Parents whose children attend Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in Musebeya Sector, Nyamagabe District, say the program has helped them raise children in a healthier and more supportive environment, enabling them to grow up with good hygiene, discipline and proper nutrition while protecting them from risks associated with being left unattended at home.
The parents made the remarks on 10th June 2026 during celebrations marking the District-level Early Childhood Development Day held in Musebeya Sector. They noted that before the introduction of ECD centres, many children spent long hours without proper supervision, often lacking basic hygiene and facing challenges that could endanger their well-being.
Judence Sinabubariraga, a resident of Gisiza Village in Rugano Cell, Musebeya Sector, said the centres have provided parents with a safe place to leave their children while they go out to earn a living.
“ECD centres have greatly supported parents. A mother or father can go to work with peace of mind, knowing that the child is in a safe environment. In the past, children would spend the day wandering around without anyone taking care of them, often lacking proper hygiene. There were even cases where older children missed school in order to look after their younger siblings. Today, such situations have significantly declined,” she said.
John Mugenzi, from Nyarurambi Village in Nyarurambi Cell, also highlighted the role of ECD centers in ensuring that children receive balanced meals through cooperation among parents.
“Parents contribute whatever food items they can, and these are combined to prepare nutritious meals. When a child is at the ECD centre, he or she receives proper care and grows up in good health. We trust these centres because they help children develop healthy habits and learn how to interact with others. As a father, I can go about my daily activities with confidence, knowing that my child is well-fed and properly cared for,” he said.
Agnes Uwamariya, the Vice Mayor of Nyamagabe District in charge of Social Affairs, said the ECD program has played a vital role in improving children’s welfare and supporting families, particularly vulnerable households.
“The ECD programme begins from the moment a mother becomes pregnant and continues until the child reaches the age of five. Children benefit from proper hygiene, adequate nutrition and a safe environment. The programme also helps us identify family-related challenges early enough so that they can be addressed promptly. Since no fees are required for children to attend ECD centres, children from different socio-economic backgrounds are able to access equal opportunities,” she said.
At this time parents knowing their children are in safe hands allows parents to focus on their work with confidence, which in turn contributes to improving household livelihoods.
According to figures from Nyamagabe District, a total of 45,328 children are enrolled in Early Childhood Development programmes. Of these, 1,483 attend Home-Based ECD centres, 56 are enrolled in Community-Based ECD centres, 114 are in nursery schools, while two children are served through the Model Village programme. A total of 6,047 caregivers are responsible for supporting these children.
In Rwanda, Early Childhood Development (ECD) refers to an integrated package of services provided to children from conception until the age of six. The programme aims to ensure that children develop physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially in a safe environment where their rights are protected.
