Rulindo, October 16, 2025 – Caregivers working in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers across the sectors of Bushoki, Shyorongi, and Rusiga in Rulindo District have today begun a two-day training aimed at strengthening their capacity to deliver quality and integrated services for young children.
The training was organized by Ineza Foundation, in collaboration with Rulindo District, and supported by Book Aid International. It seeks to enhance the knowledge and practical skills of caregivers working with children under six years old.
Participants include caregivers from various types of ECD centers — those operating within schools, home-based ECDs, and Community-Based ECDs located close to families.
Jean Damascène Ndayambaje, the Rulindo District Officer in charge of Early Childhood Development, said the training will help bridge existing gaps in ECD service delivery and enhance caregivers’ ability to use teaching and learning materials effectively.
“This training will help fill the gaps that still exist in ECD operations and strengthen caregivers’ ability to provide holistic early childhood services using learning materials such as ‘My Child, My Pride’ and other tools provided by Ineza Foundation,”
said Ndayambaje.
He emphasized that all caregivers should ensure that integrated ECD services covering education, health, nutrition, hygiene, and child protection are provided without leaving any aspect behind.
“We encourage caregivers to deliver all the components of ECD services equally. Some school-based ECDs have often overlooked certain aspects, thinking they are not part of their responsibility. This training brings everyone together to harmonize their practices,”
he added.
In Shyorongi Sector alone, 25 ECD centers are reported to be inactive, either closed or operating irregularly, while across Rulindo District the total number of inactive centers reaches 86.
The two-day training, held under the theme:
“Let’s work together to stimulate children’s brains — the foundation for a better life!”,
focuses on early brain stimulation, encouraging children to develop a love for reading and storytelling, and promoting parental engagement in early learning.
One of the participants, Marie Louise Uwimana, a caregiver from Bushoki Sector, said the training offers new insights into improving how children learn and grow.
“Before this training, I didn’t fully understand how brain stimulation links to child development. I’ve now learned practical ways to help children learn through play, storytelling, and songs. It’s a real inspiration,”
she shared.
According to Janvier Niyonsaba, the ECD Coordinator at Ineza Foundation, the organization remains committed to equipping caregivers with the skills and resources they need to support children’s holistic development.
“We believe that investing in early childhood development is investing in Rwanda’s future. Through this partnership with Book Aid International and local authorities, we aim to ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has access to quality early learning opportunities,”
said Janvier.
Rulindo District currently counts 836 ECD centers, serving children under six years old.
Rwanda’s National Early Childhood Development Policy, first adopted in 2011 and revised in 2016, aims to ensure equal access to quality ECD services, reduce malnutrition and stunting, and prepare children for successful entry into primary school.
