As Rwanda officially marked International Mother Language Day on February 28, Julienne Uwacu, Executive Director in Charge of Itorero and Culture Promotion at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), urged Rwandans to prioritise Kinyarwanda in their families, workplaces, and communities, as the language carries values passed down through generations.

"We shouldn’t criticise children or parents for adopting other languages, as Rwanda evolves and embraces diversity. However, it’s important to prioritise Kinyarwanda and give it the recognition it deserves,” she said.

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Observed annually on February 21, International Mother Language Day aims to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism.

In Rwanda, the day was commemorated at Green Hills Academy, and Uwacu said this was done to emphasise the importance of preserving Kinyarwanda alongside international school programmes.

The event featured students of the academy showcasing Rwandan culture through poetry, traditional dance, and theatre performances.

Uwacu thanked the school for its efforts and underscored the importance of incorporating Rwandan culture and language into the curriculum, aligning with MINUBUMWE’s broader initiative to foster cultural exchange in international schools.

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She emphasised the importance of using Kinyarwanda across all sectors of the country, urging service providers in Rwanda to embrace the language and use it correctly to foster inclusivity, as it is widely understood by most people in the country.

"Our heroism as Rwandans is rooted in our identity, which includes our language. Without a strong grasp of Kinyarwanda, we cannot fully achieve our goals. The government will continue to support activities that promote the development of our language,” she remarked.

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Uwacu also stressed the importance of conducting research to deepen understanding of Kinyarwanda, especially in the face of technological advancements.

"As technology evolves, new concepts enter the language. Therefore, research is essential to keep pace with these changes,” she said. "We must make every effort to incorporate our language into technology, making it easier for all Rwandans and other people to learn.”

Daniel Hollinger, Head of Green Hills Academy, emphasised the significance of language preservation, particularly Kinyarwanda, and reaffirmed the school’s dedication to bilingual education, providing opportunities for language acquisition.

He highlighted the cognitive benefits as well as expanded career opportunities associated with bilingualism and underscored the importance of promoting Kinyarwanda culture through presentations, performances, and educational initiatives, as a means of enriching students’ experiences.

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During the event, poets who won a national competition organised by the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy were honoured.

Benitha Irakoze, a senior six student at Kabirizi Secondary School in Ngoma District, stood out at the high school level. Her poem aims to raise awareness about the proper use of Kinyarwanda and prevent its misuse.

"I aim to assist fellow youth because, from my perspective, they are the ones often misusing Kinyarwanda. It’s not ideal for someone like me to use a different language that an elderly person wouldn’t understand. That’s why I use poetry to steer them back on track and remind them that they are Rwandans, thus they should use Kinyarwanda,” she stated.

Dieudonne Nyirimanzi, a winner at the university level and a student at Kibogora Polytechnic, emphasised his commitment to preserving Kinyarwanda through his poetry.

"As a poet, I delve into our history since most Rwandans have a deep affection for it. Kinyarwanda embodies a wealth of wisdom, so it deserves our appreciation as Rwandans. Research indicates that individuals primarily think in their mother tongue before other languages. Therefore, youth should engage in conversations with elders in Kinyarwanda as it is crucial for mastery. Parents should take the lead in this before their children start formal education,” he said.