Month-Long Campaign targets to improve literacy in schools and communities
The Ministry of Education joined development partners under the Soma Rwanda umbrella, decentralized authorities and communities at Rugerero IDP model village in Rubavu District to launch the National Literacy Month (NLM) of September to promote the culture of reading and writing among Rwandans.
The NLM launch event was officially opened by the Director General of Education Policy and Analysis at the Ministry of Education, Rose Baguma, who represented the Minister of Education. She was accompanied by different development partners under the Soma Rwanda network. The National Literacy Month is being celebrated under the theme: “Promoting literacy for all to enhance foundational learning”.
During the event, Soma Rwanda members and development partners handed over scholastic materials that included 8,000 student books, 5200 pens, 300 rulers, 206 mathematical sets. Others were IPad and laptop computers given to the nearby new community library.
The launch event commenced with a literacy awareness walk, and later the guests observed model ECD School read aloud and learning corner activities, launched a community library and participated in an independent reading activity with pupils. The guests also visited a mini exhibition of teaching and learning materials and assistive materials for learners with disabilities from different Soma Rwanda members.
In his opening remarks, the guest of honor appreciated efforts by partners and highlighted government priorities to promote literacy through reading as the foundation of all future learning and academic success.
“Leta y’u Rwanda yubatse amashuri menshi mu bice byose by’ Igihugu, kugira ngo abana bose bagire amahirwe yo kwiga. Barimu namwe babyeyi nimushyigikire abana mu myigire yabo mubashishikariza kandi mu bakundishe gusoma kugira ngo kugana ishuri bibe inzira y’ iterambere kuri bo no ku gihugu aho kuba umuhango. Turashishikariza abantu bakuru, ababyeyi, gukunda gusoma ndetse no kubikundisha abato, tubaha umwanya uhagije wo gusoma kuko gusoma n’umusingi ukomeye w’ubundi bumenyi”. Ms Rose Baguma observed while emphasizing the need to utilize the many schools set up by the Government to ensure quality education and urging adults and parents to support children to read in order to learn better.
Jonathan Kamin, the Mission Director of USAID Rwanda spoke on behalf of the development partners and encouraged everyone to make time and space for reading. “Every child deserves a chance to learn to read well at school, at home, in their community, and we are determined to remain your trusted partners and provide the help you need so this ideal can become a reality for all,” he said.
The event also included youth traditional edutainment activities with messages that included poems, drama, songs on improving foundational and adult literacy through schools and communities.
During the nationwide literacy promotion campaign, several activities will be conducted by partners under different themes on promoting a culture of reading, creating spaces for reading and availing inclusive print and digital reading materials, and enhancing functional reading spaces for sustainable peace and positive values. Activities will include, distribution of learning materials, media talk-shows and webinars on literacy spaces to promote reading. The campaign will close in Kigali on September 30, 2023.