In 2013, Her Excellency Mrs Jeannette Kagame launched the ECD&F programme to support the holistic development of children aged 0 to 6. The goal of the programme is to ensure that all children are intellectually stimulated, healthy and safe, while their families and communities are empowered with the right tools to nurture and protect them.

The ECD&F programme focuses on the following approaches:

• ECD centres (3 to 6 years old)
• Home-based services (3 to 6 years old)
• Home visits (0 to 3 years old)

In addition, parents receive training and support in Income Generating Activities (IGAs). Imbuto Foundation offers and delivers the integrated ECD services in 16 districts, namely: Gasabo, Nyarugenge, Kicukiro, Gicumbi, Gakenke, Nyamasheke, Ruhango, Nyamagabe, Nyabihu, Kayonza, Ngoma, Rwamagana, Rutsiro, Nyanza, Ngororero and Burera

This initiative aims to improve learning outcomes for students in basic education, through increasing access to remedial learning support services for under-performing students, supporting the education of well performing students coming from vulnerable backgrounds as well as empowering girls to excel in education.

This initiative has been successful in meeting its programme objectives, with reports of students performing better academically, being more respectful of gender diversity, more enthusiastic about learning and developing strong group work skills.

The initiative works with the families of its beneficiaries, whose support is essential in instilling positive values, such as politeness and respect in the classroom, cleanliness and punctuality.