PROMOTING THE CULTURE OF READING AND WRITING

Objective

To promote the culture of reading and writing from an early age in Rwanda by engaging local authorities, school teachers, parents, children  and communities. 

Background

Launched in 2010, the Reading Day Campaign was a project piloted by Imbuto Foundation. It has since become a recurring campaign with around 4 annual events where Imbuto Foundation develops media and promotional campaigns to raise awareness among children, teachers and parents on the importance of reading. Specifically, parents and teachers are equipped with knowledge on how to pique the interest of their children and students in reading and how to help them acquire reading and writing skills. 

The campaign also involves reading competitions and rewards for best performers. Our Reading Day campaign led to the national Rwanda Reads! Campaign, undertaken by the Ministry of Education with UNICEF. Past slogans include Reading is Fundamental!!! and the current Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader.

Project start

• 2010

Partners

• One UN, Rwanda Library Services, US Embassy support at RLS

• One UN 2013-2014 

Achievements & outcomes to date

• 12 Reading Day campaigns contributing to the national Rwanda Reads! campaign

• 6 Reading competitions