A book compiling President Paul Kagame’s reflection on leadership and public speeches could soon be disseminated in schools to offer the young generation a distilled guide to leadership, patriotism and nation-building drawn from decades of national and global engagement. The 90-page book, written in Kinyarwanda and titled “Isoko Tuvomaho Impanuro” (loosely translated as “The source from which we draw wisdom”), was disseminated on Friday, January 23, at Kigali Public Library, where the author, secondary school students, and education officials discussed the essential message of the book. ALSO READ: Kagame to leaders: No one from outside will come to save us Compiled by Charles Mutaganzwa, the book presents 245 lessons extracted from the president’s speeches delivered during various events in the country, international platforms, as well as to Rwandans in the diaspora. The book explores themes of unity, work ethic, self-reliance, dignity, leadership, good governance and Rwanda’s place on the global stage. It turns the speeches into concise reflections accessible to young readers. Mutaganzwa said the initiative to compile the book was driven by the need to preserve ideas that have shaped Rwanda’s recovery and development, and then transmit them in a form that can outlive the moment in which they were spoken. “Many of the president’s speeches are long and scattered across different platforms,” he said. “I selected their core messages and put them in writing so that anyone who needs guidance can access them easily. He explained that students were deliberately chosen as the primary audience because they represent the future custodians of the country’s progress. In one of the excerpts featured in the book, President Kagame reminds citizens their responsibility: “Do not think only of what your country owes you or must provide for you; rather, always remember that your country also expects something from you, which you must give back.” In another reflection, the president cautions against complacency, warning that achievements gained through sacrifice must be safeguarded. “Do not take for granted anything you have achieved through hard work, because if you lose it, regaining it will cost you more than before - or you may never recover it at all. Students who attended the event at Kigali Public Library described the book as both practical and transformative. Ivan Muhinda, 19, a Social Studies Education student at TTC Matimba, said having the president’s ideas compiled in print is more accessible to many learners who may not easily access online content. “When these messages are written down, they become easier to access and revisit,” he said. For Fidelity Akaliza, a 16-year-old student at TTC Kirambo, the book has already begun shaping her professional outlook. “As future teachers, we know we will shape society,” she said. “Internalising such messages prepares us to pass on values that help students build themselves and contribute to the country.” Parents who attended the event also welcomed the messages contained in the book, describing it as a timely tool for nurturing responsible citizenship. Jean Pierre Mbarushimana said the book responds to the need for strong values at an early age. “These lessons encourage dignity, self-reliance and accountability,” he said. “They help raise children who understand that building themselves and building the nation go hand in hand.” The Ministry of Education has endorsed the book and indicated plans to support its distribution in schools. Jean Claude Hashakineza, Director General of Communications at the ministry, said the publication aligns with Rwanda’s vision of value-based education. “We reviewed Isoko Tuvomaho Impanuro and found it to be a genuine source of guidance that helps students think critically, make sound decisions and prepare for leadership,” he said.
