Julian Ngabire was always and still is very much passionate about development issues. In 2009, while working on a project to increase access to menstrual health services and products for an NGO she came face to face with the gaps in the Early Childhood Development sector, albeit it was not even known as such at the time in Rwanda. For several days while training women on how to leverage local materials to make sanitary pads and how to manage their menses, several of them came coming with their young children, even though they were already at the school going age, and she was shocked that they were not just in school but there were also no schools for their age as well as no play spaces which, in my naivety took for granted. There she was; supporting women to create their own businesses while tackling a barrier to education and work; but there was another looming issue; inability to access childcare and early education for the children, which, to me would still be a hindrance to the mothers’ efforts to be independent workers. She could not help but wonder how vast the issue was. It took her over 2 years to gather influence and create a space that would enable policy makers, parents, teachers and communities understand why its important to ensure children have access to inclusive child friendly spaces and environments for learning and development not just in Kigali, but around the country and in African. 4 years later, despite that understanding why PLAY is key for cognitive, physical, mental and brain development for children was still low, she defied the norms and kept speaking up through social media, presentations, talks, conferences, and networks despite obstacles, advocating for child friendly spaces, and pushing for creating a learning system that allows all children thrive mentally and emotionally and while at it find her life path— to professional growth through my passion She started an organization; The PlayHub (www.theplayhub.rw) through which she advocates, educates and implements Early childhood developments programs with a focus on Learning Through Play, a key child development learning component that is ignored, considered expensive and a waste of time. Since then, her passion and consistency of her work around Learning through play has enabled her to inspire others; especially women and young girls to pursue their passion; one step at a time and be leaders in their areas of expertise. She has won grants, awards, been a speaker and presenter, moderator and written papers on why PLAY matters in childhood development to organizations such as the LEGO Foundation, UNICEF among others; opportunities that have enabled her to influence policy and practice as well as support Early Childhood Development programs both locally and, in the region.
