The Masaka Early Childhood Development and Family (ECD&F) Center is set to open in April. A team of Imbuto Foundation and Mount Kigali University officials who visited the construction site on Tuesday expressed their delight at the progress.
The two institutions have partnered to build the centre.
The officials found that the centre is 75 percent complete and, together with the Kicukiro District officials, estimated that it will be ready for use next month.
The centre is being established to support the holistic development of children aged 0 to 6 years. It will offer a range of services, including early education, health, nutrition, hygiene, and child protection. Additionally, a comprehensive parenting program will be implemented to promote a nurturing home and community environment for children.
On March 4, officials from Imbuto Foundation, Mount Kigali University, and Kicukiro District visited the construction site to assess the progress. During the visit, Mr. Aaron Ndizeye, Head of Finance & Administration at Imbuto Foundation, commended the partnership’s positive impact on the community.
“This centre will benefit the people of Masaka, especially young children,” he said, acknowledging Mount Kigali University’s contribution to community development. He also expressed gratitude for the university’s ongoing support and reaffirmed Imbuto Foundation’s commitment to further collaborations that benefit the community.
Dr. Martin Kimemia, Vice-Chancellor of Mount Kigali University, emphasized the far-reaching impact of the centre on children’s well-being and the broader community.
“This initiative is a game-changer for the Rwandan child. By providing quality early childhood education and essential services, we are not only shaping their future but also addressing critical issues like nutrition and health,” he stated.
Dr. Kimemia further stressed the importance of investing in early childhood development, saying, “Young children are the foundation of society. Nurturing them from an early age ensures a healthier, more knowledgeable, and more prosperous future for our nation.”
Dr. Kimemia also called for similar projects to be established across Rwanda.
“This centre is a model that should be replicated in other parts of the country to give every child an equal opportunity to thrive,” he urged.
Monique Huss, Deputy District Executive Administrator of Kicukiro, reaffirmed the district’s commitment to supporting early childhood development.
“This centre will have a transformative impact on families in Masaka and beyond. Investing in young children is investing in the future of our district and the nation,” she said.
She also praised Mount Kigali University and Imbuto Foundation for their involvement in community development and expressed the district’s willingness to strengthen the partnership.
“We appreciate Mount Kigali University’s dedication to impactful initiatives, and as a district, we are open to continuing this partnership to support more projects that benefit our people,” she added.
The Masaka District Model ECD&F Center is the latest in a series of collaborative projects undertaken by Imbuto Foundation and Mount Kigali University to unlock growth opportunities for Rwandan children.
The two institutions began collaborating in February 2018 when they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Mount Kigali University, which was then known as Mount Kenya University Rwanda, pledged to contribute $150,000 to Imbuto Foundation over a five-year period.
The funds were allocated to educating 100 vulnerable children in secondary school. Additionally, under this agreement, the university offered scholarships to five young girls who excelled in their studies.
The two partners renewed their agreement in February 2022 following the expiration of the initial one. Mount Kigali University raised its five-year contribution to $175,000.