Long-Term Impacts of Early Childhood Development Programmes in Rwanda: A Survey Research

Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes are crucial for fostering cognitive, social, and emotional development in children under five years old. The research employs a survey methodology with a representative sample of children who participated in ECD programmes, comparing them against a control group from non-participating schools. A notable proportion (35%) of participants showed significant improvements in literacy scores compared to the control group, indicating positive educational outcomes. The study concludes that ECD programmes contribute positively to children's educational development and socio-emotional skills, supporting their future academic success. Policy makers should continue investing in comprehensive ECD programmes and monitor their long-term impacts for sustained benefits.