Local authorities in Nyagatare District have called on parents and guardians to make early childhood education a priority by enrolling their children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers. Leaders say this step is key to improving children’s growth, education, and future success.
Leaders Highlight the Role of ECD Centers
The Deputy Mayor in charge of Social Affairs in Nyagatare District, Murekatete Juliette, reminded residents that ECD centers play an important role in a child’s physical, mental, and social development. According to her, these centers also support families by providing a safe and structured environment for young children.
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Early Learning Builds Strong Foundations
Murekatete explained that children enrolled in ECD centers receive early lessons that help develop their thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills. As a result, children learn how to interact well with others and grow into responsible citizens who can contribute positively to national development.
Remarks Made During Materials Distribution in Matimba
She made these remarks while attending an event in Matimba Sector, where learning materials were distributed to children at Matimba ECD Center. The materials included books, counting tools, and other items used for reading, writing, and basic numeracy. During the event, she emphasized that children who receive care and education at an early age perform better once they join primary school.
Encouraging Parents to Change Old Mindsets
Meanwhile, Murekatete urged parents to abandon traditional beliefs that prevent them from leaving children under the care of trained caregivers.
She noted that although some parents fear separating from their children, ECD centers provide professional care and close supervision. Parents can therefore work with peace of mind, knowing their children are safe and learning.
She said: “ECD centers help stimulate children’s brains and ensure they grow up in a healthy environment. We urge all parents to take their children to ECD centers. Some parents still believe they cannot leave their child with anyone other than the biological mother, yet they themselves can care for other children. At ECD centers, parents may separate from their children, but they do so knowing they have entrusted them to trained caregivers who will look after them well.”
Early Education Reduces School Dropout
In addition, she said children who attend ECD centers develop learning skills early, which helps them adapt easily to formal education. This early preparation reduces the chances of poor performance and school dropout in later years. Therefore, parents were encouraged to work together and motivate others to enroll their children in ECD programs.
She said: “At ECD centers, children are taught respect, cleanliness, good behavior, and they learn through play with their peers in ways appropriate to their age. It is not appropriate for young children to go to or leave ECD centers alone, as they may face dangers. Parents and caregivers must work together because children need constant guidance.”
Values, Discipline, and Child Safety
Beyond academic learning, children in ECD centers are taught discipline, respect, hygiene, and social values. Parents were advised to escort children to and from the centers and regularly follow up on their well-being.
She stressed that young children should never walk alone, as this may expose them to danger. Cooperation between parents and caregivers is essential to ensure child safety.
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Parents Share Positive Experiences
Some parents living near Matimba ECD Center shared testimonies on how ECD services have helped them balance work and childcare. They said the centers give them confidence to attend daily activities while their children remain in a safe learning environment.
Mukankurunziza Jeanne said that before understanding the value of ECD centers, she struggled to care for her children while working in the fields. However, enrolling them in an ECD center has given her peace of mind, knowing her children are learning, playing, and receiving proper guidance.
She said: “Before I understood the value of ECD centers, I used to struggle with where to leave my children when going to the farm, and sometimes I left them at home, which caused me a lot of worry. Now it is much easier because I leave them at the ECD center knowing they are learning, being guided, and playing with other children under adult supervision. No parent should deny their child this opportunity, because children gain a lot of knowledge from ECD centers.”
Government Investment in Early Childhood Development
The Matimba ECD Center was constructed at a cost of 145 million Rwandan francs and is fully equipped to provide quality childcare services.
Across Nyagatare District, there are: 1,593 home-based ECD centers serving 31,673 children, 367 church-based centers with 3,634 children, 246 school-based centers serving 32,567 children, and 23 model ECD centers caring for 346 children.
