The myththat people are too busy to read is put to the test every year, during the Kimathi Kuenyehia Foundation — MiLEAD Reading Competition. In October last year, Grace Ineza Umuhoza, along with 16 others, participated in the reading challenge held in collaboration with Moremi Initiative for Women’s Leadership in Africa.

The competitors had to read a book that inspires the tenets of outstanding leadership, dedicated service, professional and personal growth each week for 25 weeks and submit a weekly report.

Umuhoza emerged third, taking home USD $500, while the winner, United Kingdom-based Dudzai Mureyi, and second runner-up, Uganda’s Sheillah Mutetire Bagayana, scooped $1000 and $700 respectively. 

The trio was selected based on consistency and timeliness of submission as well as relevancy of the books read.

The 22-year-old water and environment student at University of Rwanda spoke to Education Times’ Lydia Atieno about the competition and essence of reading.

What was it like during the competition?

When I heard about the competition, I was excited. I love to read but this was a challenge; I did not know how much time I could dedicate to reading a book every week. I participated in the competition while attending classes during the final year at UR, juggling the course, class and working on my thesis.

What would you say helped you?

My achievement is attributed to the commitment and willingness to prove to myself that it could be done. No matter how pressed for time I was, I always managed to spare a few hours to read a book.

What makes you passionate about reading?

Reading opens your mind to many things. Books, fiction or not, all have something to bring to the table regarding the life we live. Also, reading relaxes the mind.

Why do you think you were able to beat other competitors?

I was able to beat others because I was committed and ready to make sacrifices and complete the task.

Any regrets?

I did what seemed right, however, after they announced the winners, I was advised to read other books and not just fiction. I love fiction, it enables one create another world completely different from ours while at the same time, opening the mind to what to expect in life.

If I participate again, I will definitely read less fiction. I noticed that inspirational books are of great virtue and can completely adjust one’s personality.

Where do you derive inspiration?

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, the man who never reads only lives one — Gorge R. R. Martin

I am not afraid to dream. You first have to start with a dream. Build your castles in the air and give it foundation. Without a dream, you are not going to get anywhere. — Kofi Annan

Why is reading important?

When you read you know what is going on; when you know what is going on around you, you understand the situation being played; when you understand the situation, you can imagine a better solution; when you imagine a better solution, you can start working on its implementation; and only after that will you change the world.

For the youth, reading is crucial, formal or informal. Information in a book is priceless and can create a life-changing moment.

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