The Huye District authorities have commended parents who chose to have their children spend part of the school holidays learning about Rwandan cultural values, describing the initiative as an important contribution to raising a generation that values hard work, loves the country and respects its cultural heritage.
The remarks were made on Friday, August 28 2026, during celebrations to mark Umuganura and Children’s Day held at the Heritage House of the History of Rwandan Social Life in Huye District. The event also marked the conclusion of a seven-week programme aimed at teaching children to embrace hard work, patriotism and the preservation of Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
The programme was implemented at four different heritage sites, where children participated in lessons and practical activities designed to help them understand Rwandan culture, its values and their role in preserving and promoting the country’s cultural heritage.
Parents, government officials and other stakeholders attended the closing ceremony. Children who completed the programme said they were determined not to leave what they had learned at the heritage sites, but instead to put the lessons into practice and share them with their peers who did not have an opportunity to participate.
Some of the children said the knowledge and skills they gained would also benefit them in their everyday lives, particularly as they prepare to return to school after the holidays.
Parents who attended the event welcomed the initiative, saying that giving children opportunities to learn about cultural values during the school holidays helps them develop positive character and grow into responsible citizens who can contribute to the country’s development.
They also noted that keeping children engaged in constructive activities during the holidays can help protect them from harmful behaviours, including drug and substance abuse, by giving them opportunities to learn, work and better understand Rwanda’s history and culture.
Mukamana Alice, a parent from Huye District, said she was pleased that her child had used the school holidays to learn about Rwandan cultural values.
“I am very happy that my child spent the holidays learning about Rwandan cultural values. They did not only learn about history and culture, but also about the importance of hard work, respecting others and loving their country. I believe what they have learned will help them in their everyday life.”
Ange Sebutege, Huye District Mayor appreciated parents for choosing to enroll their children in the program, particularly because school holidays provide children with time that could otherwise be spent on a range of other activities.
“We thank parents who chose to use the school holidays in a way that benefits their children by sending them to this programme, which teaches them important values. Although children also have responsibilities at home and help their parents with household chores, creating time for them to learn about culture, hard work and patriotism is a major investment in their future and in the future of the country.”
Amb. Robert Masozera, the Chairperson of the National Consultative Forum on Culture commended the children who participated in the program and encouraged them to put what they learned into practice.
He urged the children not to keep problems to themselves when faced with difficult situations, but instead to seek help from trusted adults.
He also called on parents to serve as role models for their children, noting that values taught to children become more meaningful when they see adults practising those values in their daily lives.
“When a problem enters a family, it does not necessarily affect only one person. Teaching a child to love their country and uphold positive values also means helping them understand behaviours and substances that can harm their lives. That is why messages about avoiding substandard alcoholic beverages and other harmful substances should begin in the family, continue at school and be reinforced by the wider community in which a child grows up.”
The celebrations also featured an award ceremony for children who performed best in a competition known as “Umunota w’Umuganura.” The competition challenged children to use videos to explain and promote the meaning and significance of Umuganura.
The competition was designed to give children an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of Umuganura and highlight the role they can play in promoting the celebration and preserving Rwanda’s cultural heritage.
