Holiday program brings literacy, talent, and hope to Rulindo’s youth

Elias Hakizimana Jul 31, 2025Jul 31, 2025 0 Comments

By Elias Hakizimana.

In a quiet courtyard at Shyorongi Youth Friendly Center, the sound of children reading, drawing, and dancing is replacing what for many used to be idle and risky school holidays. For the youth of Rulindo District, this season is different, thanks to a campaign designed not only to entertain but to educate and inspire.

The month-long Intore mu Biruhuko (“Intore on Holiday”) program officially launched on July 30, 2025, at the center, drawing children, parents, educators, and local leaders together under the theme “Healthy Life, My Dignity.”

The initiative, which runs through August 29, is part of the broader Urumuli Holiday Fest campaign and is supported by INEZA Foundation, Book Aid International, JJoy Foundation, and Rulindo District.

The program combines fun with purpose: offering children from age 10 upwards a range of activities including reading, writing, poetry, drawing, traditional dance, athletics, and lessons in patriotism. It also provides a much-needed platform for youth to access literacy resources during school breaks.

“Today’s event is more than just a celebration, it’s a step toward equipping our children with life-long learning habits,” said Janvier Niyonsaba, Program Coordinator at INEZA Foundation.

“We prepare them for September’s Literacy Month by encouraging participation in reading competitions, giving access to books, and promoting reading beyond the classroom.”

Niyonsaba emphasized that the initiative also targets community-wide impact. In addition to school-age children, the foundation runs adult literacy classes in Shyorongi and mobilizes volunteers to help manage daily activities throughout the holiday.

“We call on more partners to support this effort so that no child or adult is left behind,” he added.

***Janvier Niyonsaba, Program Coordinator at INEZA Foundation, speaks during a youth literacy event in Shyorongi aimed at promoting reading among children and adults.***

Local leaders see the program as part of a broader solution to social issues affecting youth.

Epiphanie Mukamuhizi, head of Good Governance in Shyorongi Sector, said literacy among parents is just as important as for children.

“Parents who can’t read often fail to support their children’s education,” she noted. “This initiative helps prevent youth from falling into delinquency, early pregnancies, and other setbacks we’ve seen in past holidays when teens were idle and unsupervised.”

She applauded the inclusiveness of Intore mu Biruhuko, which also welcomes school dropouts and teenagers over 18.

“This program is shaping a hopeful future for Rwanda by raising responsible youth, nurturing their talents, and keeping them positively engaged,” she said.

Epiphanie Mukamuhizi, Head of Good Governance in Shyorongi Sector, praises the Intore mu Biruhuko program for promoting literacy among both children and parents, and for engaging out-of-school youth in meaningful holiday activities.

Jean Bosco Ishimwe, who coordinates youth centers in Rulindo and nationwide, reiterated: “It’s a space for young people to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and grow,” he said. “We are proud to partner with INEZA Foundation, and I encourage other organizations to join this effort.”

During a youth education session, Ishimwe also addressed the growing concern of drug abuse among teens.

“Drugs, whether illicit beers, cannabis, or local substances like Rwiziringa plant, are destroying our youth,” he warned. “They lead to teen pregnancies and school dropouts. We must protect our young people.”

Jean Bosco Ishimwe, national youth center coordinator, addresses teens during an education session in Rulindo, urging them to stay away from drugs and commending the partnership with INEZA Foundation for creating safe, empowering spaces for youth.

The impact is already being felt at the household level.

Josiane Umugwaneza, a mother of two whose children attend the Shyorongi Youth Friendly Center, said her youngest was once shy and withdrawn.

“Since joining the Early Childhood Development program, she’s opened up and is now ready to start nursery school in September,” she said.

“My older daughter enjoys traditional dance and learning through play. I thank INEZA Foundation for treating our children like their own. Everything is offered free of charge, and that means the world to parents like me.”

For 17-year-old Olivier Iradukunda from Bugaragara Cell, the program has been both a personal and athletic milestone. A Senior 3 student currently on holiday, he was named best athlete during the program’s launch event.

“This award will help me build my capacity and sharpen my talent,” Olivier said. “Thanks to INEZA, I’ve also developed a love for reading. This program is opening doors for many of us.”

As the campaign continues across the country, it is proving to be more than a seasonal activity. For many children and families in Rulindo, Intore mu Biruhuko is planting seeds of confidence, creativity, and hope, one book, one dance, and one lesson at a time.