Many students like newspapers. The reason though is strange: to cover exercise books and wrap edibles like doughnuts and chapattis. Very few students regard newspapers as a source of knowledge. Experts, however, advise that the earlier students, teachers and parents start appreciating the academic value of newspapers the better for Rwanda.

Dr Papius Musafiri, the Minister of Education, acknowledges that there is limited reading of other non-academic sources such as magazines and newspapers by students. He, however, blames it on the mode of assessment by the tutors who focus on mainly school notes and handouts, which discourages reading widely.

"If students are assessed broadly, they will be forced to search for materials that have information in addition to the class work,” Musafiri says.

The minister also adds that providing incentives to students who read beyond what they are given in class will encourage more learners to read widely.

"Once students are incentivized they reach out for different sources such as printed journals,” Musafiri adds.

Price of limited reading

Diana Nawati, a teacher at Mother Mary, warns that students who rely on academic content alone tend to be ignorant about issues outside the school.

"Students who do not read newspapers on a regular basis are less informed about current issues around the world,” Nawati says.

Nawati, who urges parents to buy newspapers regularly for their children, argues that class work contributes a small percentage to one’s general knowledge hence the need to read non-academic material to expand one’s knowledge and understanding of issues.

"Newspaperss should be read — whether new or old - because they usually contain more updated information than most textbooks,” Nawati adds.

Experts also believe that a regular supply of newspapers to schools is one way through which academic outsourcing can be enhanced. That is why projects such as Newspapers in Education (NIE) have been introduced in schools.

About NIE

NIE is a programme that involves media houses distributing material such as newspapers, magazines and books to schools with an aim of promoting a culture of reading by students in schools.

The programme, which has been in existence for decades, has been adopted in other countries with newspapers serving as a tool for promoting literacy in children. In developed countries like the US, the NIE programme by The New York Times started in the 1930s and currently more than 1000 NIE programmes have newspapers supplied to nearly 40 per cent of all public school students.

Two weeks ago, The New Times also launched its NIE programme at Lycee de Kigali. The school now receives free copies of The New Times everyday courtesy of sponsorship from East African Granite Industries (EAGI). More organisations are expected to come on board soon to promote the reading culture in different schools.

Martin Masabo, the headmaster of Lycee de Kigali, is all praises for the project saying it is serving as a support teaching aid for the school.

"The way students read has changed. Most of them are now attracted to several sections of the newspaper especially the Education pullout because the style is so similar to school life,” Masabo explains.

He admits that while at school, little attention is given to international news and business among others, adding that newspapers, journals and magazines come in handy since they tackle those subjects.

"Take an example of the business pages which help the students learn about commodity prices and follow up on the advertisements,” Masabo adds.

Just like Masabo, Jean Pierre Habimana, the district Education Officer of Kikukiro, welcomes the NIE project saying newspapers can be very informative, educative and entertaining since they contain a variety of sections -fashion, style, entertainment and health – among many more.

"Most newspaper stories are good for students. For instance biology students may find good information in the Healthy Times if they read it often,” says Habimana.

He adds that some sections of the newspapers may have new research reports around the world which are necessary updates on old class work.

"Global news and events can only be obtained within the newspapers because other channels may be costly,” Habimana explains.

Godfrey Wasswa, a teacher at Riviera High School, says without extra information, subjects like biology may be hard to pass.

"Subjects like biology require a wider understanding. For example it is easy to understand how malaria and other diseases are caused because most of this information is available in the Healthy Times which is a weekly product on health issues published by The New Times,” Wasswa says.

Research shows that only 70 per cent of the academic work is provided in class, meaning that the 30 per cent must be sought elsewhere.

Students speak out

Despite not accessing newspapers and magazines, students who spoke to the Education Times acknowledged the importance of reading non-academic material.

Samuel Mpayana, a student from John Bosco Ifak, says whenever he gets a newspaper, he goes straight to the humour section.

"What drives me is humour and I will only open a paper if I know there are such stories, otherwise reading all news is not my thing,” Mpayana says.

However Joy umutoni from Exella High School says she currently concentrates on academic material only, given her tight schedule.

"I am in senior 4 and have a few years to complete secondary school. Therefore, I have chosen to read my books until after school when I will have free time,” Umutoni says.

Some students blame their lack of reading newspapers on their parents. Nathan Habineza, a senior four student, says his strict parents usually feel uneasy when he is reading anything that is not notes or textbooks.

"When I read other sources of information, my parents think I’m consuming pornography,” Habineza says.

What parents say

Some parents deny discouraging their children from reading newspapers, arguing that it is because they cannot afford to buy them regularly.

Thomas Nkuliyikinfura, a resident of Kanombe, feels the price of newspapers and magazines is very high.

"A copy of The New Times for instance costs Rwf 700, while magazines are much more expensive. I cannot afford that money every day,” Nkuliyikinfura says, adding that he only buys newspapers when there is something specific he needs.

Simon Kabalisa, another parent, says although he accesses newspapers at office every day, he can only carry them home at the end of the week.

"By the time the weekend comes, the news is already expired which leaves me with no choice but to use them to light my charcoal stove,” Kabalisa says.

However Mary Kamaliza says newspapers cannot lose value regardless of their publication date. She argues that newspapers contain essential information that one can always refer to.

"I always pile these papers on top of each other because sometimes I may have to use them as references,” Kamaliza says.

Like the old adage goes, ‘knowledge is wealth’. Therefore it is incumbent upon each individual to always look for newspapers in order to expand their knowledge scope. If one reads their books but also finds time to read non-academic content, they will without doubt become more accomplished.

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Students of Mother Mary share their views

Grace Oliver

It is hard for me to access newspapers but whenever I get chance, I read entertainment stories especially those about artistes. A newspaper helps me get rid of stress, I just wish I could get it everyday. However, I read my books more than anything else.

Devine Mukashema

Although I get newspapers on rare occasions, I utilise them whenever I get a chance because they contain a lot of useful information that you can’t find in any textbooks. For example if there is an accident somewhere or if an official has been dragged to court over corruption, only newspapers can give you the details.

Grace Nyirahibiza

Although I treasure my books, I often spare some time to read newspapers because they are the best source of current issues. I am particularly interested in knowing what goes on in the education sector.

Sam Nanzi

I hope to become a politician in future so I love reading newspapers whenever I have a chance to. The things I learn from newspapers, I may never find them in any textbook or school.

Benjamin Loic

I open newspapers rarely because reading is not my hobby. In fact the only time I read my books is when I am preparing for an exam. The only section I can read in a newspaper is sports since I like soccer.