Christmas is without a doubt a joyful season, and for this reason, it is essential that learners are encouraged to spread festivities and help others. Jackyline Iribagiza, a counsellor and matron at Marty’s Secondary School in Remera Kigali, says during this period, people remember the birth of Jesus Christ and his lessons in life. She notes that is important for students to practice kindness and love towards each other, and help those who are less fortunate. “As Christians, students should share, give to the less privileged, spend time with loved ones and have a positive outlook on life in general,” she says. This, she says, is important to one’s spiritual life, adding that this practice can be extended even when learners go back to school. Activities Beatha Ashishakiye, a teacher at E.P Gafunzo Primary School in Ngoma District, says this is the time learners should be involved in various activities — not just ‘eating and celebrating’. She notes that depending on the age of the child, parents can teach or let their children help out with home activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and most importantly, encourage them to go to church. SOS Children`s Villages supports vulnerable children and families in Kigali. Students should use the holiday to extend kindness to those in need. Courtesy photo. She points out that the activities shouldn’t only focus on celebrations, rather, tasks that are essential should be included during this time. Ashishakiye points out that children can discuss their resolutions for the New Year, since after Christmas, there are only a few days to the new academic year. Basing on this, she says learners should be guided regarding careers, with advice given where necessary. “Parents can use this moment to find out what their children know and what they don’t, and how best they can help out,” she says. Mark Ndagijimana, a deputy teacher at GS Ruhango Catholique School in Ruhango District Parents, is of the view that during this time, parents should take their kids to their places of work. He says this is important because they learn how things operate. “This is important, rather than letting them stay at home. When students are left to be idle, they are likely to get involved in bad activities,” he says. On the other hand, he says, since few are working during this time, parents should listen and learn from their children, let them express themselves and air out their grievances. By doing this, he says, as a parent, it’s easy to find ways to help your child depending on what they have shared. In addition, Ndagijimana says, this is also important as it helps children know that whenever they have an issue, there is someone who can listen to them and help where necessary. Also, he adds that parents can encourage their children to donate clothes and other supplies they aren’t using to orphanages or vulnerable people who need them. He notes that this is one way of teaching children that what they think is useless, is valuable to another. They will learn how to value the little they have and also extend kindness to other people who need their help. Nelson Mukasa, the executive director of Children and Youth Sports Organization in Rwanda, says it’s important for children to get involved in sports activities. Parents can also encourage their children to invite their friends for friendly sports matches. Mukasa points out that monitoring kids should not be taken lightly. He mentions that being Christmas, there are many fun activities and functions, therefore, parents should be watchful regarding their children’s whereabouts, who they are hanging out with, and the type of functions they attend. He points out that this is important because it’s easy for young people to be lured by friends or strangers into activities that can harm them. “When parents leave students on their own, a lot of mischief goes on, therefore, keeping an eye on them is very important,” he adds. Charity Iribagiza says during this time, parents and church leaders should aim at encouraging goodwill towards others. She adds that the young generation should know the season is celebrated by helping one another. And so, they should emphasise the spirit of giving. She says it is important to talk about historical figures that spent their lives helping others so that they can learn from them. Alternatively, they can also make gifts for one another, their parents, or for other family members. “Taking part in a food drive for less fortunate families is another great way to pass the holiday spirit,” she adds. John Nzayisenga says it’s also important for parents to ensure that they maintain unbiased hopes for their children and work towards helping their children reach their goals. He explains that the holiday season can be used to examine strengths and weaknesses. “Exposing these differences and celebrating them in a non-judgmental manner, is an excellent lesson for children to learn,” he says. Regardless of one’s religious and cultural traditions, Sylvester Twizerimana, a psychologist and counselor at Anglican Church of Rwanda in Rubavu District, says it’s important for parents to educate their children on the importance of Christmas. He says they should be sure their young ones understand why they celebrate the day. “If you as a parent choose not to celebrate the holiday due to different religious customs or other beliefs, it’s important to help your child understand why,” he says. He, however, says that having this knowledge will allow children to share their perspective with others, and develop an environment of understanding and respect throughout their lives.
