The Founder of Mount Kigali University, Prof Simon Gicharu, joined the Imbuto Foundation, Gasabo District, and the Kinyinya community on Thursday, October 9, 2025, to lay the foundation stone for the upcoming Murama Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District.
The new centre, established in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation, aims to provide a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for children aged not more than six years, in line with Rwanda’s commitment to holistic early childhood development.
As a demonstration of his continued dedication to this cause, Prof Gicharu pledged continued partnership with Imbuto Foundation to support the construction of the Murama ECD Centre. “Our partnership with Imbuto Foundation is built on a shared dream to give every Rwandan child a fair and equitable start in life,” said Prof Gicharu. “By investing in quality early childhood development and family empowerment, we are investing in the future of Rwanda.”
Official launch of Masaka Early Childhood Development and Family Centre
Earlier in the day, the delegation comprising Prof Gicharu, Imbuto Foundation’s Director General Elodie Shami, and the District Executive Administrator of Kicukiro, Mr Antoine Mutsinzi, also officiated the inauguration of the Masaka Early Childhood Development and Family (ECD&F) Centre in Masaka Sector, Kicukiro District.
The Masaka ECD&F Centre stands as a flagship project of the partnership between Mount Kigali University and Imbuto Foundation, aimed at ensuring children not only survive, but thrive in their formative years. The facility features modern classrooms that can accommodate 40 students each, a kitchen, and a spacious assembly area.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the centre will provide essential services in early learning, nutrition, healthcare, hygiene, child protection, and parenting education.
In his address, Prof Gicharu highlighted that Mount Kigali University had so far constructed and operationalized the Masaka ECD&F Centre, and reaffirmed the institution’s pledge to continue supporting early childhood initiatives nationwide.
“When I look around this facility, I see children learning, playing, and thriving in an environment that is safe and inclusive,” he said. “At Mount Kigali University, we are not just builders of structures; we are builders of people and communities.”
He further announced that Mount Kigali University, through its training hotel – Kigali Paramount Hotel – will offer full tuition scholarships to beneficiaries selected by Imbuto Foundation, to pursue short courses in hospitality-related fields such as culinary arts, event management, food and beverage service, restaurant operations, and housekeeping. This initiative aims to empower young people with practical skills essential for Rwanda’s growing hospitality industry.
Speaking at the event, Elodie Shami, the Director General of Imbuto Foundation, described the day as a celebration of partnership, purpose, and shared vision.
“What we inaugurate today is more than a building. It is a dream brought to life; a living symbol of what happens when vision meets action,” she said. “Since 2013, Imbuto Foundation has been committed to early childhood development because we believe that investing in the first years of life is investing in Rwanda’s future.”
Shami further expressed gratitude to Mount Kigali University for its steadfast partnership and confirmed that the new Murama ECD Centre in Kinyinya will be completed and inaugurated next year.
Mr Antoine Mutsinzi, the District Executive Administrator of Kicukiro, commended the partnership for its tangible impact on the community.
“Masaka is one of the sectors within Kicukiro District, and it is among the most populated areas,” he said. “Over the past decade, the population has almost doubled, which has greatly increased the need for essential infrastructure, including the Early Childhood Development and Family Centre we are inaugurating today.”
Mutsinzi went on: “This new facility represents a major upgrade from the previous structure, which had only two small rooms. The number of children enrolled has grown from 25 to over 125, showing the demand and impact of such projects. We sincerely thank Mount Kigali University and Imbuto Foundation for their continued collaboration and support, not only for the infrastructure, but also for providing vital learning equipment and resources.”
He added: “This centre is also a space for parents. It will help mothers and fathers learn how to continue supporting their children’s development at home. The model we are launching here is one we aim to replicate across other sectors of the district.”
Parents’ representatives also shared their appreciation for the new centre. Beline Nirangira, the Vice-President of Parents at Masaka ECD&F, highlighted the centre’s positive impact on both children and families:
“We started here with only23 children, and it was difficult because some had to walk long distances to other ECD centres. Today, we are very grateful for this expansion. My child could not speak or interact with others when they first joined, but now they communicate confidently and play well with other children. As parents, we are committed to supporting the centre, contributing to programmes and ensuring it continues to grow and improve,” said Nirangira.
The collaboration between Imbuto Foundation and Mount Kigali University, which began in 2018, has already yielded significant impact. Together, the institutions have supported 200 girl-child students across Rwanda to pursue secondary education and have embarked on the construction of two model ECD&F Centres in Masaka (Kicukiro) and Kinyinya (Gasabo).
These initiatives align with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and the National Early Childhood Development Policy, both of which emphasise that national prosperity begins with investing in the wellbeing and education of children.