Olive’s Story: Promoting Early Childhood Development through Playgroups in Rwanda

Olive’s Story

“She is learning so many things that I cannot teach her at home and the playgroup is really helping to prepare her to succeed in school.”
Like most parents, the day Olive gave birth to Muhirwa, she decided she would do everything in her power to help her daughter succeed. Olive knew this started with preschool – but could they afford it? Olive and her husband worked as part-time farmers and ran a small kiosk selling household items to neighbors in their small rural community. Although they tried hard to make it work, preschool fees did not fit in their tight budget.
When a neighbor told Olive about new playgroups in the community for preschoolers, she knew this might be the best thing for her shy child. Through traditional games and activities, Olive has watched her daughter blossom into an expressive, social three-year-old. Olive beams as she describes the songs, rhymes, and traditional stories that Muhirwa has learned – and which she eagerly shares with the neighboring children and her delighted family.
And the lessons don’t stop when playgroup is over. By observing and participating in the classes herself, Olive has picked up on techniques she can use at home to keep Muhirwa engaged and learning.  The playgroups were a critical first step, and now Olive has the tools she needs to help Muhirwa live up to her full potential. As Olive explains: “I would love to see my daughter become someone important with professional status, like a doctor or a judge… She is learning so many things that I cannot teach her at home and the playgroup is really helping to prepare her to succeed in school.”
The playgroups are just one example of how Global Communities is working with communities in Rwanda to give the next generation a better future. But we don’t do it alone. We work with the leaders in the community. We have parents who are passionate about helping their children thrive. Learn more about Global Communities’ playgroups here.