A Day at ECD Rugali:

Where Community, Childhood&Hope Meet

Paid Global’s continuing journey with early childhood learning spaces in Rwanda

On 11 November, our team at Paid Global spent the day at ECD Rugali, one of Busanza’s most lively community-based early childhood development centres. Although our work primarily focuses on connecting people to meaningful gigs and service opportunities, our mission has always been rooted in something broader: building stronger communities in Rwanda. And sometimes, strengthening communities starts with being present for the youngest members.

The Atmosphere You Can't Fake

From the moment we arrived, we stepped into a world filled with pure childhood energy—small hands waving, excited voices calling out, and curious eyes trying to figure out who we were and some just kept doing their tiny activities with one eye on us. There is something magical about an early childhood development centre; it is a place where learning happens naturally, through play, laughter, and everyday moments.

Throughout the day, we moved from classroom to playground, joining the children in simple yet meaningful activities:

Kids running around playing games that sent waves of laughter through the schoolyard
Sharing lunch with them, listening to their giggles and some cries too, and enjoying the sense of community around the meal
Offering haircuts—an activity that turned into a fun, playful moment rather than just grooming
Observing their routines and seeing how much thought goes into guiding their little minds through early learning

These moments weren’t about giving; they were about connecting.

Learning From the People Who Make It Work

  Our visit also gave us the chance to sit with the ECD leader, who shared the story behind Rugali’s centre and ECD in general, how it began, and the mission that drives their everyday work. He spoke passionately about why early childhood development is essential in Rwanda, especially for children who might have fewer opportunities at home. His words showed how deeply committed the centres are to prepare children not just academically but emotionally and socially and having regular parenting discussions with the kids’ families.
 
We were also joined by the cell healthcare caretaker, whose role is essential in maintaining the children’s well-being. He walked us through the school’s approach to nutrition and health monitoring, explaining how:
 
The team carefully plans balanced diets for the children
Body measurements like height, weight, and MUAC are taken regularly to monitor growth
Routine health checks help identify any early signs of malnutrition or any type of illness
 
This holistic approach reminded us that ECDs are not just early learning centres—they are community ecosystems nurturing healthy, happy children. It is early childhood development in the truest sense.

Why Paid Global Cares

Paid Global may not be an NGO, but our platform is built on the idea of lifting people up, whether through work opportunities, community support, or simply showing up for those who need it. Many of the children at ECD Rugali come from families doing their best under difficult circumstances. Supporting the places that support these families is something that aligns naturally with our mission.
 
Helping a mother or caregiver raise a child in a nurturing, safe, and healthy environment is as meaningful as helping someone find work—because stronger families create stronger communities.

What Comes Next

  Both our first visit in May and this   recent visit in November showed us the real impact of Rwanda’s early childhood development (ECD) model. The children are eager to learn. The teachers are committed beyond words. The community is involved in ways that are deeply inspiring.

And we realized something important:
 If one visit can make this much difference, imagine what ongoing involvement could do.

Our hope is to continue spending time in ECDs across different communities—listening, learning, playing, and supporting where we   can. Not as a grand project, but as a consistent way of contributing to Rwanda’s future through its youngest citizens.