Imbuto Foundation, MKU-Kigali partner in unveiling ECD, Family Centre in Masaka, Rwanda

The Imbuto Foundation in partnership with the Mount Kigali University (MKU-Kigali), a sister varsity to Mount Kenya University (MKU) have officially inaugurated the Masaka Model Early Childhood Development and Family Centre offering a safe space for young children to learn and grow, while providing parents and caregivers with guidance to support family well-being.

The centre, built in partnership with MKU-Kigali, is part of Rwanda’s national program to strengthen services for children under six and their families.

Among those present during the unveiling ceremony were Imbuto Foundation Executive Director Élodie Shami and MKU founder Professor Simon Gicharu among others.

Mount Kigali University handed over a contribution of Rwf150million to Imbuto Foundation in support of the establishment of another ECD centre in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District, where the foundation stone was laid on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

After touring the centre, Imbuto Foundation Executive Director Élodie Shami emphasised the long-term impact of early childhood development

“When we invest in early childhood, we invest in life itself,” Shami said. “These formative years lay the foundation for confidence, compassion, and creativity. A child nurtured early grows with love and values that guide their entire life.”

Parents welcomed the expanded services. Adeline Niragira, a mother, said, “My child could not speak or play before, but now I see growth in language, confidence, and social skills. I no longer worry, because we can leave our children here safely, knowing they are learning.”

On his part, after handing over the cheque, Professor Gicharu, Founder and Chair of Mount Kigali University lauded the collaboration with Imbuto Foundation, calling it vital for national development.

Professor Gicharu described the project as a shared responsibility in shaping Rwanda’s future.

“We are not just contributing financially; we are investing in the future of education. When children are nurtured from the beginning, they grow into learners who are ready for universities like ours, and for life itself,’ Gicharu added.

He affirmed that Mount Kigali University is proud to support the noble national agenda by contributing not only through higher education, but also by nurturing Rwanda’s next generation through impactful community initiatives.

The first early childhood centres were launched by Madam Jeannette Kagame in 2013, with national policies now being implemented.

The centre has been operating for nearly a month, delivering early education to children up to six years old.

It also provides shared services for parents, helping them support their children’s nutrition, health, and development. Currently, 169 children attend the centre 90 girls and 79 boys.

Masaka Sector is the most densely populated of Kicukiro’s 10 sectors. The 2022 national census shows its population more than doubled over the past decade, from over 35,000 in 2012 to more than 72,000 in 2022.

Before the Imbuto Foundation expanded the facility, only two classrooms served 25 children, leaving many without early learning opportunities. The new centre adds four classrooms and a kitchen, enabling more children to engage in play, songs, and guided learning with trained caregivers. A special room for parents hosts monthly training sessions, equipping them to support their children’s growth at home.

Assumpta Ingabire, CEO of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA), noted that Rwanda aims to provide early childhood services from birth until at least age six, ensuring children start primary school prepared.

Imbuto’s vision has touched hundreds of thousands across all demographics, through several projects in the health, education, and youth empowerment sectors.

According to the foundation, their dream of an empowered population was given life by the multitude of success stories that have lined Imbuto Foundation’s 20-year journey.