Djibouti Women and Family Minister overwhelmed by Rwanda’s policy of investing in Early Childhood development
Kigali, 18 May 2018-Her Excellency Moumina Houmed Hassan and her delegation were on official visit in Rwanda. They arrived on 16 May 2018 and on the following day, they chatted with Honorable Minister of Gender and family Promotion to learn the best practices from Rwanda in the areas of gender equality, women empowerment, child rights to mention but a few. Rwanda is known to be the best place in the world where women have a say and are empowered both politically and economically and this was not much new to Minister Moumina having read a lot about Rwanda. On Friday, they visited Nyarugunga Early Childhood Development Center located in Kicukiro District.
Close to 120 children between 0-6 years are accommodated in this model ECD center which was constructed by Imbuto Foundation. When Minister Moumina, flanked by her counterpart Honorable Nyirasafari visited the center, they witnessed how the juvenile are brought up, given early education ranging from spiritual, social and moral.
Minister Moumina was overwhelmed by this program of investing in early childhood because it is quite important to prepare the future leader, adding that her country will soon import the policy.
‘My impression after visiting this type of structure is that investing in early childhood, is ensuring sustainable development, it is essential for a country and for the continent in general. Taking care of children aged 0-6 years, scientifically, it is proved that it is at this moment that one gives all the tools, the love, and the knowledge necessary to a child, during their first part of their existence. This type of initiative should be multiplied in Africa to ensure its development, its parenthood and its durability over time. We intend to import this initiative, taking care of children, their development, their protection, and their fulfillment. I think that Djibouti is not the only country in Africa to reproduce this type of model. And I salute Rwandans because they do not think about investing in human capital only, but also they have started this early childhood investment.’- Minister Moumina
Speaking to the press after the visit, Gender and Family Minister Honorable Nyirasafari said that the visit was in line of learning the best practices from Rwanda.
‘They came to Rwanda to witness our best practices in the areas of gender equality, child protection. They visited a range of activities and here they wanted to visit this early childhood development center and see how we are much interested in early childhood, how we are committed in ensuring a better childhood and see how we have achieved it with parents’ participation. This is what they wanted to witness and we are glad that we will keep the momentum, investing in early childhood across the country so that we jointly eradicate stunting and malnutrition related issues.’- Honorable Nyirasafari
During the four days’ visit, Moumina Houmed Hassan and her delegation visited many institutions such as the Gender Monitoring Office, Isange One Stop Center, Gahaya links, Kigali Genocide Memorial K Lab, Profemmes Twese Hamwe.