Abu dhabi: The General Secretariat of the Khalifa Award for Education, a key initiative of the Erth Zayed Philanthropies, has highlighted the UAE’s leadership in promoting and supporting early childhood development at various levels. During a recent visit to the Republic of Rwanda, the delegation introduced the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning, showcasing it as a national initiative designed to enhance the social, physical, mental, and cognitive growth of young children. The award’s criteria align with those established by UNESCO and other global organizations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the delegation was led by Humaid Al Houti, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education, and included prominent members such as Professor Steven Barnett, Founder of the National Institute for Early Childhood Education at Rutgers University, Dr. Janna Fleming, Director of Early Childhood Development at the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, and Candice Potgieter, CEO of The Unlimited Child in South Africa and a previous award recipient. The group engaged in discussions with Ingabire Assumpta, Director-General of Rwanda’s National Child Development Agency (NCDA), and Munyemana Gilbert, Deputy Director-General, among other officials.
The NCDA, established in 2020, provides comprehensive services for children from birth to preschool, covering education, health, nutrition, and protection. One of its key initiatives is Tubakuze (Making Them Grow), which focuses on enhancing early childhood education and improving facilities in vulnerable communities. Al Houti commended Rwanda’s model in education and development, with discussions centering on collaboration in innovative education programs, research, advanced teaching methods, and strategies to motivate teachers to pursue new initiatives.
Professor Barnett provided insights into the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning, which acknowledges excellence in two categories: Best Research and Studies, and Best Programmes, Curricula, Teaching Methodologies, and Practices. The initiative has achieved international acclaim from universities, research centers, and organizations dedicated to early childhood care.
The delegation also toured the NCDA’s facilities, where Assumpta emphasized the agency’s commitment to fostering an environment that supports the healthy development of children from birth to preschool age.