Mount Kigali University Founder Prof. Simon Gicharu on Wednesday, March 26 joined Imbuto Foundation Director General Elodie Shami in awarding certificates to 23 caregivers from Imbuto Foundation-supported ECD centres who completed Early Childhood Development (ECD) training.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Gicharu reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting early childhood education in Rwanda, emphasising the need for strong foundations in a child’s formative years and continued professional development for caregivers and educators.
He underscored ECD as more than an educational concern, insisting that it is a national development priority, bearing in mind the early years of a child shape lifelong learning, behaviour and health, with all these laying the foundation for a productive and prosperous society.
“Our partnership with the Imbuto Foundation, now in its ninth year, exemplifies howcollaboration creates lasting change. Together, we have supported vulnerable students through the Edified Generation Programme and expanded our focus into ECD infrastructure and caregiver training,” Prof. Gicharu said.
The partnership between Mount Kigali University and Imbuto Foundation has seen about 100 vulnerable secondary school students supported annually, alongside university scholarships for exceptional young women.
The partnership has also overseen the completion of the Masaka ECD Centre in Kicukiro District, while the Kinyinya ECD Centre in Gasabo District is nearing completion.
The 23 caregivers who received their certificates during the event trained in practical, weekend-based programmes, improving child care, stimulation and learning environments.
“Caregivers are the backbone of Early Childhood Development. You are educators, nurturers, and role models,” Prof. Gicharu added. “Your work shapes the next generation during their most formative years, making you nation-builders in your own right.”
The initiative aligns with Rwanda’s broader development goals, particularly in child welfare, education quality, and inclusive growth. “Building on our current achievements, we are committed to scaling caregiver training nationally, ensuring standardised, high-quality ECD services across Rwanda.”
Prof. Gicharu also called upon government institutions, NGOs, and the private sector to “join hands with us” in supporting Early Childhood Development initiatives, as that is a sure way of scaling impact, reaching more communities and shaping Rwanda’s future.
Mount Kigali University also made further contribution to the Edified Generation Scholarship program, further demonstrating its dedication to expanding educational opportunities and empowering future generations.
Photos from the event:
