The International Reading Day, marked in April, will be celebrated in Rwanda, this week, with various organisations taking part in projects to promote reading, especially among children.

Rwanda has historically been an oral culture. However, with the trend of events, it is imperative to promote a reading culture, and there is no better level to start, than among young children.

Research has proved that if reading is promoted and encouraged among children, they will grow up enjoying it, and ultimately becomes a habit.

The advantages of reading are numerous. There is no doubt that books are a treasure that is available for everyone to discover. It is the exposure experienced through reading, that will enable children widen their imaginations and aspirations, therefore, offering them more options in life.

Parents and guardians should include books among the list of necessities required to bring up children. And, with the advancement of technology, books can now be bought via the internet, read on line and with the availability of audio versions of books, the options are limitless.

As the number of bookshops and libraries increase in the country, parents should utilise them for the benefit of their children, and schools should include special reading sessions in the daily activities of the kids.

Promoting a reading culture will not only benefit the children, but will help build a critically thinking and knowledgeable population.

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