World Vision International Rwanda and African Evangelistic Enterprise Rwanda are working together to support the standardization of Home-Based Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers in Karongi District (a district in western part of Rwanda) as part of the larger Professional Umuganda initiative, which aims to prevent and rehabilitate malnourished children. This component of Professional Umuganda aims to enhance record-keeping, cooking, and hygiene habits by educating caregivers and offering necessary start-up kits. Every supported ECD is provided with booklets for precise child development records, SATOs for proper sanitation, casseroles for food preparation, and mats for comfort. The goal is to improve the standard of care in home-based ECDs so that kids can develop in situations that are secure, clean, and engaging. A total of 149 centers have received startup kits support thus far, and efforts are still being made to reach more.  The program directly targets major issues such inadequate kid monitoring, dangerous food handling, and poor cleanliness by providing training and necessary start-up supplies to Home-Based ECDs. For young children, this results in safer and healthier surroundings, which is essential in the fight against stunting and malnutrition.

Through the creation of safer, more hygienic, and caring environments for early childhood development, the initiative to support home-based ECDs with start-up kits in Karongi District is greatly enhancing children’s health. By enhancing sanitation and reducing the danger of waterborne infections, SATOs (safe latrine covers) help stop the spread of disease. Warm, nourishing meals that are essential for healthy growth and the avoidance of malnutrition can be prepared and served by caregivers with the help of casseroles. Mats provide kids with hygienic, cozy areas to play and rest while lowering their exposure to germs and dirt. Close observation of each child’s health and development is also ensured by caregiver training and the use of record-keeping books, which enables the early identification of nutritional or growth problems. Together, these enhancements lead to superior health, nutrition, and hygiene results, providing a solid basis for kids’ physical and mental development throughout those crucial early years.