(11-05-23) MOGADISHU –A delegation of Somali officials, led by Mohamud Yusuf, Education Technical Specialist with Save the Children-Somalia, visited Rwanda to study the country’s effective Early Childhood Development (ECD) program. The group aims to learn from Rwanda’s success in implementing this program and emulate it in Somalia, where ECD initiatives are just beginning.
During their visit on Tuesday, the team toured the Groupe Scolaire Nyamata Catholique ECD centre in Bugesera district, which serves 209 children across three age groups. The facility offers a comprehensive approach to early childhood education, including cultural basics, child protection, care, hygiene, and proper feeding.
Rwanda’s ECD program is divided into three categories: school-based, community-based, and home-based centres. Bugesera district alone has 178 schools, 125 of which are public, and the ECD program is implemented in 116 of these schools under the supervision of Sector Education Inspectors (SEIs).
“The explanations about the program have been put in a good way, in terms of structuring about the ECD program, the three categories, community initiative, government and private owned offer a lot to learn,” said Mohamud Yusuf.
The Somali delegation is particularly interested in establishing quality-driven ECD centres to ensure positive child upbringing. They hope to build stronger ties with Rwanda by exchanging ideas with the Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB) on how to further promote ECD programs in both countries.
Through the Teacher Management Information System (TMIS), Rwandan authorities have been able to monitor caregiver recruitment and turnover, ensuring the program remains effective. District Director of Education Jacques Gashumba also highlighted the importance of induction programs, mentoring, and specialized training for caregivers, which has led to improvements in early childhood development outcomes.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs for caregivers are also offered, focusing on capacity building and meeting child development standards. However, Andre Tugirimana, an ECD mentor who trains caregivers, noted that challenges still exist, such as inadequate infrastructure and teaching materials.
As Somalia begins implementing its own ECD program, the country’s officials hope to learn from Rwanda’s successes and overcome the challenges to provide a strong foundation for early childhood development.
© Halqabsi News
