UNICEF Regional Director Visits ADEPE’s ECD Programs
In a significant moment for Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Rwanda, ADEPE (Action Pour Le Développement du Peuple) recently hosted Mrs. Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, at its ECD centre in Mageragere Market. Accompanied by representatives from UNICEF Rwanda and the Rwanda National Child Development Agency, the visit highlighted ADEPE’s critical contribution to the well-being, growth and development of children aged bellow 6 years through innovative ECD programs.
Pioneering ECD Approaches
ADEPE has been at the forefront of promoting quality ECD services in Rwanda, with a particular focus on market- and workplace-based and cross-border ECD centres. These innovative approaches bridge gaps in access to essential childcare services for families in diverse communities. By raising awareness of responsive care, ADEPE encourages families to prioritize nurturing environments that support children’s developmental milestones.
Comprehensive Support for Holistic Development
ADEPE’s ECD centers provide a comprehensive range of services aimed at holistic child development. These include:
- Nutrition: Ensuring that children have access to balanced meals, which are essential for physical and cognitive development.
- Early Stimulation and learning: Provide materials and activities that encourage early learning and creativity.
- Hygiene and Sanitation: Promoting cleanliness to safeguard children’s health.
- Positive Parenting: Equipping parents with knowledge and skills for effective parenting.
- Child Protection: Creating safe spaces where children are protected from harm.
- Home Visitation Programs: Extending care and guidance to families within their homes.
Building Capacities and Changing Perspectives
ADEPE invests in the empowerment of caregivers and parents through training programs that emphasize responsive care and early learning activities. Through community-centred advocacy and behavior change communication (C4D) campaigns, ADEPE promotes male involvement in child care and changes social attitudes towards shared responsibility in child rearing.
Strengthen Health promotion into ECD Programs
ADEPE strengthens health promotion in its ECD programs by integrating nutrition, immunization and growth monitoring to protect children’s health and development. Working closely with Community Health Workers (CHWs) and Inshuti z’Umuryango (IZUs), ADEPE educates caregivers on healthy practices, facilitates early identification and intervention for developmental delays, and ensures inclusive support for children with disabilities. The organization also promotes maternal and prenatal care, while creating safe, stimulating environments that promote the holistic well-being of children and their families.
Recognizing Impact
Mrs. Etleva Kadilli’s visit is testament to ADEPE’s success in addressing the unique challenges faced by children and families in Rwanda. The Mageragere Market Based ECD Centre is an example of the transformative potential of community-based interventions. Mrs. Etleva Kadilli’s visit not only highlighted the progress that has been made, but also reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting ADEPE in scaling up these impactful initiatives.
Sustained Efforts for the Future
ADEPE’s collaborative model, working with partners such as IHS Rwanda, UNICEF and local communities, continues to promote sustainable development. Through these partnerships, ADEPE strives to expand its reach and ensure that every child in Rwanda has a strong start in life.
As we celebrate these achievements, the visit to the Mageragere Market Based ECD Centre reminds us of the power of collective action in shaping a better future for children. ADEPE’s unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds is laying the foundation for healthier, happier and more prosperous communities across Rwanda.
