At the ‘Reading and Writing Contest’ children address why reading is essential

Different schools both secondary and primary on Tuesday last week, gathered at Hotel des Mille Collines to participate in the ‘Reading and Writing Contest’ jointly organized by The New Times, Macmillan and Radio Flash. Some read different books and made their summaries, others wrote poems in English, French and Kinya-rwanda while some drew pictures. There were many prizes won by the best contributors. Esther Rwakabamba from Riviera High School-S.3 read Charles Dickens’ ‘Hard Times’. This novel portrays different characters in historical England during the Industrial revolution. “Every book affects everyone’s life because each book has a different story to tell.’ Rwakabamba said. Carol Mbabazi from FAWE girls School-S.6 read ‘The Tie Bomb’ a book that portrays the life of a character in a political movement in Zimbabwe. “People should read more because reading is the principle way to success in life.” Mbabazi said. She also added that the only way to learn different languages is if one read extensively. Habimana Gerald-10 studies at VESOS primary school-P.4 recited a poem in French about children’s rights. He said that children have rights and encouraged parents, teachers and headmasters to handle children in a way that respects them. Mutoni Agnes from Green Hills Academy-S.2 read ‘A Tale of two cities’ by Charles Dickens. She said the theme of the book was love and patience as depicted by the characters in the book. “I encourage children to read more books though not Charles Dickens’ because they are really boring!” said Mutoni. She loves reading bigger adventure and entertaining fiction novels. Catherine Farmer-10 studies at Green Hills Academy-P.5. She read Hukka Wario’s book ‘Dangerous Flight’. Farmer said that for her, reading is a hobby. “If you can not read, you can not have a future, real job and can not help others too. Reading is fun and can teach you things.” said Farmer. Ngarambe Raul-10 is in P.5 from Green Hills Academy. He read Catherine House’s book ‘La nuit ou le toit s’est effondre’ meaning ‘The night when…….. ‘If you cannot read you cannot write and yet this is important. Besides reading also relaxes the brain.” said Ngarambe. Ends