Teach our young to love books

“A reader today – A leader tomorrow” the Greeks said eons ago. And it is as valid today as it was then. It is the best investment we can make in our young, and it is most heartening that these were the words chosen as the theme of the first Reading Day celebration in Rwanda, held in Rubavu District, on Wednesday. As the First Lady, Jeanette Kagame said, it is up to us, parents, teachers and guardians, to inculcate a reading culture in our children. The imminent opening of the Kigali Public Library is certainly good news but unless we utilise this resource well, it will not amount to much. Parents must realise that they are at the forefront of their battle against illiteracy. They must demystify books by opening a world of knowledge for their children, simply because knowledge is power. As a nation, the lack of a reading culture is a real threat to our development. We cannot expect to become a nation of innovators without first becoming a nation of knowledge. Books open the mind, giving children a chance to see beyond their everyday activities; it gives the opportunity to question, probe and experiment. Reading Day is a good start, but the real work is now in the hands of parents and society. Are we up to the challenge?

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Teach our young to love books