We bring evidence-based Social and emotional learning (SEL) into the lives of children and young people—working with schools, educators, families and communities across Rwanda.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. It is the process through which children, young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
Grounded in research, SEL works best when classrooms, schools, families and communities collaborate to create safe, supportive and engaging places to learn. GCI applies this approach to wellbeing, participation and stronger school performance across Rwanda.
Source: CASEL, What Is SEL?; see also Social and Emotional Learning: Research, Practice, and Policy.
Explore the SEL cycle →
Academic achievement and emotional wellbeing belong together. Evidence-based SEL helps learners recognise emotions, stay motivated, resolve conflicts, form healthy relationships and participate more confidently in school.
Understand our approach
We work to strengthen children's wellbeing and school success while supporting the people around them.
Trauma-informed emotional wellbeing activities, child and family guidance, and connections to qualified mental-health providers through community partnerships. Availability of counselling and any free services is confirmed on enquiry.
Learn more →Practical workshops for educators, caregivers, community staff and partner organisations covering SEL skills, child development, supportive learning environments and trauma-sensitive practice.
Learn more →
Age-appropriate SEL lessons, facilitator tools and custom curricula for schools, after-school programmes and community groups, incorporating active learning and continuous evaluation.
Learn more →Supporting children and young people means also supporting the adults and settings around them.
Age-appropriate SEL activities that strengthen self-confidence, empathy and school readiness.
Explore programme →
Practical life skills, positive relationships and resilience for learning and transition to adulthood.
Explore programme →Professional learning, classroom strategies and school-wide wellbeing practices.
Explore programme →
Simple activities and supportive relationships that reinforce learning beyond the classroom.
Explore programme →Small everyday routines help children name feelings, build confidence and strengthen trusting relationships with caregivers.
We use the widely recognised CASEL framework as a reference, alongside local adaptation, safeguarding and practical learning design.
Understanding feelings and strengths.
Managing emotions and setting goals.
Seeing others’ perspectives with empathy.
Communicating, cooperating and resolving conflict.
Making caring and constructive choices.
Framework reference: CASEL — What is SEL?. .
percentile points: average academic achievement gain reported in a 2011 meta-analysis of school-based SEL programmes. This is not a forecast for a Golden Child programme.
Read the study ↗Our intended approach pairs established SEL practices with needs assessments, clear learning objectives, feedback from educators and families, and measurement of wellbeing and school-related outcomes.
We will publish our own verified programme outcomes as they become available, clearly distinguishing them from findings in external studies.
Explore the evidenceWe aim to promote safe environments, nurturing relationships, caregiver support and early recognition of distress. For children affected by trauma, we champion trauma-informed practices and referrals to qualified professionals when needed.
SEL complements, but does not replace, specialist mental-health or trauma care.
Our trauma-informed approachA quick classroom routine to help children name emotions and get ready to learn.
Learn moreSupportive classrooms can make it easier for learners to participate and persist.
Learn moreConversation prompts and simple activities for caregivers and children.
Learn moreThe Golden Child Shop continues GCI’s collection of books, puzzles, flashcards and creative learning gifts. It complements our central focus on social and emotional learning.
Visit the shopBuild a shared understanding of five core SEL skills and supportive environments.
Read the guide →02Coordinate teachers, caregivers and out-of-school-time partners.
Read the guide →03Connect families to mentoring, health and other relevant supports.
Read the guide →Golden Child Institute · Kigali, Rwanda · +250 786 354 394 · info.gci.rw@gmail.com
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