The Education Times last week caught up with students and asked them  if culture is important and if it influences their behaviour. 

Solange Umulerwa

Cultures are very beautiful although they can sometimes be misleading. For instance some communities carry out female genital mutilation which is dangerous to a woman’s life. But with education, some practices are dropped.

Denia Niyomushumba

Parents used to train their children to work hard and be well mannered when still very young. They would teach them how to hunt, cook, weave and tell stories among others. May be this is what we need to copy to improve our attitude towards elders and work.

Claudine Uwase

Everything we do today is a result of what our fore fathers did. When you know your culture, it’s easy to adapt to the lifestyle and norms of society. For instance our ancestors used not to walk around naked so we must endeavour to dress decently at all times.

Angel Iradukunda

I think tradition in any African society is very essential. For example piercing ears was common among our ancestors but the challenge today is whether we can do it the right way. That is why many people are criticised today for pircing various parts of the body contrary to our culture.

Irene Masezerano

We cannot forget our past. In fact there is a likelihood that cohabiting never existed in the past unlike today where it’s the order of the day. Probably that’s why there were few divorces in the past. If we could emulate that old practice, our marriages would be more stable.

Claudet Niyigena

I think we should all attend lessons on culture and participate in traditional activities to appreciate it better. I personally believe culture shapes one’s morals. Take an example of the respect society gave to elders and leaders regardless of their financial status. I wish we would emulate that practice today.

Yves Cyusa Gihozo

We always need to compare new and old traditions. In the past, once one made a girl pregnant, they would be punished and forced to get married.

These days people make others pregnant and just dump them thereafter. I wish we could borrow a leaf from the old days.

N.B If you have a comment or want the Education Times Open Voice team to    visit your school, please send an email to education@newtimes.co.rw