September 2024 marks another significant milestone for Rwanda as it celebrates National Literacy Month. This annual event, organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Soma Rwanda, stretches beyond International Literacy Day on September 8th, fostering a month-long celebration of literacy and learning. With the theme “Foundational Learning: A Key to Promote Multilingual Education” this year’s Literacy Month is focused on enhancing foundational literacy skills while promoting a multilingual approach to education across the country.
The National Literacy Month and Vision 2050
National Literacy Month aligns with Rwanda’s Vision 2050, an ambitious roadmap to transform the nation into a knowledge-based, middle-income country. Literacy is a fundamental right and a crucial tool for personal and community development. For Rwanda, building literacy skills is vital for achieving economic progress, social transformation, and educational advancement. Through initiatives like National Literacy Month, the government seeks to foster a reading culture that empowers individuals, supports lifelong learning, and contributes to national development.
This year’s celebrations are centered on foundational learning strategies designed to improve reading fluency and comprehension, particularly in the early grades. As Rwanda continues to prioritize both Kinyarwanda and multilingual education, National Literacy Month 2024 showcases the nation’s commitment to nurturing a multilingual, literate society.
Nkombo Island: A Symbol of Literacy Progress
This year’s National Literacy Month was officially launched on September 20th at Nkombo Island in Rusizi District, a location that holds unique cultural and geographical significance. Situated on Lake Kivu near the Rwanda-DRC border, Nkombo Island is home to a population that predominantly speaks Kinyarwanda and Amahavu, a local dialect. The island’s distinct linguistic and cultural characteristics made it a fitting site for the launch, which emphasized the promotion of literacy in Rwanda’s national language, Kinyarwanda.
The launch was not only symbolic of the importance of language preservation but also reflected the broader goal of promoting literacy in rural and hard-to-reach areas. It highlighted the essential role of languages as the foundation for education in Rwanda, particularly in early learning. 
In his remarks, the Director General of Rwanda Basic Education Board (REB), Dr. Nelson Mbarushimana reaffirmed that “We strongly believe that developing strong reading and writing skills at a young age lays the groundwork for a child’s education across various subjects, including the acquisition of different languages alongside their native language”. This event further illustrated the government’s dedication to using language as a vehicle for inclusive education.
World Vision/USAID Uburezi Iwacu’s Community Library Initiative
As part of the National Literacy Month activities, World Vision launched a new community library on Nkombo Island. This initiative is set to improve access to reading materials for children and adults alike, providing a safe space for learning and engagement. The library will serve as a literacy hub, fostering a love for reading and supporting both formal and informal education.
The new library also aims to enhance literacy in Kinyarwanda while fostering the development of multilingual skills in children. The availability of reading resources in various languages, including Kinyarwanda and English, reflects the overarching theme of promoting multilingual education. Such efforts are aligned with Rwanda’s Foundational Learning Strategy, which seeks to improve literacy rates, build comprehension skills, and lay the groundwork for students to excel in multiple languages.
Literacy as a Pathway to National Development
Nkombo Island’s significance in this year’s Literacy Month is a testament to Rwanda’s broader educational goals. Promoting literacy, particularly in underrepresented communities, is vital to achieving national development objectives. The new community library, coupled with local educational initiatives, is expected to elevate literacy rates on the island, ultimately contributing to the country’s progress in education and socioeconomic growth.
As National Literacy Month continues, the focus remains on ensuring that every Rwandan has the opportunity to develop foundational literacy skills that will serve them in life, work, and community engagement. By investing in literacy and promoting multilingual education, Rwanda is not only safeguarding its cultural heritage but also positioning itself for a prosperous future.
The Way Forward
The celebrations on Nkombo Island set the tone for a month filled with literacy-related events and activities across Rwanda. As the country strives toward Vision 2050, National Literacy Month serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the critical role literacy plays in national development.
As the Literacy Month unfolds, communities, schools, and organizations are invited to engage in activities that promote a love for reading, lifelong learning, and multilingual education. This year’s theme underscores the importance of foundational learning as a bridge to multilingualism, helping students develop the skills needed to thrive in a globalized world. Rwanda’s commitment to literacy is unwavering, and this year’s focus on foundational learning will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the nation’s educational landscape.
Through collaborative efforts by the government, partners like USAID, World Vision, Kigali Public Library and others, Rwanda is well on its way to creating a literate, informed, and empowered society.
This article is brought to you by Soma Rwanda, the driving force behind National Literacy Month. Together, we can promote literacy, transform lives, and build a better future for all.