana, 2019), juvenile delinquency among adolescent learners is a significant and growing concern. The main contributing factors include low educational attainment, poverty, unemployment, dysfunctional family situations, as well as substance abuse and exposure to violence...” A report by National Rehabilitation Service has summarized a list of 8 major causes often inducing the youth in antisocial behavior and/or juvenile delinquency. These are drug and substance abuse, poverty, unemployment, low levels of education, dysfunctional families, violence and peer influence (National Rehabilitation Service: NRS, 2019).

As it was highlighted in those studies, some adolescents engage in undesirable activities to escape boredom and frustration, seeking excitement or distraction from their daily lives. Additionally, adolescent learners naturally have strong needs for recognition, independence, and affection; when these needs are unmet or misunderstood, some may resort to antisocial behaviors to cope with emotional tension or to gain attention.

Concerning the issue of substance abuse, the above studies found that some adolescent learners become involved in delinquent acts to obtain money to support drug or alcohol addictions, which further fuels their risky behaviors. Family conflicts also play a critical role: rejection or lack of support, particularly from fathers, harsh or overly permissive parenting styles, and unresolved disputes within the home can create an unstable environment that increases the risk of delinquency.

Moreover, inconsistent discipline at home, where rules and consequences are unclear or unevenly enforced, can leave children without the structure and guidance they need to develop self-control and responsibility. Addressing these causes requires a comprehensive approach that includes family support, counseling, and community engagement to help adolescents navigate these challenges positively.

For Nsanzimana (2019) the key risk factors for juvenile delinquency in Rwanda which was found in his study include the lower level of education, poverty/unemployment, and dysfunctional families (together rated at about 79.99% of respondents). Substance abuse and violence were also significant, accounting for 20.1% of responses.