Khalifa Award For Education Engages With Rwanda's National Child Development Agency On Early Learning Initiatives

The General Secretariat of the Khalifa Award for Education, part of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, has highlighted the UAE's leading role in supporting early childhood development globally. During a visit to Rwanda, they introduced the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning. This initiative aims to create an environment that encourages social, physical, mental, and cognitive growth in young children. The award aligns with UNESCO and other international standards.

Meetings were conducted with Ingabire Assumpta, Director-General of Rwanda’s National Child Development Agency (NCDA), and Munyemana Gilbert, Deputy Director-General. The NCDA, established in 2020, offers integrated services for children from birth to preschool. These services cover education, health, nutrition, and protection. One of its projects is Tubakuze (Making Them Grow), which focuses on improving early childhood education and facilities in vulnerable communities.

Professor Steven Barnett from Rutgers University presented details about the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning. This award acknowledges excellence in two areas: Best Research and Studies, and Best Programmes, Curricula, Teaching Methodologies and Practices. He mentioned that this initiative has received global recognition from universities and research centres focused on early childhood care.

The delegation was led by Humaid Al Houti, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education. It included members like Professor Steven Barnett, Dr Janna Fleming from the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, and Candice Potgieter from The Unlimited Child in South Africa. Potgieter is also a previous award winner.

Al Houti commended Rwanda’s educational model and development efforts. Discussions centred on collaboration mechanisms in innovative education programmes and research. They also talked about advanced teaching methods and motivating teachers to initiate new projects.

The delegation toured NCDA’s facilities where Assumpta emphasised the agency’s role in fostering a supportive environment for children's healthy growth from birth to preschool age.

This visit underscores the UAE's commitment to enhancing early childhood education through international partnerships. By sharing expertise and resources with countries like Rwanda, they aim to improve educational outcomes for young children worldwide.

With inputs from WAM