ADEPE Hosts the Khalifa Award for Education Delegation at Ziniya Market-Based ECD Center

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ADEPE Hosts the Khalifa Award for Education Delegation at Ziniya Market-Based ECD Center

By / ECD / No Comments / October 3, 2025

It was an honor for ADEPE (Action pour le Développement du Peuple) to welcome and present its achievements in Early Childhood Development (ECD) to the delegation of the Khalifa Award for Education, alongside representatives from UNICEF Rwanda, at the Ziniya Market-Based ECD Center in Kicukiro District.

The visit, which took place as part of the Khalifa Award for Education’s mission in Rwanda, aimed to strengthen collaboration with national organizations working to advance early learning and holistic child development. The delegation was led by H.E. Humaid Al Houti, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education, accompanied by members of the Awarding Committee for the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning.

During the session, ADEPE shared its journey, achievements, and community-based model in advancing early childhood care and education through its Market-Based ECD Centers — an innovative approach that integrates early learning services within community markets to reach families where they live and work.

ADEPE’s Commitment to Inclusive Early Childhood Development

ADEPE’s ECD initiatives align with Rwanda’s national priorities in child development by focusing on education, nutrition, health, and parental engagement. The Market-Based ECD model is particularly impactful in supporting working parents, especially women, by providing safe and nurturing environments for children while parents engage in daily economic activities.

The Ziniya ECD Center, one of ADEPE’s flagship facilities, demonstrates how community-centered collaboration can transform early childhood outcomes. It provides children aged 3–6 with quality pre-primary education, nutritious meals, play-based learning, and health monitoring — all within a safe, inclusive environment guided by trained caregivers.

Partnership and Shared Vision

The visit provided an important opportunity for dialogue on how organizations like ADEPE, UNICEF, and the Khalifa Award for Education can collaborate to promote high-quality ECD programs in Rwanda and beyond.

Speaking during the visit, H.E. Humaid Al Houti highlighted the importance of such partnerships in advancing the global vision of the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning, which celebrates and supports innovative approaches to early childhood care and education.

Representatives from UNICEF Rwanda, led by Ms. Lieke Van de Wiel, emphasized the organization’s continued commitment to strengthening ECD policies, expanding access to model centers, and promoting community engagement as key drivers of child development.

A Shared Future for Every Child

For ADEPE, the visit reaffirmed the value of collaboration between local organizations and international partners in realizing Rwanda’s vision for every child to have access to quality early learning opportunities.

“Strong partnerships are vital for early childhood development,” said ADEPE’s Executive Director during the visit. “By working together with organizations such as the Khalifa Award for Education and UNICEF, we can amplify our impact and ensure that every Rwandan child grows up healthy, confident, and ready to learn.”

ADEPE expresses sincere appreciation to the Khalifa Award for Education delegation and UNICEF Rwanda for their visit and meaningful engagement. The organization looks forward to continued collaboration to strengthen early learning and child protection systems in Rwanda.

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