Musanze: The National Child Development Agency (NCDA), in partnership with the European Union and the Rwanda Journalists Association (ARJ), launched a five-day training program to enhance media reporting on early childhood development (ECD) in Rwanda.
The workshop, underway in Musanze District, is part of the “Tubakuze” project, which aims to improve the well-being of children under age six by promoting public awareness and integrated ECD services.
Launched in October 2024, Tubakuze supports Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), which targets a reduction in stunting among children under five—from 33% in 2020 to 15% by 2029. The initiative seeks to expand access to pre-primary education, aiming to increase enrollment from 35% to 65% within the same timeframe.
“Early childhood education is the foundation for lifelong learning,” said Emmanuel Munyampeta, NCDA’s Positive Parenting Specialist. “Expanding access gives more children a chance to succeed from the very start of their lives.”
Munyampeta highlighted the need for increased investment in ECD infrastructure, trained professionals, and educational materials, urging stakeholders—including government, civil society, and media—to take a more active role.
“To reach our development goals, we must invest in buildings, equipment, materials, and salaries,” he said. “This is a national priority under NST2.”
The training equips journalists with tools to report on critical ECD issues such as nutrition, hygiene, health, school readiness, and child protection. Participants from print, radio, television, and digital platforms are learning how to create child-friendly, informative content and advocate for children’s rights.
Set to conclude on May 29, 2025, the workshop also aims to improve media coverage of sensitive topics affecting children and families, while encouraging broader public support for policies that prioritize early childhood care.
By strengthening journalists’ capacity to tell impactful stories, NCDA and its partners hope to shift community perceptions and drive greater investment in Rwanda’s youngest citizens.
