Rwanda reveals new strategies to widen early childhood development services

Rwanda intends to augment access to early childhood development services from currently 13 percent to 45 percent by 2024.

The multiple childhood development services that the government of Rwanda wants to increase include early learning, enough nutrition and exposure to adequate hygiene and sanitation. The Rwandan Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Solina Nyirahabimana said that the government wants to increase the services from 13 to 45 percent by the year 2024.

The period between 0 to 6 years of age is critical because lifetime behaviour patterns are formed during early years when brain development is most active, Solina Nyirahabimana said when opening the International Conference on Early Childhood Development in Rwanda’s Kigali, as reported by Xinhua.

Investments in the physical, mental, and emotional development of children from before birth until they enter primary school are critical for the future productivity of individuals and for the economic competitiveness of nations.

Investing in the early years is one of the smartest investments a country can make to break the cycle of poverty later in life, she said. In Rwanda, 38 percent of children are stunted, which hinder their future productivity and the productivity of our nation, she added.

The conference took place for two days under the theme ‘investing in early years for optimum human capital development’. It attracted around 300 delegates from the public sector, development partners, academia and civil society from Rwanda and abroad.

It intends to enhance the exchange of ideas and expertise as well as boosting partnerships for early childhood development.

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