For the past three years, SYTRIECI Rwanda, in collaboration with StreetNet International, has been implementing a project aimed at establishing Early Childhood Development Centers for the children of street and market traders, as well as creating Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) to support the parents of these children.

Article by Dorcas Rachetee Ishimwe

One of the childcare centers established for parents in the informal economy. Picture by Dorcas Ishimwe

Empowering Street and Market Vendors Through Accessible Childcare

The government authorities, in collaboration with SYTRIECI Rwanda, established seven affordable childcare centers near marketplaces to support street and market vendor parents. This initiative has provided a much-needed solution for informal economy traders who previously had no choice but to bring their children to work. By offering accessible childcare, the program has reinforced existing policies that promote early childhood care and education, while also raising public awareness about the importance of early childhood development. So far, an estimated 250 children have been impacted by the project.

Jeannette Nyiramasengesho, General Secretary of SYTRIECI Rwanda, highlighted the significant impact the project has had on the lives of street and market vendors.
“This childcare initiative has transformed the daily lives of the project beneficiaries. Before, many parents had no safe place to leave their children during work hours, which not only affected their productivity but also put the well-being of their children at risk. We saw cases of malnutrition, delayed brain development, and children exposed to unsafe environments. With the introduction of these childcare centers, parents can now work with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a secure, nurturing space that supports their growth and development. It has truly uplifted the livelihoods and dignity of informal traders, especially women.”

The savings groups

As part of the project, SYTRIECI facilitated the creation of 20 Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLAs) groups, targeting street and market vendors and parents with children aged 3 to 5 years. These savings groups were designed to help parents cover essential costs such as child feeding fees and caregiver payments. In addition, SYTRIECI conducted training sessions for pregnant women, focusing on preparing balanced diets and stimulating brain development in the womb—empowering women to invest in their children’s well-being right from the start.

Parents gathered for their weekly savings group meeting. Picture by Dorcas Ishimwe

Street and market vendors have shared the personal and economic growth they have experienced since enrolling their children in childcare centers and joining savings groups.

“Enrolling my child in an ECD and joining a parents’ saving group has transformed my life. I can now focus on my market stall, and the savings give me peace of mind and business opportunities. It’s a huge weight off my shoulders!” said Mukunzi Claudine, a market trader in Agaciro modern market.

Mukamana Beata, a market trader at Kagugu Market, also shared the positive changes and benefits she has experienced.

“Being part of a savings group and having access to a childcare center has changed my life in so many ways. As a single parent, I used to struggle a lot to provide my children with a good education and meet their daily needs. Now, with my children safely cared for while I work, and with the ability to take loans through the savings group, I can better support both my business and my family. It has made everything more manageable and given my children a stronger foundation.”

Childcare as an essential infrastructure for informal economy workers

The childcare project has brought transformative change to the lives of street and market vendors, especially women. The established childcare centers ensured the safety and early development of children and also empowered parents to work with peace of mind, increasing both productivity and well-being. When combined with the support of savings groups, the benefiting parents are experiencing newfound financial stability and the ability to plan for a better future.

“The Child care in Markets project in Rwanda has opened my eyes to the complex realities women face every day. I see how lack of affordable, accessible and quality child care limits their income, safety, and time—and how deeply care is woven into their work and survival. But I also see their resilience, informal solutions such as the VSLAs, and community strength. Child care is more than just a social issue—it’s a labour, gender, economic, and human rights issue. To truly support these women, we must re-imagine child care as an essential infrastructure, not an afterthought” said Tracy Koske, childcare project consultant in WIEGO. “We are privileged to have NCDA( National Child Development Agency) walk with us as we conduct our study on the Status of childcare provision for informal workers in Markets in Kigali, and we invite collaborations from partners who work on labour, economic, human rights and gender projects in Rwanda.”