Implementation of Inclusive Early Childhood Education in 22 District in Rwanda

The project was implemented by Chance for Childhood, with financial support from UNICEF and in conjunction with local UNICEF partner NGOs. The project aimed to increase accessibility of ECD services for CwD by increasing identification of CwD in the community, capacity building of ECD providers and community education to decrease stigma and increase community participation of CwD. Achievements under output 1: Increased availability of quality ECD services to CwD (0-8 years) and their families in 22 Districts: • Using the developed screening tools, outreach campaigns and parent education, the project identified 4187 CwD in the community who had otherwise not been identified as having a disability. • The projects’ community sensitization events and parent training increased understanding of disability and the importance of life engagement and rights for CwD which consequently led to a significant increase in their ECD enrollment to 59.7%. • The project highlighted the plight of many CwD in the target community who were experiencing barriers in accessing ECD due to lack of medical care and assistive devices such as white cane, crutches, wheelchairs, walking frames etc. • The project enhanced community participation of CwDs by developing and implementing inclusive play groups as well as teaching parents how to make toys from local materials.

Achievements in output 2: Increased capacity of service providers to deliver inclusive ECD services. • The inclusive toolkits were created, reviewed and translated to Kinyarwanda and are currently in use by NGOs frontline workers which has contributed to knowledge transfer for sustainability of the intervention • Standards of Care guidelines for CwD at ECD centres were developed and incorporated in the Rwandan Government policy, “Minimum Standards, Norms and Guidelines in Early Childhood Development” a document that guides implementation of ECD services in Rwanda. • ECD caregivers were empowered with knowledge and skills in the provision of inclusive ECD services for CwD which led to change in their practice of ECD services delivery for CwDs hence improved quality of services.

Achievements under output 3: Improved community and parental awareness and provision of responsive care to young CwD (0-8 years) • 20 advocacy events and parents’ sensitization meetings were conducted reaching over 12,000 people. Information on disability, rights and inclusion of CwDs in society was disseminated. • Data collected indicated a significant reduction in stigma at 59% and development of positive attitudes toward CwD. • Over 17, 000 parents were trained and sensitized on use of inclusive ECD techniques, nutrition, and importance of nurturing care. The intervention has reached over 29,000 parents and community members in general.

Lessons learnt: • Inclusive ECD for CwDs requires a multi-sectoral approach and the involvement of all stakeholders (Government, community, parents, service providers) to provide holistic and continuum of care for CwDs and their families. • Continuous training and mentorship of caregivers through refresher trainings is an effective way of knowledge transfer that improves services for CwDs and also ensures sustainability of interventions. • Attitudinal and behavioral change often take time and there is need to deploy different advocacy strategies for example use of different channels of communication like local leaders, radios, TVs to mobilize them on issues around CwDs. • Locally-made learning and play materials promote access to ECD services since they remove the barrier of cost from the parents and caregivers. • Parental involvement in inclusive education for CwDs leads to better learning outcomes for CwDs. • Joint planning among participating partners in interventions is a good practice that ensures role sharing for better delivery of services to CwDs.