Known for its resilience and commitment to change, Rwanda has achieved something particularly remarkable in childcare and family support through the Tubarerere Mu Muryango (TMM) initiative. Launched in 2013 by the government of Rwanda, UNICEF, and other partners like Hope and Homes for Children, the TMM initiative has made significant strides. This progress has been made possible with funding from the United States Government.
UNICEF’s support to TMM aimed to ensure that every child in the country receives the love, care, and opportunities they need from loving family environments away from orphanages. What began as a vision has now become a reality, fundamentally changing the way protection and care for children works in Rwanda.
The inspiration behind TMM is deeply rooted in Rwandan culture and its deep understanding of the importance of family and community to a child’s growth. Recognizing that every child deserves a caring family environment to thrive, as set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Government of Rwanda and UNICEF came together to start this collective journey to redefine childcare in the country. The name “Tubarerere Mu Muryango,” which means “Let’s raise children within families,” captures the essence of the initiative – to make family and community-based care stronger, laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future for every child as a future dividend for the country.
TMM’s success can be credited to its approach that includes community involvement, education, healthcare, and social services. At its heart, TMM aimed not only to provide immediate help to vulnerable children and families but also to create systems that would continue supporting them in the long run. TMM has driven the strengthening of Rwanda’s child protection system to respond to and prevent threats to children’s safety and wellbeing.
Central to TMM’s success was the inclusion of Inshuti Z’Umuryango (IZU), “Friends of Family” – a network of local volunteers who play a crucial part in identifying vulnerable children, offering help, and making sure no child is left behind. These heroes work hard within their communities, showing the spirit of togetherness and compassion that defines Rwanda. Through their efforts, IZU have become a pillar of strength to TMM, reaching even the hardest to reach parts of Rwandan society.
Another vital part of TMM was the creation of a professional child protection workforce in 2013, who later evolved in 2019 to become known as Child Protection and Welfare Officers (CPWOs). Working at the district level, and supported by IZU in all villages, CPWOs provide important services and support tailored to the specific needs of children and families. Starting from a focus on case management for reintegrating children from orphanages and other institutions back into families, CPWOs now have the mandate for leading and coordinating protection services for every child from all forms of violence, neglect and exploitation.
CPWOs play a key role in helping Rwanda’s children realize their full potential. Their dedication and commitment are crucial in making sure that the investments made in TMM are protected through ongoing family-based care and prevention of family separation, while at the same time ensuring a protective environment for every child in Rwanda.
The combined efforts of The Government of Rwanda, UNICEF, other partners like HHC, and workforces like the IZU and CPWOs have been essential in expanding and making TMM successful. Through strategic partnerships and strong dedication, TMM has touched the lives of many children and families, leaving a lasting mark on Rwanda. Together, these groups have worked hard to bring in new ideas and tackle the unique challenges faced by Rwandan families.
The impact of TMM can be seen in the significant Government-wide attention paid to the quality of support provided to families and the emphasis given to the importance of the need for children to grow up in families. As a result, families are more empowered, and children have a brighter future ahead of them.
As Rwanda moves forward on its path of progress and prosperity, TMM stands as proof of the power of partnership, compassion, and community. Through Tubarerere Mu Muryango, Rwanda is nurturing its most precious treasure – the children – making sure they have a future filled with hope, opportunity, and fairness. The success of TMM is a reminder that, with hard work and teamwork, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.
Between the start of the TMM program in 2013 until April 2022, approximately 3,432 or 91 percent of children and young adults residing in institutional care were placed back into family-based care. Excitingly, orphanages were transformed into community-based structures for children. The Child Protection Workforce was established in 2013, with 68 professional social workers and psychologists covering all 30 districts of Rwanda.
There are now one male and one female child protection volunteer in every village in Rwanda, totaling 29,674 across the country. In 2017, this Child Protection Workforce evolved into the primary provider of child protection for children at risk of violence. Since 2019, TMM has broadened its focus to include family care for children with disabilities, showcasing its inclusive nature and dedication to reaching all children. Since 2019, over 80 children with disabilities have been placed with their families or into family-based care from institutions.
As TMM celebrates its achievements, it also looks to the future with a fresh sense of purpose and determination. Building on the foundation laid over the past decade, TMM remains committed to its mission of ensuring every child in Rwanda has the chance to grow up in a loving and supportive family environment. With continued teamwork and innovation, the future of childcare in Rwanda is brighter than ever. (End).