July 13, 2018 – In an effort to support early childhood development in Rwanda, the Tamari Foundation in partnership with Imbuto Foundation and in collaboration with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Rwanda officially inaugurated on July 9, 2018, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Center in Karambi Cell, Rutsiro District.
The Karambi ECD Center started receiving students back in January 2018. It now serves 120 children aged between three and six along with their families. Over 300 other children are served as well from home-based clusters.
The facility, which is located near Rwacof’s coffee plantations and washing stations, has three stimulation rooms, a kitchen, sports facilities, among others. Fifty children of the growers who supply coffee to Rwacof already go to the ECD Center.
“Today, it is an honor for us to inaugurate Karambi children a place where they can flourish, thanks to our trained caregivers,” said Sandrine Umutoni, the Director General of Imbuto Foundation during the inauguration ceremony.
In turn, Della Tamari – the Vice President of Tamari Foundation, delivered a speech whereby she highlighted the importance of education and its essential role in improving the livelihoods of the future generations.
“Engage, educate, empower. These three words incarnate beautifully the incredible mission of the Imbuto Foundation. Faithful to the vision of the First Lady and under her guidance, the Foundation has been constantly working to improve the lives of the Rwandese,” said Ms. Tamari.
Imbuto Foundation, an initiative of the Rwandese First Lady Jeanette Kagame, and Tamari Foundation, established by Abdallah W. Tamari – the Founder of Sucafina – and Samia Tamari, aim through this program to provide children with comprehensive services, which start from a mother’s early pregnancy stage, up until the age of six, including the provision of health, nutrition, early learning and protection services to families and children. The goal of the program is to develop the child’s physical, mental, intellectual and social growth.
UNICEF Rwanda also contributed to the establishment of the Center as part of its continued support of early childhood development and promotion of healthy communities.
With the help of Imbuto Foundation and the engagement of Kahawatu Foundation, Sucafina’s sustainability partner, a holistic approach will be encouraged and pursued to make a difference in the daily lives of farmers, in order to improve their living standards, which will in return impact their lives and the lives of their children.