RCBO recognizes best children writers

By Alexia Bizumuremyi.

As they launch a special number of children’s publication, Rwanda Children’s Books Organization (RCBO) in partnership with Save the Children/Mureke Dusome handed over the awards to the best children who participated in writing competition.

49 children from primary schools countrywide participated to this competition under the KARAME Magazine project by RCBO.

12 out of 20 winners of this writing competition who received 10 books each, a school bag and drawing kits as part of the awards are from G.S.Shagasha in Buyoga sector, Rulindo District.

The KARAME children magazine is a monthly publication that gathers best children stories from all primary schools countrywide. The initiative gives opportunity to every child to write successful short stories that inspire their peers to read and write.

Speaking amid the awarding ceremony at G.S.Shagasha in Rulindo District on Friday, June 18, 2021, Isaïe Micomyiza, the Chairperson of RCBO said that there is almost 18 months since they started this initiative with Save the Children’s Mureke Dusome project.

“This competition was a pilot and we want to make it a continuous effort, we communicated the competition on various social media platforms and we realized that internet has emerged everywhere in the country. I call up on school headmasters, local authorities and parent to make children aware of existing competitions. This pilot phase shows us that these children can own their publication with own stories after one year.” He said.

Every school that participated to this competition was given 200 copies of the KARAME magazine to help children read and learn how to write successful stories.

Jean Denys Nuwayo, Director of Education in Rulindo District welcomed the initiative as an important tool in boosting children’s knowledge.

“Empowering children to read and write at younger age must be a continuous activity; however, it has not yet reached to many children especially boys. There is a need to encourage boys to read and write. We thank partners in education to help us implement our responsibilities.” Nuwayo said.

Children speak out

Neema Abizera, 16 is a young boy who studies at G.S.Shagasha in P5. He wrote a story titled ‘Umuturanyi Mubi’ or Bad Neighbor.

“It is my pleasure to be among winners this is the beginning of our talent and we hope to take it to the outstanding level in the near future.” He said.

Emerance Ishimwe, 14, studies at G.S.Shagasha in P5. She wrote a story in a local language with the title ‘Mugisha n’inkoko ze’ or Mugisha and his chickens. Ishimwe wanted to tell other children about the role of growing chickens.

“I am happy to be among winners, I will write more stories and I encourage other children to go to school and learn to read and write.” Sh said.