Alliah Cool: “You Give Your Child What You Have Within You”

Rwandan model and actress Alliah Cool has emphasized the importance of parental example in raising children, arguing that parents cannot teach their children values they do not practise themselves.

She made the remarks during an interview on B&B Kigali FM’s Irigara programme, where she discussed parenting, personal values and the role of parents in shaping the behaviour of the next generation.

“When you have a child, you give them what is within you. You cannot give them good things that you do not have within yourself,” Alliah Cool said.

Her message comes amid public discussions in Rwanda about parenting, youth behaviour and the values being passed on to children. Concerns have been raised about whether children are receiving enough guidance at home and whether parents are dedicating sufficient time to conversations that help young people understand responsibility and make informed decisions.

Alliah Cool stressed that raising children goes beyond giving instructions or telling them what is right and wrong. Parents must also examine their own behaviour and ensure that their actions reflect the values they want their children to adopt.

She also spoke about the importance of acknowledging past mistakes and making efforts to correct them, particularly after becoming a parent.

“If there are mistakes I made in my life, now that I am a parent, I should begin correcting them so that my child learns good things,” she said.

According to her, parents should be willing to explain their past mistakes to their children, including why certain actions were wrong and what lessons can be learned from them. Such conversations can help children understand the consequences of their choices and avoid repeating similar mistakes.

Her comments highlight the importance of leading by example, open communication and consistent guidance in a child's upbringing. They also raise questions about the shared responsibility of parents, schools and society in helping young people develop positive values.

During the same programme, Alliah Cool also addressed rumours that have linked her romantically to Tanzanian businessman Saidi Lugumi for about six months. She explained that she prefers to keep family members out of the media when they are not involved in the entertainment industry.

Her remarks on parenting serve as a reminder that children learn not only from what adults tell them, but also from what they see adults doing every day.