A model early childhood development and family centre (ECDFC), expected to enhance positive parenting of children, has been inaugurated in Zaza Sector, Ngoma District.

Speaking at the inauguration, on Wednesday, the Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, Oda Gasinzigwa, who represented the First Lady Jeannette Kagame said the facility was important for early stages of child development.

"The centre will allow professionals to reach out to the children, families and caregivers,” she said.

"The care and attention a child receives in their formative years have a significant influence on their life,” she added.

The centre is intended to be a home for children aged 0 to six years where they will be nurtured and fed in a proper way.

Parents demonstrated good skills in preparing a balanced diet for their children at the new ECD&F centre.

Gasinzigwa, who was in company of Imbuto Foundation staff, Unicef officials, and Governor Odette Uwamariya toured the centre and later said she was impressed by what she called ‘an excellent cause for a child.’

She pledged continued support in efforts to create many similar centres across the country.

"Whatever development we struggle to reach benefits the child. We want children to be born in a healthy environment that can give them healthy bodies and mind,” Gasinzigwa said.

Zaza ECDFC was built by Imbuto Foundation in partnership with the government and Unicef.

Noala Skinner, Unicef country representative, lauded the government for continuously caring for the future generation.

"Investing in children sets a very good precedent. It is an investment that paves way for sustainable development,” Skinner said.

Governor Uwamariya urged communities to make good use of the centre, noting that it would help transform children’s lives.

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