In many schools in Rwanda, students are told they must speak English. Sometimes, if a child speaks Kinyarwanda, they get punished. The goal is usually to help students learn English better. But is it working? Or are we taking away something much more important, their own language and culture?
Why This Is a Problem?
Language is more than just words. It is part of who we are, our culture, and our history. When children are punished for speaking Kinyarwanda, they may feel their language is not important. This can make them feel ashamed of their culture. Over time, if kids stop using their mother tongue, we risk losing the traditions and stories that come with it.
Also, forcing children to speak English does not always make them better at it. Learning works best when children are encouraged, not scared. Punishing them can make them stressed and afraid to speak at all.
What Can Be Done?
Balance English and Kinyarwanda: Schools can teach English in some lessons and use Kinyarwanda in others. Also, allowing students to use both languages throughout their daily activities at school can be a way of preserving our language while giving them freedom to speak in what they feel comfortable with. Both languages can be taught and respected.
Train Teachers:
Teachers need to know how to encourage English without punishing Kinyarwanda. Instead of scolding students, teachers can gently correct mistakes or guide students in English. Teachers should understand that learning a new language takes time and mistakes are part of learning. Positive support works better than fear.
Include Culture in Learning:
Schools can bring Kinyarwanda culture into lessons. They can read local stories, sing songs, talk about Rwandan traditions, or discuss community events in Kinyarwanda. This helps children feel connected to their roots while learning English. Culture becomes part of learning instead of being pushed aside.
Parents Can Help:
Parents can continue speaking Kinyarwanda at home, read books, tell stories, and share cultural practices. They can also encourage children to explain what they learned in school using Kinyarwanda. When kids see that both languages are valued at home, they learn to respect and keep their mother tongue.
Community Support:
Communities can organize events like storytelling days, cultural festivals, or competitions in Kinyarwanda. This shows children that their language is respected and important in society. When schools and communities work together, children feel proud of speaking both English and Kinyarwanda.
English is useful for school and the world. But it should not replace Kinyarwanda. Children should learn English without forgetting their own language. Schools, teachers, parents, and communities need to work together to make sure kids can speak both languages proudly. This way, they keep their culture while also learning new skills.
Brenna AKARABO
RADIOTV10
