First Lady Launches Baby-Friendly Spaces in Burundi

On 14 November in Mutobo, Kiremera Hill (Gitega Province), a festive atmosphere filled the area as an enthusiastic crowd gathered around colorful stands to enjoy traditional dance performances. The arrival of the First Lady, signaled by sirens, heightened excitement as she officially launched the integrated early childhood development activities, including the “Baby-Friendly” community space and the early stimulation programme.

Accompanied by the UNICEF Representative, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Governor of Gitega, and other national and local authorities, the First Lady cut the ribbon to inaugurate the new space and similar community facilities being established throughout the country. Participants were then invited on a guided tour to discover this innovative environment.

The visit began in the outdoor play area, where children ages 2 to 5 were enjoying swings, sandboxes, and slides. “Through these games, children develop gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and socio-emotional abilities,” explained one of the supervisors.

Inside, the delegation explored dedicated playrooms equipped with specialized toys designed to encourage fine motor skills, problem-solving, creativity, and social interaction. According to the project team, these community spaces are far more than play areas: they serve as gathering points for families, supporting parents in their essential roles as caregivers while promoting healthy practices in nutrition, early stimulation, and positive parenting.

Supervised by the Light Mothers, with support from partner NGOs such as Help a Child and Concern, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under 5, benefit from a range of integrated early childhood development services. Espérance, a member of the Light Mothers group, met during the inauguration, expressed her enthusiasm: “This space offers a supervised and safe environment for children when their parents are occupied with other tasks. It is a stimulating and joyful place that contributes to their physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development.”

After the visit, the First Lady, the UNICEF Representative, and the Ambassador handed out toys to the children before participants gathered for the official speeches.

Thanking partners and community members, the UNICEF Representative stated: “Together, let us continue to advocate for bold policies and programmes that place children, especially the most vulnerable, at the center of our priorities.”

Highlighting the importance of early childhood development, the Ambassador added, “We commend the Burundian government for making early childhood development a priority. It is through such initiatives that children’s needs can be effectively met and their full potential realized.”

Speaking directly to beneficiaries, the First Lady encouraged families to prioritize early stimulation and adopt nutritious, locally produced food to support children’s physical and cognitive development. She also called on other institutions—including churches, mosques, and community organizations—to contribute to expanding these centers.

The ceremony concluded with a visit to the pediatric department of the Umugiraneza Polyclinic in Kibimba, where the First Lady and accompanying dignitaries distributed cookies and toys to hospitalized children.

Several other “Baby-Friendly” spaces are already operational nationwide, and many more are being established.