The early childhood development (ECD) sector in Rwanda is poised for growth as more higher education institutions begin to provide specialized training in this area, which has traditionally been led by the University of Rwanda. ECD programs, aimed at fostering children’s physical, cognitive, linguistic, and social-emotional development, are widely acknowledged for enhancing school readiness, academic achievement, and health outcomes. UNICEF highlights that the first 1,000 days of life are crucial, with over 80% of brain development completed by age three. ALSO READ: With all our efforts, all children can access ECD education While Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) have long offered ECD training, graduates have often encountered limited opportunities for further study. Graduates face barriers Olive Uwiringiyimana, a lower primary teacher in Musanze and a graduate of TTC Nyamata, mentioned she was eager to continue her studies but couldn’t obtain a scholarship at the University of Rwanda, the only institution offering the program at the time. “I refused to switch to another program and chose to wait for an institution that could meet my needs,” she said. For Médiatrice Mukamana, an ECD teacher, the challenge lay in managing work and study. She received a scholarship to study at the University of Rwanda in 2016 but turned it down because of her full-time teaching position. “Having more institutions, especially private ones, offering ECD will bridge the gap and enhance quality,” she said. “Some attempts were made in Nyagatare and Ruhango, but they didn’t last.” ALSO READ: Early Childhood Development: Rwanda considers plans to strengthen support for children with disabilities New College launches ECD International Covenant College (ICC), a faith-based, nonprofit institution, is set to open in Gahanga, Kicukiro District this year following Cabinet approval. It will offer diploma programs in Digital Media Technology and ECD. Dr. Edward Kadozi, Director General of the Higher Education Council, stated that ICC’s ECD program is timely. “Early childhood development is a very important area in Rwanda,” he said. “We still see challenges such as stunting in some communities. These programs train qualified professionals to work effectively with families and organizations.” Kadozi added that NGOs and community-based organizations working with children also face skill gaps among their staff, which such training can help address. ALSO READ: First Lady supports early childhood development More institutions anticipated International Covenant College (ICC) is the first private higher education institution in Rwanda to offer an ECD program. Kadozi confirmed that other private universities have shown interest, although they must complete the accreditation process. Uwiringiyimana and Mukamana hope that ICC’s example will encourage more institutions to offer ECD, increasing opportunities for TTC graduates and raising the standard of early childhood education. “When teachers are trained in exactly what they teach, everyone benefits, especially the children,” Mukamana said.
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