The Director General for National Child Development Agency (NCDA), Ingabire Assumpta has called for citizens’ participation in the delivery of integrated Early Childhood Development (ECD) services to ensure holistic development of their children.

The call was made in Nyamagabe District during the celebration of ECD day, an event she was joined by district officials, the provincial executive secretary and Nyamagabe residents.

She said all the six pillars of ECD are paramount to children’s growth and the future of the country. 

“The Government of Rwanda has committed to reduce stunting drastically, if ECD services had been provided effectively, we wouldn’t have a stunted child. It is quite important to care for children since conception until they reach six years of age, since it’s a critical stage in their life” she said.

DG Ingabire hailed locals who availed their houses to be serve as home-based ECDs calling for everyone’s contribution in making them functional.

At the event, in partnership with European Union in Rwanda, ECDs received WASH materials and children with disabilities received assistive devices.

According to Mayor, Hildebrand Niyomwungeri, in Nyamagabe District, there are over 3,000 accredited ECDs with over 38,000 children.