Building Foundations, Shaping Futures Together
Welcome
KUZA-Kids - a Childcare Program
in Rwanda
Welcome to KUZA-Kids, where we are dedicated to nurturing the bright futures of Rwanda's youngest generation! In Kinyarwanda, our language “KUZA” mean “to grow up”.
At KUZA-kids, we believe that every child deserves a strong foundation for lifelong success, and that foundation begins in early childhood.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to empower Rwandan children to reach their full potential through comprehensive Early Childhood Development (ECD) programs and initiatives.
But we can't do it alone. We invite you to join us on this journey of empowerment and transformation. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word about our cause, your support makes a tangible difference in the lives of Rwanda's children.
Together, we can build a brighter future for Rwanda, one child at a time. Thank you for visiting KUZA-Kids and welcome to our community of changemakers!
About Us
KUZA-Kids is a new childcare support program specializing in Early Childhood Development (ECD) services. It is championed by a woman from the diaspora wishing to invest and share her expertise in education and childcare services with the Rwandan population. The program's social objectives include child well-being and quality, caring education, even in low-income neighbourhoods. In Rwanda, the organization was accredited in 2018 under Protect Citizen according to the requirements of NGO status governed by law N°04/2012 17/02/2012 and functioning as a national non-governmental organization under registration number #365/RGB/NGO/OC/01/2018
Meet the Founder
iLIILI
IILIBAGIZA M. ROSE
My journey
My journey towards founding KUZA-KIDS began with an eye-opening experience in the Quebec province, where I witnessed the transformative power of educational childcare firsthand. The Passe-Partout program, in particular, struck a chord with me. It was incredible to see how a well-structured early childhood development program could significantly impact children's lives, setting them on a path to success from a very young age. This experience ignited a passion within me to replicate such impactful initiatives in my home country, Rwanda.
Understanding the critical role that early childhood education plays in cognitive and social development, I was motivated to start KUZA-KIDS.
The vision was clear: to create an environment where every child in Rwanda could access quality pre-primary education, laying a strong foundation for their future learning and development. It was about more than just education; it was about nurturing a generation of thinkers, leaders, and innovators who would drive positive change in our society.
The entrepreneurial journey was not without its challenges, but the belief in the transformative power of early childhood development kept me going. I was determined to bring the best practices observed in Quebec to Rwanda, adapting them to our cultural context while maintaining their core educational values. The goal was to make KUZA-KIDS a beacon of hope and a model for early childhood development in Rwanda and beyond.
Starting KUZA-KIDS has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life. It's more than just an organization; it's a movement towards creating a brighter future for our children. Every day, we are inspired by the progress we see in our kids and the positive feedback from parents and the community. This journey has just begun, and I am excited about the impact KUZA-KIDS will continue to make in the lives of young children in Rwanda.
My journey
Our Approach
At KUZA-Kids, we believe in a collaborative, evidence-based approach to ECD that leverages the strengths of communities, government partners, and local stakeholders. By working hand in hand with parents, caregivers, educators, and policymakers, we aim to create sustainable change that benefits generations to come. Our approach is based on the following cores principles:
Core Principles
1. Holistic Development
We recognize that children grow in a multi-dimensional way. Our programs focus on the development of the whole child, encompassing: Cognitive Skills, Social and Emotional Skills and Physical Health.
2. Inclusive Education
Every child, regardless of their background or abilities, deserves an equitable start in life. Our inclusive approach ensures: Accessibility, Cultural Sensitivity and Family Engagement.
3. Evidence-Based Practices
Our strategies are grounded in the latest research and best practices in early childhood education around the world (including Explicit Teaching). We continuously evaluate and adapt our programs to incorporate: Proven Methods, Emergent pedagogy, Innovative Solutions and Continuous Improvement.
OUR TEAM
Our multi-disciplinary team finds its strength in the complementary skills of its members and, not least, its intimate knowledge of the childcare sector in Rwanda and Canada. The team has designed, managed, helped define or collaborated on several major mandate over the past 20 years. The relevant and specialized experience of its members, acquired through a wide range of support for ECD and health & nutrition sector gives to KUZA-Kids considerable added value. Their in-depth knowledge of the Rwandan context gives them a great capacity for reactivity, enabling them to intervene on demand and on a sustained basis. Therefore, we are enabled to provide close coaching and rapid transfer of the skills required which is a fundamental and essential element in the success of ECD project. In addition, our team have a real capacity to mobilize suppliers of services and materials, to identify and recruit additional technical resources at international, regional and national level and adapt our reference models to the rwandan context.
The team is made up of 3 international experts and supported by a Financial Director and a Canada-based Advisory Committee.
ECD Support Program
Early Learning
Our ECD Program cover:
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Child Development (Cognitive, Language, Social and Emotional, Physical Development)
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Play-Based Learning (exploration, imagination, and experimentation)
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Early Literacy and Numeracy
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Learning Environment (Safe and Supportive, Stimulating and Enriching, Inclusive)
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Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness
Health & Nutrition
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Malnutrition ((stunting, wasting, underweight)
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Micronutrient Deficiencies
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Healthcare Access and Quality
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Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
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Maternal and Child Health
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Promoting agicultural production and consumption of a variety of foods to improve dietary diversity.
Our ECD Program ensure that children receive proper nutrition, physical activity, and healthcare:
Parenting Skills
Our ECD Program ensure:
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Parental Involvement (Participation in Activities, Monitoring Progress, Parent-Child Bonding)
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Emotional Support
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Cognitive and Educational Support (Stimulating Environment, Encouragement of Exploration, Reading to the child and encouraging an interest in books and storytelling)
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Physical and Social Support
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Development of Autonomy and Independence
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Participating in parenting workshops
Community Engagement
Our ECD Program is builded on a community based approach. KUZA-Kids will do everything in its power to involve the surrounding community.
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Access to Early Education and Care
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High-Quality Early Childhood Programs
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Ensuring Child Safety and Protection
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Capacity Building and Training to enhance skills and knowledge of Caregivers and Educators
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Mobilizing Resources and Support
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Community-Based Programs and Activities
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Cultural and Educational Enrichment
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Access to various Community Resources (Libraries, community centers and others resources that can provide additional learning opportunities.
The Rulindo Project
Main Features
This support project main features are (pilot phase):
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Increase access to high-quality ECD for childreen & families.
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Support the healthy development of young children.
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Improve the skills of providers to provide high-quality childcare (including ongoing coaching beyond initial training).
Two locations
2 phases: pilot & deployment phase
Duration: 3 years
Kiruli’ ECD Model
Reference Models
Kuza-Kids was inspired by the CPE model introduced in Quebec-Canada (1997), and by the Passe-Partout program (1978). Both of these initiatives have been in existence for many years and have proven their worth. We have hands-on experience in both of them and we think this experience could be very useful for Rwanda.
CPE model
The Child Care Centres (CPEs) model had fostered children's motor, cognitive, language and social-emotional development.
Passe-Partout Program
The Passe-Partout program supported parenting skills and worked closely with teachers and health professionals.
Source: SavetheChildrenActionNetwork.org
Our Features
Early Childhood Development (ECD) in Rwanda
The importance of ECD in Rwanda cannot be overstated.
In fact, it provides:
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Foundation for Lifelong Learning
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Social and Emotional Well-being
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Health and Nutrition
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Equity and Inclusion
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Economic Development
In Rwanda, early childhood development (ECD) is deeply intertwined with the country's cultural context and well backed by government initiatives and policies. Rwanda has implemented several government initiatives and policies aimed at promoting early childhood development (ECD) and improving the well-being of children and families. Some of the main initiatives and policies are mentionned below. These initiatives and policies reflect Rwanda's commitment to promoting the holistic development of children, enhancing the well-being of families, and building a strong foundation for sustainable development and prosperity. By prioritizing early childhood development and investing in the future of its youngest citizens, Rwanda aims to create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
KUZA-Kids will support state policies and vision "Umwana wanjye ishema ryanjye” (My Child, My Pride).
01
National Early Childhood Development Policy (NECDP)
The NECDP was adopted in 2011 with the goal of ensuring the holistic development of children from conception to eight years old. The policy emphasizes the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, community participation, and investment in ECD services to provide children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
03
National ECD Minimum Standards 2018 (in revision)
These minimum standards are guided by the following principles of the national ECD policy in Rwanda:
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Holistic/ All-Inclusive service provision
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Non-discrimination
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Parents at the center of care giving
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Gender equality
These standards are in revision by the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF) through National Child Development Agency (NCDA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) to make sure children receive the full package of integrated ECD services. Yet, gaps exists in relation to the implementation of these standards in rural area and among ministries.
02
National Strategy for Transformation (vision 2050)
Rwanda’s Vision 2050 articulates the long-term strategic direction for “the Rwanda we want” and the enabling pathways to achieve this ambition.
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Rights of Children
Rwanda is a member of the United Nations and has ratified many international human rights conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children’s rights are clearly enshrined within the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda of 2003 (revised in 2015), and are protected in legislation. According to UNICEF Rwanda, as is the case in many countries, "gaps and inequities in relation to the implementation and enforcement of child-related laws and policies require further attention".