Integration of Children into families has made a significant step-Uwicyeza

Elias Hakizimana Dec 22, 2022 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

Over 3,300 children who were raised in childcare centers have been integrated into families according to Esperance Uwicyeza, the head of department of child development, protection and promotion in the National Child Development Agency (NCDA).

This achievement was accelerated by the efforts made by the government and its partners to foster the wellbeing of the citizens since a couple of years.

“We started helping the childcare centers that cater for children with disabilities since 2012 and over 3,300 children were returned in their families at a good level (90 percent),” Uwicyeza said.

Uwicyeza was speaking to the media on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Inshuti Zacu Daycare Center during a ceremony organized by Hope and Homes for Children Organization to share the joy of festive season-2022 with children with disabilities and their families from Gahanga sector, Kicukiro district.

**Esperance Uwicyeza, the head of department of child development, protection and promotion in the National Child Development Agency (NCDA).**

NCDA, that also supported 36 children with disabilities with wheelchairs worth Rwf 2,486,772 has learnt that Gahanga sector is among the areas in Kicukiro to have a big number of children with disabilities from needy families who stay at home without moving.

Cecile Mukantaganzwa, the official in charge of finance and administration at Hope and Homes for Children said that in their current annual programs consider disadvantaged persons including children with disabilities, helping them to gain opportunity to celebrate the festive season with some gifts.

She urged parents to raise children in the families and treat them equally, rather than discriminating those with disabilities. “Parents should raise, treat all the children the same and be closer to them,” Mukantaganzwa said.

Recently in October 2022, Hope and Homes for Children hosted Kenyan government delegation who came in Rwanda to learn about best practices in integrating children into the families from the orphanage centers.

Sr. Francine Mukamazera, Headteacher of Inshuti Zacu Daycare Center appreciated the support, saying that children with disabilities need people to show them sympathy and love.

The center has 93 children with disabilities, 77 of them get half-day services while 16 others remain connected to the center’s education and healthcare services.

The daycare center takes care of children with several disabilities, especially autism disorders. Autism is a developmental disorder that impacts the ability of the child to communicate and interact.

“We are happy for this initiative; it is a very important activity, and it builds children’s happiness. We get a comfort anytime we have a partner to help us cater for vulnerable children,” she said.

A parent speaks out

Beatha Hasengwimana, a parent said: “As a parent who has a child with disability, I am now happy to see the child’s life developing. He can stand and speak in the public, raising them in the families help us to monitor their life and to ensure our close support and care,”