Over 150 Children Awarded in Rulindo on International Literacy Day

Elias Hakizimana Sep 8, 2024Sep 9, 2024 0 Comments

By The Inspirer.

On September 8, 2024, in celebration of International Literacy Day, Ineza Foundation awarded more than 150 children in Rulindo District who excelled in a holiday book-reading competition.

The children received school supplies, including notebooks, pens, and other essential materials, through an initiative supported by Book Aid and the Rwanda Education Board (REB).

The event, which aimed to foster a love for reading among the youth, also emphasized the role of parents in encouraging reading habits at home, recognizing its critical importance in their children’s development.

Speaking during the event, Niyonsaba Janvier, the Program Coordinator at Ineza Foundation, highlighted the significance of International Literacy Day, which was established by UNESCO to promote quality education worldwide. He explained that UNESCO sets the global theme, while countries tailor it to their priorities in reading and writing initiatives.

**Niyonsaba Janvier, Program Coordinator at Ineza Foundation, underscores the importance of International Literacy Day in promoting global quality education.**

“On this day every year, we organize activities that prepare children to return to school. We give them space in community libraries, where they showcase their literary talents through competitions in storytelling, poetry, and drawing. Afterward, we award the top performers and every child who participated in the competition. This encourages children to embrace and maintain a love for reading and writing,” Niyonsaba explained.

He further added that the competition also helped children improve their skills in languages beyond Kinyarwanda.

This year’s theme, “Let Us Learn Many Languages That Help to Bring Harmony and Peace,” aimed to promote linguistic diversity and its role in fostering unity.

Denis Nuwayo, Director of the Education Unit in Rulindo District, emphasized the value of reading in a child’s academic and personal growth. He remarked that International Literacy Day presents an opportunity to encourage children to develop reading habits that equip them with knowledge and diverse skills across various domains.

“Reading is the foundation for acquiring any other skills. Ineza Foundation has been a valuable partner in Rulindo, especially in early childhood development programs. They have supported children in our community by creating opportunities for them in community Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers and promoting reading skills,” Nuwayo noted.

He also praised Ineza Foundation’s efforts in engaging children from 0 to 6 years in educational activities.

Blaise Byishimo, a language teacher at Ecole Secondaire Stella Matutina, echoed these sentiments. “Our partnership with Ineza Foundation over the past two years has significantly impacted our teaching and learning processes. Many schools lack adequate resources, particularly books. Thanks to the foundation, our library is now well-stocked with new books, helping our students gain knowledge and develop skills.”

Several children who participated in the competition expressed their enthusiasm for reading.

Aurole Irakoze, a Senior Three student, shared her experience: “I come to the library during holidays because I love reading. It helps me learn new languages and acquire different skills. Reading strengthens the brain, reduces stress, and improves class performance. I now know English because I read books.”

***Blaise Byishimo, a teacher at Ecole Secondaire Stella Matutina, highlights the positive impact of partnering with Ineza Foundation in enhancing student learning through a well-stocked library.***

Another young reader, Yves Iraguha, added, “I come to the library to read because it’s good for my brain and my life. Today, I feel proud because I’m becoming a better reader.”

Parents also lauded the impact of Ineza Foundation’s efforts. Tharcicia Musabyemariya, a resident of Shyorongi sector, shared her personal journey of learning to read and calculate basic numbers at the community library.

“We were ignorant and uneducated. I never attended school as a child, but since joining the community library supported by Ineza Foundation, I have learned to read and write. I can now manage simple addition like 2+2=4. It is a great achievement for me, and I am no longer ignorant. I encourage my children to embrace education so they don’t miss out like we did,” Musabyemariya said.

The celebration of International Literacy Day in Rulindo marked a significant step towards promoting literacy, language skills, and educational development in the community, with both children and parents benefiting from the initiative.