Government has reaffirmed commitment to prioritise Early Childhood Development (ECD). This was the highlight of celebrations to mark the Day of the African Child on Tuesday in Kigali. The Day was marked under the theme ‘Accelerating our common efforts for Early Childhood Development in Rwanda.’ The State Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, Olivier Rwamukwaya, cited inadequate classrooms, teachers and curriculum among the challenges facing ECD. ‘‘Due to lack of ECD curriculum, some teachers teach children lessons beyond their level which affects them,’’ he said. The minister, however, said some teachers are being trained in ECD programmes and are expected to pass out by end of the year. He stressed the importance of sensitising parents to understand the importance of Early Childhood Development. Oda Gasinzigwa, the Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, said government recognises that ECD is a vital foundation for addressing all children’s needs which calls for special attention, because their rights ‘are the bedrock for a bright future.’ “We need to work closely with other ministries in order to ensure ECD is included in all government plans,” she said. The event brought together stakeholders from the Government, civil society organisations, international NGOs, who were called upon to renew their commitment to Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme. “The early years of a child’s life present the opportunity of a lifetime. What happens, or does not happen to a child through their early childhood can shape their entire life, for better or for worse,” said Noala Skinner, Representative of UNICEF Rwanda. Gilbert Havugimana, and his wife Claudette Uwamahoro from Ngororero District, Western Province highlighted the importance of family planning in ensuring proper child care. The Day of the African Child was created by the African Union to commemorate the massacre of hundreds of children in Soweto, South Africa who were demonstrating for the basic right to a decent education. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
