The National Institute of Museums in Rwanda (NIMR) has organised a two-week camp dubbed ‘Holidays in Museums’ to educate children about Rwandan culture and values. The aim is to groom a young generation of culture literate Rwandans.

Cultural literacy is an important element for any society to flourish and prosper.

Indeed, part of Rwanda’s phenomenal transformation is attributed to the country’s home grown solutions, which are largely derived from the country’s rich cultural values.

Culture is glue that binds any society together; hence helping young children to understand and appreciate their culture is a noble cause, which should be supported.

Over 150 children aged between 10 and 17 are participating in the event that started last Friday at the Ethnography Museum in Huye District. This initiative should be rolled out across the country for all children to benefit.

The programme not only teaches children about their culture, but also equips them with hands-on skills which are critical in government efforts of youth empowerment.

With this initiative, the young people will appreciate where the country is coming from and what it has gone through over the years. To appreciate the current transformation, they need to know about the history of the country especially the dark history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed the lives of over one million people.

Key players including parents and schools should support the initiative and schools should organize regular visits to museums for learners.

The values that define Rwandans like Agaciro (dignity) and resilience are all premised culture. Learning about the culture and history of Rwanda should be mandatory in schools especially at the lower level.

Rwanda’s culture has been at the centre of the country’s transformation and to sustain this transformation, a cultural literate society is a requirement. Let’s join hands to build a culture literate Rwanda.