0
0
By Clarisse Niwemugeni
In the heart of Burera District, just a stone’s throw away from the Cyanika border between Rwanda and Uganda, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) center is creating waves of positive change. Cyanika ECD, with its unique approach to early childhood care, has become more than just a daycare facility for Rwandan children. It’s now a vital resource for families on both sides of the border, offering essential services that ensure the well-being of children while enabling parents to work without worry. The center’s success is a testament to the powerful role that early childhood education plays in shaping not only the future of individual children but the broader economic landscape of the region.
The Cyanika ECD center’s location, close to the Cyanika border, is strategic in its ability to serve both Rwandan and Ugandan families. According to Maniragena Innocent, an employee at the center, every morning from 6 AM, children from both sides of the border are welcomed into the care of the center. Many parents, particularly from Uganda, cross the border early in the morning to work in Rwanda, leaving their children at the center for the day. Similarly, some parents from Rwanda drop their children off before heading across the border to their jobs in Uganda.
This cross-border dynamic highlights the center’s critical role in facilitating work and ensuring that children are in safe, nurturing environments. Maniragena explains that the center not only supports the children’s growth but also gives parents peace of mind. “Parents are able to work productively without worrying about the safety or well-being of their children,” he says. “This kind of support has a positive impact on both the children and the economy.”
Cyanika ECD operates with a strong commitment to the five pillars of Early Childhood Development (ECD): nutrition, health, water, sanitation, protection, and positive parenting. These principles are vital in ensuring that children receive the best possible care during their most formative years.
The center is particularly praised for its focus on nutrition, which is crucial in the first 1,000 days of life. During this critical window, a child’s brain develops rapidly, with over 80% of the brain’s structure forming by the age of three. A well balanced diet not only promotes good health but also supports brain development. As Maniragena notes, “We ensure that the children receive meals that are nutritious, which contribute directly to their cognitive and physical development.”
Health and hygiene practices at Cyanika ECD are also in line with best practices, ensuring that children are not only well fed but also safe from preventable diseases. The center places great emphasis on protection by creating a safe and welcoming environment for the children. Additionally, positive parenting is a key focus, with the staff working closely with parents to encourage a supportive home environment that complements the center’s efforts.
Nsengiyumva Jean Paul, whose child has been attending Cyanika ECD, shared the remarkable development he’s witnessed in his child since enrollment. “I am amazed by how much my child has grown,” he said. “When he first started attending the center, he couldn’t articulate words clearly. Now, he’s speaking more confidently and even saying words that he couldn’t before. The joy and playfulness in my child are evident every time I pick him up.”
Nsengiyumva also emphasized the importance of raising awareness among other parents. “I want other parents to understand the value of ECD,” he said. “Some might think it’s expensive, but seeing the progress in my child makes it all worthwhile. My goal is to help others see the importance of early childhood education.”
His wish for the future is to see more toys and additional rooms at the center to accommodate more children. “If the policymakers could provide more resources, the center could expand and serve even more families.”
Hagenimana Clementine, who has a child of 3 years old enrolled in the center, shared how the facility has changed her life. “Before, I used to be scared to go to Uganda for work because I had no one to take care of my child. I would often turn down job offers, and that left my husband to work alone. Now, I have peace of mind knowing that my child is in a safe and nurturing place, and my productivity has increased.”
The impact of Early Childhood Development extends far beyond individual families. By providing a solid foundation for young children during the critical early years, the ECD program fosters future generations that are better equipped to contribute positively to society and the economy. With brain development occurring rapidly in the first 1,000 days of life, it’s clear that what happens during these years has a lasting impact.
Rwanda’s ECD programs, like the one in Cyanika, are not only benefitting the nation but also creating ripple effects in neighboring countries like Uganda. The mutual benefit of these cross-border programs contributes to the greater economic and social development of the region. As parents are able to work more productively, they contribute to the regional economy, while children grow up in environments that support their overall development.
