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National Child Development Agency

Child Development, Protection and Promotion Department

The department leads Rwanda’s collective efforts to ensure every child survives, thrives, and grows up in safe, nurturing families and communities. Guided by national policies and international commitments, we work hand in hand with government institutions, civil society, faith‑based organizations, the private sector, and communities to promote early childhood development, strengthen child protection systems, and advance children’s rights.

The Child Development, Protection and Promotion department champions holistic child development from health, nutrition, and early learning to positive parenting, psychosocial wellbeing, and meaningful child participation. Special emphasis is placed on supporting orphans and vulnerable children (OVC), children with disabilities, and those facing poverty or emergencies.

Together, we build family and community‑based care systems that prevent separation, promote alternative care, and reinforce resilience. Through advocacy, awareness, and coordinated action, we foster a protective environment where every child is respected, safeguarded, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Strategic Functions of the Department:

  • Coordinate and harmonize the implementation of national policies, strategies, and programs related to child development, protection, and rights promotion.

  • Promote the well‑being of children across all stages of childhood and adolescence, with emphasis on early childhood development 

  • Coordinate multisectoral interventions to prevent and respond to violence, abuse, exploitation, neglect, and other forms of harm.

  • Strengthen family and community‑based care systems to ensure children grow up in safe, nurturing, and protective environments.

  • Promote caregiver support, family resilience, and positive parenting practices to enhance child development outcomes.

  • Coordinate and implement the interventions for children without adequate parental care, including family reintegration and alternative family‑based care (adoption, foster care, etc..)

  • Support the orphan and vulnerable children to ensure they grow in nurturing environments and they well educated.

  • Advance awareness of child rights, foster meaningful child participation, and ensure inclusion of children with disabilities and other special needs.

  • Strengthen systems for early detection, referral, and intervention for children with disabilities, developmental delays, and special needs.

  • Strengthen child protection governance, case management, monitoring, accountability, and partnerships at national and decentralized levels.

  • Promote evidence generation, knowledge management, and innovation to inform policies and programs for children.

  • Support community‑based approaches that empower families and communities to protect, nurture, and promote the development and well‑being of all children.