Early childhood education in Rwanda is experiencing significant progress due to contributions from Kenyan scholars and investors. In Gasabo District, Mount Kigali University, a Kenyan-owned institution, has donated millions to the Imbuto Foundation to build new nursery schools, strengthening early childhood development (ECD) initiatives. This partnership aims to create nurturing and stimulating environments for children aged six and under, supporting Rwanda’s Vision 2050 to develop a healthy, educated, and skilled workforce through human capital investment.
During the donation announcement, Prof Simon Gicharu, the university’s founder, reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate with the Imbuto Foundation to construct the Murama ECD Centre. “Our partnership with Imbuto Foundation is rooted in a shared vision to ensure every Rwandan child has an equitable start in life. Investing in quality early childhood development and family empowerment is an investment in Rwanda’s future,” he stated.
The delegation, including Prof Gicharu, Imbuto Foundation’s Director General Elodie Shami, and Kicukiro District Executive Administrator Antoine Mutsinzi, also inaugurated the Masaka Early Childhood Development and Family (ECD&F) Centre in Masaka Sector, Kicukiro. This flagship project of the partnership features modern classrooms accommodating 40 students each, a kitchen, and a spacious assembly area. The centre provides critical services such as early learning, nutrition, healthcare, hygiene, child protection, and parenting education to ensure children thrive during their formative years. “This facility is a safe and inclusive space where children can learn, play, and grow,” Gicharu noted.
Additionally, Mount Kigali University, through its Kigali Paramount Hotel, will provide full tuition scholarships for Imbuto Foundation-selected beneficiaries to pursue short courses in hospitality fields like culinary arts, event management, food and beverage service, restaurant operations, and housekeeping. This initiative aims to equip young Rwandans with skills for the country’s growing hospitality sector.
Elodie Shami, Director General of Imbuto Foundation, described the inauguration as a celebration of partnership and shared purpose. “This is more than a building—it’s a dream realized, a symbol of vision meeting action,” she said, expressing gratitude to Mount Kigali University and confirming that the Murama ECD Centre in Kinyinya will be completed and inaugurated next year.
Antoine Mutsinzi, Kicukiro’s District Executive Administrator, praised the partnership’s impact, noting that the district’s population has nearly doubled over the past decade, increasing the need for infrastructure like the Masaka ECD&F Centre. Enrollment at the centre has grown from 25 to over 125 children, reflecting its impact. “We deeply appreciate Mount Kigali University and Imbuto Foundation for their support in providing both infrastructure and essential learning equipment,” he said. The centre also supports parents in fostering their children’s development at home, with plans to replicate this model across other district sectors.
Beline Nirangira, Vice-President of Parents at Masaka ECD&F, highlighted the centre’s positive impact. “We began with just 23 children, and some had to walk long distances to other ECD centres. Now, with this expansion, my child has gone from being unable to speak or interact to communicating confidently and playing well with others. As parents, we are dedicated to supporting the centre’s growth,” she said.
Since 2018, the collaboration between Mount Kigali University and Imbuto Foundation has supported 200 girl-child students in secondary education and initiated the construction of two model ECD&F Centres in Masaka (Kicukiro) and Kinyinya (Gasabo). These efforts align with Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and National Early Childhood Development Policy, emphasizing that national prosperity depends on investing in children’s well-being and education.
