Rwanda Urges Collaborative Approach to Foster Children’s Reading

Parents, schools, and policymakers in Rwanda are being encouraged to collaborate in developing a reading culture among children, balancing traditional books with digital technologies. Writer Chantal Mutesi Gasana argues technology itself isn’t the problem, but its implementation is. Rwanda faces challenges including weak reading habits, limited parental involvement, and a shortage of engaging books, particularly for students from Primary Five to Senior Six.

Mutesi advocates for books to be considered essential household purchases and for guidance in navigating educational content online. Richard Hategekimana of the Rwanda Books Industry Association emphasizes the need for increased investment in libraries and locally authored books that promote Rwandan history and values, noting many schools lack dedicated library budgets.

John Rusimbi, a former president of the Pan African Writers Association, suggests leveraging social media influencers and digitalizing Rwandan literature to reach young readers. Building a sustainable reading culture, stakeholders agree, requires coordinated efforts to ensure accessibility, affordability, and relevance of reading materials.