Standing beside her drawing, Gloria Cyuzuzo Ngabo, a primary three student from Groupe Scolaire Gakenke is explaining to a small crowd what her drawing stands for. She points out that the whole image is in the form of agacuma (calabash gourd), to symbolise fellowship and a sharing culture. The top part of her drawing consists of a crown, which symbolises the leadership of Queen of England Elizabeth II, who heads the commonwealth states. One of the finalists who were awarded by the Ministry of Education for their outstanding drawings on their understanding of the Commonwealth Right below the crown is a laptop, which according to her shows utilisation of technology by the countries. At the two antagonistic parts of the laptop are images of a girl and a boy to show gender balance. They both hold the Commonwealth flag to highlight the contribution of youth in development. The girl and the boy are standing on the Kigali Convention Centre, which according to her, represents Rwanda. There are 54 seats inside it, to show the number of countries in the commonwealth, to be represented at the Heads of Government Meeting, CHOGM, to be held in Rwanda on June 20. And then the Kigali Convention Centre stems from a globe-like structure, which symbolises the world in general. The globe is encircled by an unending road, which shows the commonwealths commitment to better the world. On the left side, there’s a hand which symbolises democracy and anti-corruption and a tree, on the right side, to show the importance of conserving the environment. Officials pose for a group photo with the finalists Cyuzuzo’s well-thought about and impressive drawing is one of the 30 drawings that made it to the finals of the National Commonwealth Primary Schools Drawing Competition. All the finalists, one from each district of Rwanda, were awarded by the Ministry of Education for their outstanding drawings on their understanding of the Commonwealth, its values and relationship with their country. The Ministry has been conducting competitions in primary and secondary schools aimed at enhancing public awareness on the benefits of Rwandas membership in the Commonwealth. The primary schools countrywide competed in drawings while secondary schools held debate competitions. Winners with their drawings during the awarding ceremony Students drew their inspiration from five themes; Governance and rule of law, Sustainability, Health, Youth, Technology and Innovation. The activity lasted from May 10 to June 15, from school level to national level. The 30 finalists showcased their drawings at an event that brought together different stakeholders, including, the Ministry of Education, Rwanda Basic Education Board, National Examination and School Inspection Authority, officials from districts, provinces, City of Kigali, schools and parents. “I’m so proud of my boy. I can’t believe he brought me all the way to Kigali, to testify as he gets rewarded for his good performance. Though, I should say I’m not surprised because I know he has been drawing since he started school,” said Concessa Ayinkamiye, a parent, beaming with joy. Many parents shared with The New Times that their own understanding of Commonwealth and CHOGM was enhanced by their children’s experience in the competition. “One beautiful thing about children is that they don’t learn alone. When they come home, they challenge you with things they’ve learnt at school, on TV or the internet,” said Jean Hitimana. Hitimana’s son, who stays in Gisagara district in the southern province, surprised everyone by handing over a gift for the president Paul Kagame. “It’s my first time coming to Kigali. Even if I don’t get to meet him today, I hope the minister delivers my message,” he said shyly. The gift, a portrait of the president, was handed to Gaspard Twagirayezu, Minister of State in Charge of Primary and Secondary Education, who was in attendance. “We can only be proud seeing our kids able to put up such smart works. This shows that our job is not fruitless and that we indeed have a promising future,” Twagirayezu commented. “Your artworks show that you understand why we do what we do and that you are ready to contribute. Keep learning and getting better, the country is proud of you,” he said. They were awarded with advanced drawing materials, pens and notebooks and other school supplies, water bottles and school bags.
