Greetings from the Mumwe Heart of God Foundation, here in the heart of Ntungamo District. As we work alongside families in our beautiful communities, a question we often hear is: “How can we help our children succeed in school and in life?” The answer that we believe in, begins with a simple, powerful tool and that is a love of reading. Literacy is not just about passing exams but rather it’s the key that unlocks a child’s God-given potential, opening doors to imagination, knowledge, and a brighter future. And fostering this love doesn’t require expensive gadgets or a house full of books but it starts right here, in our homes.

Begin with Our Rich Oral Traditions

Here in Ntungamo, we are the proud inheritors of a vibrant oral culture and before a child ever opens a book, they learn through story. We use this strength as our foundation by sharing the engero (folktales) of our ancestors passed down to you. Recite the wise ebyevugo (praise poetry) and proverbs that teach life lessons. When you are telling these stories, you are teaching your child narrative structure, character development, and the power of words. This is the first and most crucial step in literacy, understanding that stories have meaning, sequence, and emotion. Encourage your children to retell these stories in their own words, building their confidence and comprehension skills.

Create a Simple, Sacred Reading Space

A dedicated reading area signals to a child that reading is a valued and special activity and this does not need to be a costly venture. It can be a quiet corner with a simple mat (emishanjo), a few cushions, and a box for books here the most important thing is that it is a comfortable, well-lit space where a child can escape into the world of a story.

By making this small effort, we show our children that reading is a priority and this corner becomes a sanctuary for the mind, a place where focus and imagination can flourish, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Make Reading a Shared Family Joy

Children learn by example. Let them see you reading, whether it is the Holy Bible, a newspaper, or an agricultural pamphlet, your habit sends a powerful message. Furthermore, make reading a bonding activity by setting aside just 15 minutes a day to read aloud together. For younger children, point to the pictures and words as you read whereas for older children, take turns reading paragraphs or pages. Ask questions: “What do you think will happen next?” or “How would you feel if you were that character?” Reading in both English and our local language, Runyankole-Rukiga, is vital because it validates our mother tongue while building skills in the language of wider education.

Connect Stories to Our World

To make reading truly relevant, connect it to your child’s daily life for example if you read a story about farming, talk about the crops you grow on your shamba (garden), if a book features animal, discuss the livestock you see in our communities and read a recipe together and then try to make it.

This shows children that reading is not an abstract school subject but a practical tool that helps them understand and navigate the world around them. When a child sees the direct link between the words on a page and their own reality, their motivation to read soars.

At the Mumwe Heart of God Foundation, we believe every child in Ntungamo is a vessel of immense potential and by intentionally fostering a love for reading in our homes, we are not just teaching them to decipher words; we are nurturing thinkers, dreamers, and future leaders. Therefore, let us commit to this simple, profound work by filling our homes with stories and our children’s hearts with a lifelong passion for reading in addition you can join us via our [email protected] or call +256700135510 for support. Thanks for being part of this life changing service.