Mount Kigali University supports Early Childhood Education in Rwanda

Mount Kigali University has donated Rwf150 million (Ksh. 13.3 million) to the Imbuto Foundation to support the construction of new nursery schools in Gasabo District, Rwanda.

The university’s founder, Prof. Simon Gicharu, joined officials from Imbuto Foundation, Gasabo District and the Kinyinya community on Thursday, October 9, 2025, to lay the foundation stone for the Murama Early Childhood Development Centre (ECD) in Kinyinya Sector.

The centre, developed in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation, aims to offer a nurturing environment for children aged six years and below, in line with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, which prioritises human capital development through quality early childhood education.

Prof. Gicharu reaffirmed his commitment to supporting early childhood initiatives across Rwanda. 

“Our partnership with Imbuto Foundation is built on a shared dream to give every Rwandan child a fair and equitable start in life,” he said. “By investing in quality early childhood development and family empowerment, we are investing in the future of Rwanda.”

The delegation, which included Imbuto Foundation Director General Elodie Shami and Kicukiro District Executive Administrator Antoine Mutsinzi, also inaugurated the Masaka Early Childhood Development and Family (ECD&F) Centre in Masaka Sector, Kicukiro.

The Masaka ECD&F Centre, a flagship project between Mount Kigali University and Imbuto Foundation, features modern classrooms, a kitchen and an assembly area. It provides not only education but also nutrition, healthcare, hygiene and parenting programmes to ensure holistic child development.

Prof. Gicharu announced that Mount Kigali University, through its Kigali Paramount Hotel training facility, will offer full tuition scholarships to Imbuto Foundation beneficiaries pursuing short hospitality courses such as culinary arts, event management and food and beverage service.

Ms. Shami described the event as “a celebration of partnership, purpose and shared vision,” adding that the new Murama ECD Centre will be completed and inaugurated next year.

Mr. Mutsinzi commended the partnership’s impact, noting that enrolment at the Masaka centre has grown from 25 to over 125 children, reflecting strong community demand.

“We thank Mount Kigali University and Imbuto Foundation for their continued support in expanding both infrastructure and learning opportunities,” he said.

Parents also hailed the initiative’s success. Ms. Beline Nirangira, Vice-President of Parents at Masaka ECD&F, said the new facility has transformed children’s lives. 

“My child could not speak or interact when they first joined, but now they communicate confidently and play well with others,” she said.

Since 2018, the partnership between Mount Kigali University and Imbuto Foundation has supported over 200 girls to pursue secondary education and established model ECD&F centres in Masaka (Kicukiro) and Kinyinya (Gasabo), advancing Rwanda’s goal of nurturing a healthy, educated and skilled generation.