ECD to be implemented

The Early Childhood Development program will soon be implemented, Rwanda- UNESCO commission’s Permanent Secretary, Eliphaz Bahizi has said.

Friday, August 22, 2008

The Early Childhood Development program will soon be implemented, Rwanda- UNESCO commission’s Permanent Secretary, Eliphaz Bahizi has said.

He said this on Monday during a five-day workshop that brought together all school inspectors across the country, at the National Examinations Council Headquarters in Gasabo District.

The workshop aimed at training Inspectors who will also train teachers from the schools under their inspection. According to Bahizi, Rwanda, like other countries striving for quality education need to implement ECD that sets children to reach their academic standard tremendously.

"The government has not yet given attention to ECD, but we hope that in collaboration with UNESCO it will be recognised,” he said.

The workshop that was facilitated by UNESCO is being conducted by Barbara Koech, a professor at the Kenyatta University where ECD is taught at Doctoral level. According to Prof. Koech, ECD will help Rwandan Children to get a good quality education background.

"There is need for more efforts in training Rwandan Educationists who will successfully guide children in their education. ECD is the best foundation for children’s cducation,” she underscored.

Prof. Koech added that the government should invest in the ECD program to make it more productive.

"At Kenyatta University, we have successfully taught this program and we hope it will be productive to Rwandans,” she added. 

Pascal Rwayitare, one of the trainees said that the experience he got from some of the schools practicing the ECD program showed him that it will bring a lot to Rwandan children.

Ends