Governor Mugabowagahunde urges immediate action to provide porridge flour for nursery children in Gicumbi
Northern Province Governor Mugabowagahunde Maurice has called on various stakeholders to act swiftly to ensure the availability of porridge flour for children in early childhood development centers (ECDs). He made this appeal after discovering that some children were only receiving solid meals without porridge.
The Governor emphasized this message on February 6, 2025, during a tour of different sectors in Gicumbi District. The visit aimed to assess the progress of the 2024-2025 performance contracts in improving citizens’ well-being and shaping the district’s future development.
While visiting Nyankenke Sector, Governor Mugabowagahunde was surprised to find an ECD center in Butare Cell lacking porridge flour, even though children were being provided with balanced meals. He urged authorities to collaborate with parents to ensure children receive both food and porridge.
At the center he visited, which caters to 20 children aged three to five, caregivers revealed that they had gone an entire month without receiving porridge flour, which is typically supplied by parents.
One of the caregivers confirmed that while the children receive meals rich in energy, proteins, and vitamins, parents had stopped providing porridge flour for some time.
Governor Mugabowagahunde encouraged local leaders to engage parents in discussions about the nutritional value of porridge flour and to step in when necessary to support struggling families.
“You, as leaders, can see that these children are being fed, but they lack porridge, which is crucial for their nutrition. Encourage parents to provide porridge flour, and if they are unable to do so, find immediate solutions to ensure children don’t go without it,” he urged.
Domitile Uzarubara, a caregiver at Imbuto z’Urumuri ECD center, which was visited by the Governor, told Green Rwanda that while children’s welfare is monitored daily, they have been without porridge flour for over a month and are still seeking a sustainable solution.
Mushimiyimana Claudine, another caregiver, emphasized the need for parents to consistently provide essential food supplies. She also called for support in securing toys for children, which she said are vital in stimulating their cognitive development.
“Parents and caregivers work together, except for this recent porridge flour shortage. If possible, we also request assistance in acquiring children’s toys to enhance their brain development,” she added.
Gicumbi District Mayor, Emmanuel Nzabonimpa, acknowledged that while multiple ECD centers are regularly monitored, the Nyankenke facility had failed to report its challenges, delaying intervention from local authorities.
Five years ago, Gicumbi District had a child stunting rate of 42%. However, targeted initiatives such as “Muturanyi Ngirankugire Tugeraneyo mu Iterambere” and “Duhurire mu Isibo n’Ingoga” have significantly improved child nutrition and reduced stunting, helping the district achieve its development goals.
