In the rolling hills of Rwanda’s Northern Province, the remote sector of Nyamiyaga in Gicumbi District became the national spotlight on Thursday as the country celebrated its annual Early Childhood Development (ECD) Day. Over 1,500 participants including parents, caregivers, policymakers, and international partners gathered to highlight the urgency and importance of giving every child the best start in life.

The event brought together high-level officials and partners who are central to Rwanda’s social development efforts. Among them was European Union Ambassador to Rwanda, Belen Calvo Uyarra, who reaffirmed Europe’s partnership with the country in scaling up child-focused interventions. “Early childhood is the foundation of every society,” said Ambassador Uyarra. “Investing in the early years yields powerful returns not just for the individual child, but for national progress. We are proud to support Rwanda’s vision through the TUBAKUZE initiative.”

This year’s ECD Day was organized by the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) in collaboration with the European Union through TUBAKUZE Project  “Let Them Grow”  a three-year initiative focused on expanding access to quality ECD services, especially at the grassroots level.

According to NCDA, Rwanda now boasts over 31,000 ECD centers reaching more than 1.15 million children. These range from model centers to home and community-based settings, with growing efforts to integrate ECD services into workplaces and schools. Yet, disparities in quality and inclusion persist.

The Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, Hon. Madam Uwimana Consolée, delivered a powerful message of national resolve. “This is not just about children it’s about who we are as a nation,” she said. “We cannot talk about development while leaving behind those at the very beginning of life. Every Rwandan child, no matter where they are born, must have the chance to grow, learn, and thrive.”

Hon. Madam Uwimana Consolée also called for greater parental engagement and societal responsibility, stressing that ECD is not the sole task of government. “Families, communities, the private sector  all have a role to play,” she added.

The campaign themes this year focused on inclusive early learning, child health and nutrition, protection, disability inclusion, and the creation of more child-friendly spaces especially workplace crèches to support working parents.

The event’s community-driven spirit was evident, with local volunteers, civil society organizations, and private sector actors participating actively in discussions and exhibitions. Traditional performances and testimonies from caregivers added warmth and authenticity to the day.

Rwanda’s vision for ECD is part of a broader strategy to build a resilient, knowledge-based economy by investing in its people from the ground up. And in places like Nyamiyaga, that vision is slowly taking root.

“ECD is not a luxury,” Mr. NZABONIMPA Emmanuel had said earlier in the day. “It is a right, and it is the very beginning of equality.”

As celebrations concluded and children ran through the grounds of the hosting center, one message echoed through the hills: the future of Rwanda is in small hands and those hands matter.