Ineza Foundation Launch ‘Discovery Book Box’ to Promote Reading in Remote Schools

By Elias Hakizimana.

Ineza Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to fostering a culture of reading among children, has partnered with Book Aid, a UK-based organization, to launch the ‘Discovery Book Box’ initiative.

This project, officially inaugurated on August 27, 2024, at Nyamirembe Primary School in Shyorongi Sector, Rulindo District, marks a significant step towards enhancing literacy and learning in remote areas of Rwanda.

The ‘Discovery Book Box’ scheme aims to address the challenges faced by schools in remote regions where access to educational resources is often limited. The program is designed to provide children with the opportunity to develop reading culture at an early age, which is crucial for their academic success and overall personal development.

The initiative will initially benefit five primary schools in Rulindo District, with plans for further expansion.

Each of the selected schools—Nyamirembe Primary School, Gisiza School Complex in Shyorongi Sector, Karambi Primary School in Bushoki Sector, Kabeza Primary School in Base Sector, and Rukore School Complex in Tumba Sector—will receive 200 books, covering a range of subjects and languages.

The books are carefully chosen to cater to the needs of young learners, including titles in both English and Kinyarwanda, and subjects such as science, biology, chemistry, English, literature, and history.

These resources are intended to align with Rwanda’s national curriculum and enhance the educational experience of students.

Elizabeth Johnson Mujawamariya, Executive Director of Ineza Foundation, emphasized the significance of this initiative.

“The Discovery Book Box is more than just a collection of books; it’s a tool to inspire a lifelong love of reading in children,” she said.

“By starting with these five schools, we hope to create a model that can be replicated in other districts across Rwanda.” She added.

Teachers at the recipient schools play a crucial role in the success of this initiative. They are expected to facilitate the regular use of the books by integrating them into classroom activities and promoting independent reading.

The scheme will also provide teachers with supplementary educational materials to support these efforts, ensuring that the books are used effectively to enrich students’ learning experiences.

The ‘Discovery Book Box’ initiative is part of Ineza Foundation’s broader mission to improve literacy rates and educational outcomes in Rwanda. The organization has already distributed nearly 250,000 books across the country, benefiting community libraries, schools, and other educational institutions.

This new initiative builds on that foundation, targeting remote schools that are most in need of resources.

In addition to distributing books, Ineza Foundation has established a library in Jabana Sector, Gasabo District, where children can access books for free. This library serves as a community hub for learning, providing a safe and supportive environment for children to develop their reading skills.

Mujawamariya highlighted the long-term impact of introducing children to books at an early age.

“When children have access to books from a young age, they are more likely to develop strong reading skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Our goal is to ensure that every child in Rwanda has the opportunity to discover the joy of reading.” She said.

The initiative was carried out in collaboration with various partners, including TLC/Children’s Peace Library, which donated 210 books to Friends Parents School, a partner of Ineza Foundation in Juru Sector, Musovu Cell, Bugesera District. Additionally, the Peace Library in Gicumbi District received 300 books.

As the ‘Discovery Book Box’ initiative progresses, Ineza Foundation and its partners will continue to monitor its impact, with the hope of expanding the program to more schools in the future.

The success of this pilot phase will determine the next steps, as the organization strives to reach more children and instill a culture of reading across the country.

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