September is National Literacy Month. It was launched to help strengthen the reading and writing culture among the population, and it involves various activities to promote literacy. As the month winds up, The New Times looks into effective ways for parents to inspire a love of reading in their children. Fostering a reading culture Pamela Mudakikwa, a parent and early reading enthusiast, believes that introducing children to reading at a young age is crucial. She said: “Training them early helps shape their character. Once they surpass that age, adapting becomes much more challenging.” ALSO READ: Literacy month: Rwanda ups measures to ensure people with hearing and visual impairments are not left out Mudakikwa emphasised that the foundation for a child’s reading habits begins before birth. “Reading to your child during pregnancy is vital,” she noted, adding: “If parents aspire to raise a generation of thinkers who can document their own history, they must foster a reading culture from the start.” ALSO READ: Want your child to love books? Start reading She advises that book choices should evolve with the child’s age, continuing to encourage reading even after they can do so independently. She said, “Reading not only helps children master language but also broadens their understanding and exposes them to diverse ideas,” “It [reading] shapes their behaviour and helps them focus, shielding them from distractions like screens.” Moreover, reading can facilitate conversations about complex topics that parents might find difficult to address directly. “Books create a unique bond between parents and children,” she added, highlighting the shared experience of reading together. Claude Nizeyimana, the Director of National Library Services at Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, shared helpful strategies for parents. ALSO READ: Literacy: Mobile app’s initiative to keep children's books accessible and free “Parents should prioritise reading themselves. Children are more likely to embrace reading if they see their parents engaged with books,” he said. He added: “Setting aside daily time for reading, whether before bed or at another convenient moment, helps children develop a reading routine. If a child is passionate about football or basketball, parents should find related, educational books that cater to those interests, and also make children feel deliberate on their choice to read. “Exploring new environments for reading can enhance the experience. Parents should encourage trips to bookstores and libraries to cultivate a shared love for books.” Reading must be integrated into daily life Mudakikwa also underscored the importance of prioritising reading amidst busy family schedules. She said: “Parents should not use time constraints as an excuse. Reading must be integrated into daily life, just like any other family activity.” She also pointed out that parental education levels should not hinder a child’s reading journey. “Parents can encourage their children to read aloud from their school materials,” she suggested, noting that this reinforces reading habits while allowing parents to engage with their child’s learning. ALSO READ: What should be done to make children read more? While recognising challenges, Mudakikwa noted the difficulty in finding books that align with children’s interests, particularly those that reflect diverse cultural perspectives. 15 minutes reading with children She called on authors and publishers to improve content for older children, emphasising the need for more engaging narratives that can hold a child’s interest for longer periods. ALSO READ: ‘Everyone has a role to play in nurturing an early reading culture’ The efforts spearheaded by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Culture through ‘Soma Rwanda’, encourage parents to spend at least 15 minutes daily reading with or for their children. Kigali Public Library reports an impressive attendance of 150 children, daily, during holidays, and weekends, totalling over 6,000 young visitors annually, primarily between the ages of 6 and 12. Children's books in Kigali can be found at Kigali Public Library, and other bookshops like Ikirezi, and Imagine We Rwanda, among others, in addition to online bookstores.
