In Gatsibo District, increased male involvement in Early Childhood Development (ECD) has significantly improved children’s wellbeing and family relationships. Through the “Papa Rumuri” initiative, implemented by Caritas Rwanda under the ECD Project with support from Plan International Rwanda, fathers are now playing an active role in childcare, both at home-based ECD (HBECDs) and within their households.
Traditionally, childcare responsibilities have largely been considered the role of women, despite repeated awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of shared parenting. This imbalance often resulted in children missing out on essential services such as ECD attendance, proper nutrition, and emotional support, factors critical to healthy child development.
To address this gap, Caritas Rwanda introduced the Papa Rumuri program in 2022 across its supported HBECDs. The initiative aims to strengthen fathers’ participation in childcare while also responding to practical challenges such as shortages of firewood and water used in meal preparation at HBECDs. More importantly, it seeks to ensure that children benefit from the care and guidance of both parents.
Under the program, each village selects ten Papa Rumuri role models, and every HBECDs has at least one male representative. These men receive training on positive parenting, child development, and their specific role in supporting ECD services. They then cascade on this knowledge to other fathers in their communities, creating a ripple effect of behavioural change.
Parents in Gatsibo report that the initiative has helped children feel more secure and valued within a complete family environment. The lessons learned through Papa Rumuri extend beyond HBECDs into households, where improved cooperation between husbands and wives has strengthened family unity and economic progress.
Jean Bosco Ndagiwenimana, a father of four from Kabarore Sector, describes how his mindset has changed since becoming a Papa Rumuri. Previously, he believed that his responsibility ended with providing financially. Today, he regularly visits HBECDs, talks and plays with children, and supports household chores when his wife is busy.
“Sometimes I go to the HBECD and play with the children. They are very happy to see a man playing with them and encouraging them. It is important because raising a child should not be the responsibility of the mother alone. When my wife is busy, I support her with household work and childcare, and this has helped our family progress in ways we never experienced before,” he explains.
Antoinette Yankurije, a mother of two from Rwimbogo Sector, emphasizes the value of male participation at HBECD. Fathers now help fetch water, collect firewood, bring children to the HBECDs, and attend parenting sessions, contributions that strengthen collaboration between parents and improve family life at home.
The positive impact of the program is also observed at the institutional level. Christine Kayitesi, ECD Project Coordinator at Caritas Rwanda, notes that tangible changes have occurred since the introduction of Papa Rumuri.
“We see clear results. Women tell us that childcare is no longer their responsibility alone. Fathers now bring children to HBECDs and pick them up when mothers are unavailable. In the past, a child would miss ECD sessions even when the father was at home. Today, that no longer happens,” she says.
Men are also actively involved in establishing kitchen gardens at HBECDs and supporting logistics such as water and firewood supply, tasks that further strengthen service delivery and sustainability.
According to Jean Claude Habiyaremye, Director of Health in Gatsibo District, the Papa Rumuri initiative demonstrates the long-term value of educating fathers on childcare responsibilities.
“What we have observed is very encouraging. When men and women work together in ECDs, children receive better care, attendance improves, and families use their own resources to support the ECDs. Even if Caritas Rwanda were to withdraw, this collaboration would continue because parents now understand its importance,” he explains.
Currently, in Gatsibo District, Caritas Rwanda supports 59 HBECDs, serving 1,239 young children, with the involvement of over 130 Papa Rumuri role models across 10 cells. The initiative is also implemented in Bugesera and Nyaruguru districts, ensuring that male engagement remains a core pillar of the ECD Project.
Through Papa Rumuri, fathers are redefining their role, not only as providers, but as caregivers, role models, and partners in nurturing children’s growth and development.