March 19th 2025 – The Director General for National Child Development Agency (NCDA), Ingabire Assumpta joined Ngoma District to celebrate the Early Childhood Development (ECD) day, an event meant to join efforts in advancement of early childhood development services.

The celebration took place in Remera Sector and brought together district and sector officials, various ECD actors and partners, as well as local residents.

As part of the celebration, officials visited an Early Childhood Development center based in Ngoma correctional facility. The ECD hosts children below three years whose mothers are incarcerated in the prison.

DG Ingabire hailed the services offered to children and promised continued partnership to have it effective.

Speaking at the event in Remera Sector, DG Ingabire revolved around services children receive at the ECD centers and reminded parents that the services start from conception until children reach 6 years of age. She requested parents to take children into ECD centers as they facilitate them in early brain stimulation among other services.

She reminded parents of the importance of positive parenting by avoiding insults and family conflicts that can negatively impact children's mental development. She emphasized the need to embrace positive parenting practices and to provide children with a balanced diet. 

“I would like to appreciate Ngoma District for tangible results in addressing malnutrition among children, there is a need for concerted efforts among partners and officials in behaviour change sessions that would lead parents to embracing measures to prevent children from stunted growth” she said.

In Ngoma District, 34,374 children representing 81.5% of the total child population are enrolled in ECD and benefiting from Early Childhood Development (ECD) services.

Findings from Maternal Child Health week (MCH week) that was conducted in June 2024 indicate that in Ngoma District, 11.3% of children are stunted.