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Authorities in Rusizi District say 98.3% of children eligible for early childhood development services are now enrolled in Ingo Mbonezamikurire (ECD homes), a major step forward in the district’s efforts to fight stunting and improve learning outcomes.
The figures were shared during the official launch of 12 newly constructed ECD centers in Butare and Nkombo sectors, aimed at supporting children aged 3 to 6 through improved nutrition, cognitive stimulation, and early learning.
According to district officials, 24,844 children are currently benefiting from services provided in these centers, while just 1.7% remain unserved.
The government-backed ECD program is designed to nurture brain development and ensure children are physically and mentally prepared for primary school.
In the 2024/2025 fiscal year, Rusizi District partnered with the African Evangelistic Enterprise (AEE) to build six ECD homes in Butare Sector and six others on Nkombo Island.
Jeannette Nishimwe, a nursery teacher at G.S. Gisovu in Butare, said overcrowding had been a major challenge before the new facilities were constructed.
“Children used to sit on mats. Teachers couldn’t move around. Some children sat on chairs meant for older students, their feet couldn’t reach the floor—it was difficult for them to write,” she said.
AEE Project Coordinator Damascène Munyamisugi said the 12 new ECD homes include 34 classrooms and will serve over 2,000 children. The centers were built in remote areas often overlooked by other partners.
“We focused on Nkombo and Butare sectors because they are far from urban centers, and partners rarely intervene there,” he said.
Rusizi Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Francine Mukakalisa, urged parents to send their children to the centers, saying early stimulation improves children’s readiness for primary education.
“These ECD homes help children grow socially, cognitively, and behaviorally. When a child is not nurtured early, the consequences affect their entire future,” she said.
The 12 centers were completed at a cost of Rwf 544 million, covering construction, furniture, kitchens, sanitation facilities, and learning materials.
Rusizi now has a total of 1,514 early learning centers: 1,043 based in homes, 436 integrated within schools, five model ECDs, and 30 in community gathering spaces.
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