Imbuto Foundation, in partnership with the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion and Unicef Rwanda, is recognising the great contribution of individuals who care for children under the age of 6, under the Early Childhood Development and Family (ECD&F) project, launched by the Chairperson of the foundation, Mrs Jeannette Kagame in 2013.

The drive, that kicked off Thursday, will see up to 90 individuals recognised in a series of events to be held until end March, in all 10 centres where this project is implemented.

As part of the project, these ECD&F centres were put up across the country, in Gikomero, Kayonza, Rwamagana, Gicumbi, Mageragere, Ngoma, Gakenke, Nyamagabe, Nyamasheke, and Nyabihu, in an effort to support the holistic development of children under six, through the provision of integrated health, nutrition, early learning and protection services for families and children.

Assumpta Ingabire, a technical advisor for Imbuto Foundation, said that acknowledging the centres’ employees is a way of showing appreciation for their role in taking care of Rwandan children, as well as motivating and encouraging them to continue with their noble acts.

"We recognise these child caregivers because they have been vital in behavioral change and improving children’s lives for good. They support parents and teach them good family practices needed for child upbringing in a healthy and desirable manner,” Ingabire said. 

Each centre hosts about 200 children drawn from the areas close to the centres.

Currently, there is a total of 3,249 children in centres, including those involved in the project through home-based facilities, across the country. 

In Gasabo District, where Gikomero Centre is stationed, about 500 children have benefited from the expertise and service of childcare givers.

Chantal Uwampika, a resident of Gikomero told Saturday Times that since the inauguration of the centre, parents have improved their style of parenting, while ensuring proper hygiene for children and the family.

"As a parent, I needed child care development knowledge… after the training I was able to train other parents in this village. You can surely see that this programme has paid off,” said Uwampika, adding that, the training she acquired can allow her to become a nursery teacher, since she has knowledge and expertise in child care and development.

Emmanuel Dushimumwe a caregiver at the Gikomero centre spoke of the impact to the children and community.

"The centre acts as a nursery school at the same time, as children are learning English and how to read and write at an early age. They really look healthy too,” Dushimumwe said.

Imbuto’s Ingabire said that plans are underway to have at least one ECD centre per district.

The government approved the Early Childhood Development policy in 2011, in acknowledgment that the early years of a child’s life are the most important for their emotional, social and physical development into a well-adjusted adult. 

Imbuto Foundation turned this policy into a functional reality with support from Unicef Rwanda and the Ikea Foundation. 

​"With more centres opening up in Rwanda, we will see more parents and children living better and healthier lives,” Ingabire reiterated.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw