Nyarubaka Sector, Kamonyi District. In a quiet rural community where many children face economic hardship and limited access to learning resources, books are becoming powerful tools of transformation. Through the Samsung Dream Scholarship Foundation funded Children’s Learning Motivation Enhancement Project, implemented by Global Civic Sharing (GCS) Rwanda, hundreds of young learners are discovering that literacy is more than reading words, it is the foundation for opportunity, confidence, and hope.
What began as a literacy competition evolved into a celebration of resilience, determination, and the belief that every child deserves the chance to succeed.
The competition brought together learners from eight primary schools across Nyarubaka Sector after weeks of school-based contests held between late June and early July 2026. In total, 3,386 pupils participated in the preliminary rounds—1,517 from lower primary and 1,869 from upper primary—making it one of the largest literacy initiatives ever organized in the sector. From these participants, 48 finalists earned the opportunity to compete at sector level.
The competition tested far more than the ability to read aloud. Lower primary learners demonstrated reading fluency, pronunciation and comprehension using storybooks promoting environmental conservation. Upper primary pupils tackled reading analysis, critical thinking, comprehension, and creative writing on issues affecting their communities, including peacebuilding, school dropout, culture, and gender-based violence.
Judges evaluated children based on reading accuracy, fluency, comprehension, handwriting, spelling, creativity, communication skills, and their ability to think critically under pressure.
Among the finalists was NIWE IMPANO Olida, an 11-year-old Primary Six pupil from GS Nyarubaka, who described the competition as an experience that strengthens children’s minds and expands their knowledge.
“These competitions train our brains,” she explained. “They help us understand our lessons better so that we can succeed in school and continue to secondary school and university.”
Behind every successful child stood a broader story of support and inclusion.
According to Richard Shyaka Nayigiziki of Global Civic Sharing Rwanda, the literacy initiative is designed not only to recognize academic excellence but also to uplift children who struggle the most. GCS currently supports 126 vulnerable learners, many from low-income families and those experiencing learning difficulties. The organization provides specialized coaching through dedicated teachers to help them catch up academically and perform alongside their peers.
Of the 48 children who reached the sector finals, 30 were beneficiaries of the GCS project, while 18 came from outside the programme—demonstrating that the initiative is helping raise literacy standards across the wider community.
Shyaka encouraged children to continue using the Samsung Dream Library during the school holidays, reminding them that learning does not stop when classrooms close.
“Continue reading during the holidays,” he urged. “The library is here for you. Fill your minds with knowledge. We are also bringing back talent detection programmes, sports, and recreational activities every Wednesday so that children continue learning while enjoying themselves.”
The event also showcased the strength of partnerships in improving education.
Nyarubaka Sector Executive Secretary MINANI Jean Paul praised Global Civic Sharing Rwanda for bringing together children from all eight schools in the sector and investing in their future.
He described the initiative as a strong example of collaboration between government and development partners in preparing responsible citizens who will contribute to Rwanda’s development.
“Love reading. Love learning,” he told the children. “A child who develops the habit of studying from an early age, wakes up early for school, and pays attention in class becomes a knowledgeable person. That knowledge benefits the child, the family, and ultimately the country.”
Parents also expressed deep appreciation for the programme.
Speaking on behalf of families, UWINGABIYE Restude thanked Global Civic Sharing Rwanda for investing in their children’s education without placing any financial burden on parents.
“Our children are gaining knowledge and confidence through opportunities we could never have provided on our own,” she said.
The competition concluded with the recognition of the best-performing pupils, but organizers emphasized that the greatest achievement extended far beyond medals and certificates. More than 4,000 children are expected to benefit directly or indirectly from the literacy campaign through improved access to books, stronger reading habits, teacher engagement, and increased community support for education.
Guided by the vision that “All children can read, creating an equitable learning environment,” Global Civic Sharing Rwanda continues to demonstrate that investing in literacy is investing in Rwanda’s future.
Because when a child learns to read confidently, they do more than turn pages—they begin to change the story of their own life.
NTD
