This week marks the third annual Book and Reading Festival, organised by the Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINISPOC) through its Rwanda Library Services (RLS).
The festival, themed Literacy for Self-reliance, commences today with the launch of a community library in Rulindo District.
Books have been delivered to #Rulindo for todays launch of a #communitylibrary and #bookfestival2015! @MINISPOC pic.twitter.com/4H4bE510aQ
According to MINISPOC, the week-long festival aims to promote a culture of reading and writing, raise awareness about the role of libraries in Rwanda, and sensitize parents about their role in childrens literacy.
Throughout the week, RLS, together with partners (such as the Education Development Center, Editions Bakame, Ishyo Arts Center, Save the Children, Institut Francais, the Rwanda Book Publishers Association, etc.), will engage communities across the country in storytelling activities, reading sessions and competitions, as well as discussions.
Twereke aho igitabo kitwa gira amatsiko kiri! Show us where the book titled “Be Curious” is! #bookfest2015 pic.twitter.com/eAjbpb1X6D
— Ishyo Arts Centre (@IshyoArts) February 16, 2015
The festival will conclude with a Walk for Literacy and closing ceremony on Friday, 20 February in Kigali at Petit Stade.
Rwandas Vision 2020 aims to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy; and it is believed that developing strong literacy skills will significantly contribute to achieving the goal.