New Early Childhood Development Center Launched in Burundi
The future of a nation is shaped long before a child enters a classroom. From conception to age eight, early experiences in health, nutrition, protection, and play determine whether children arrive at school ready to learn or already left behind. That’s why Help a Child focuses on the young child.
On January 28, 2026, a new Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center was launched in Nyakiga, Burundi. This event, which included local implementing partners and representatives from the Burundian government, reflects a shared, multisectoral commitment to young children.
The center offers high-quality preschool education for children aged 3–5, inclusive play spaces, safe and accessible sanitation facilities, and parental awareness sessions on child protection, health, nutrition, hygiene, and nurturing care. These services are delivered in partnership with decentralized Burundian government services.
As Grâce Nininahazwe, ECD and Child Protection Advisor at Help a Child, highlighted: “This center will support children and parents, especially pregnant and breastfeeding women through health, nutrition, protection, and education tailored to children’s developmental needs.”
Echoing this, Malysie Hatungimana, Director of Preschool and ECD at the Ministry of Education, added: “Children learn through games and songs. Play develops language, social skills, and respect for rules, while helping detect early learning challenges and reducing school dropout rates.”
Fulgence Ndagijimana, Country Director of Help a Child Burundi, encouraged students of all levels from preschool onwards to continue their education to prepare for a better future. He further emphasized that the Nyakiga ECD Center demonstrates how community-anchored, partner-based approaches can protect, nurture, and educate children. Investing early is not just ethical, it’s strategic. By bringing together families, communities, and government services, the center is more than infrastructure, it is a foundation for resilient, thriving children and a stronger society.
“This space is not just a building; it is the symbol of a collective commitment to the future of our children.”
-Richard Butoke, Head of School Administrative Action at the Ministry of National Education and Scientific Research, Burundi