Although Christmas is past, the festive mood continues to link us to the New Year celebrations. The focus now is on New Year’s Eve when people stay awake all night.  People sing songs of praise, but what makes the night generally exciting is the fireworks display at various functions organized to usher in the New Year.

While celebrations are happening some children are fast asleep because they are too tired to stay up and watch fireworks.

To avoid missing the fireworks, Aline Mbabazi, a P.5 student at Kigali Parents Primary School said that, "Going to bed earlier is a trick that can help children to welcome 2010 with others.”

She added that, "Although it may be hard for me to attend certain functions at night, I sleep early and wake up when I hear the music and alarm people make.”

Robert Hashimwe of Kigali Harvest Primary School said that, he has always missed the New Year celebrations.

"I have always wanted to stay awake but since I play so much during the day, I fall fast asleep,” he said.

Hashimwe does not regret this, instead he explains that the joy he shares with his friends and parents is enough.
Besides  writing dates incorrectly, Hashimwe has no regrets about the New Year.

The Rector of Rwanda Tourism University College (RTUC) Callixte Kabera said that the most important factor about the New Year is to ensure that, "parents and teachers teach children why these celebrations are important by explaining their meaning.”

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