African Great Lakes
Summer at Bigogwe Children’s Peace Library
By Francine Muhawenimana

Children enjoy digital reading
Summer holidays are one of the most exciting times for children, and a great opportunity to engage them in meaningful learning outside the classroom. At Bigogwe Children’s Peace Library, summer has become a special season where children not only take a break from school but also enjoy discovering the joy of reading, creativity, and technology in a peaceful and nurturing environment.
This summer, the library welcomed more than 77 children (at least 53 girls and 24 boys) who participated in a variety of educational and fun activities. These included read-aloud sessions, book discussions, digital learning, and creative expression through art and games.
Children explored stories through Read-Aloud, including “Guilty Conscience” and “Best Friend,” which inspired meaningful conversations around peace values. Through guided discussions, children learned important life lessons such as:
- Telling the truth and being honest
- Solving conflicts peacefully without causing harm
- Avoiding discrimination and embracing unity
- The power of collaboration, patience, and teamwork
The stories helped the children reflect on their behavior and understand how they can contribute to peace in their communities.
With the help of iPads and computers, children accessed a wide range of digital books and educational websites focused on peace and development. They learned how to do simple research and discover new ideas, making this experience not only educational but also empowering. Access to a digital library at an early age gave many children a new sense of hope and motivation for their future.
Beyond reading, children engaged in teaching games, poem writing, singing, dancing, and other creative activities. These programs allowed children to express themselves, build confidence, and explore their talents in a safe, encouraging space.
Children’s Testimonies
DUSINGIZIMANA Samuel, Student at GS REGA Catholic in primary five: “After attending the read-aloud sessions, I learned a lot. It helped me change my behavior. Now I try to be more honest and protect others and our community.”
MUGISHA Potien, Student at GS REGA Catholic, in primary: “Since the digital library came, I feel lucky to have access to technology at my age. It gave me hope and inspired me to study technology so I can teach it to others in the future. I thank the TLC leaders for bringing innovation to our library.”

Playing games helps children learn




