The genesis of the project
The idea for La Maison de l'Enfant (The Children's House) developed through my experience as a mother of two and my professional journey. These two paths led me to the same conclusion: as parents, we often ask ourselves similar questions; about development, learning, emotions, or simply about the daily lives of our children.
Parenting isn't something you're born with, it's something you become. It's often said to be the best job in the world, but it's also one of the most difficult. No course of study can prepare you for everything you'll experience. You learn every day, with your children and the people around you.
There are stories we carry within us that shape the person and the parent we are.
And there are stories we share, this common hope that our children can surpass us.
To find answers, we sometimes have to search for information everywhere, knock on many doors, or we simply don't dare.
From this arose the desire to bring together, in one place, information, professionals, and complementary services for children and their families. A place where all questions are welcome; a place where no question is too small, too simple, or inappropriate. A place where you can say "I don't know," ask for help, and share an experience without fear of judgment.
A place to find the support you need.
This dream has been with me for a long time. Today, it finds its place in Rwanda, my native country.
Because rebuilding a country also means taking care of the children who will grow up there and who will sustain it tomorrow. I would like to contribute to this by bringing together people who have the energy, skills, and love necessary to continue the work that already exists.
Here, we have our place to grow and help this place grow together.
We won't wait for everything to be in place before we begin: meetings, exchanges, and the first activities can be built gradually, with the professionals and families who join us. A house isn't built alone.
This foundation stone is laid on October 16, 2026. It is dedicated to all the women who have had an impact on my journey, and especially to two nurturing souls who have illuminated my life.
Gilberte Louviaux Umugwaneza Uwonkunda
• At the heart of the place
The perinatal space
The psychoeducational space
(Monitoring of learning and development)
The meeting space
Perinatal care refers to the period surrounding childbirth. In this center, this space will be dedicated to supporting expectant parents during pregnancy, preparing for the arrival of the baby, and supporting families in the early days after birth.
You can ask questions there about the changes you are going through, preparing for birth, baby's first care, breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, sleep, bonding with your child, and everyone's new place in the family. All questions will be welcome.
Every child is unique. Every child has their own pace and way of learning. This space will aim to support children up to the age of 12 and help parents better understand their needs, without labeling them.
The aim is to bring together complementary professionals (speech therapist, occupational therapist, psychomotor therapist, neuropsychologist) in order to offer support tailored to each child.
A space to meet, exchange ideas and grow together.
The meetings will cover topics such as sleep, nutrition, emotions, screen time, the role of play, starting school, transitions, and educational choices. They will also welcome questions we wish we had asked before becoming parents, those that arise along the way, and those we don't always dare to say out loud.
The themes will be developed with you, based on your concerns and suggestions. Everyone is welcome to come and listen, share, or simply take the time to reflect, without being judged or compared.
The Wellness Area
The training area
The Essentials Space
A space to relax, create, and share a moment, for children and parents alike. Pottery, painting, drawing, and perhaps even music will offer different ways to express oneself. Art allows us to give form to what we feel, even when words fail us.
Parent-child workshops, moments of relaxation, movement and adapted yoga sessions will nourish the energy of this place.
A space to share knowledge and strengthen the practices of those who support children in their development.
The training courses may cover development, security, inclusion, etc.
Partnerships with schools, early childhood structures, and training organizations will be strengths to be brought together to better support children.
You will find advice on choosing a game according to the child's age, interests and needs, and discover different ways to use it or play together.
Educational games, early learning materials and useful products for children and their daily lives.