Wikendi na TOTA: Weekends Full of Wonder and Words

Imagine a place where stories leap off the page, laughter echoes through dance halls, and children rediscover the magic of their mother tongue. That’s exactly what happens every month at Wikendi na TOTA—a weekend festival that’s rewriting the narrative around literacy in Rwanda, one joyful gathering at a time.

What’s It All About?

Wikendi na TOTA isn’t your average reading event. It’s an energetic celebration of Kinyarwanda storytelling, organized by Ubuntu Publishers in partnership with eKitabu, local schools, and literacy champions. Whether it’s storybooks read aloud under the open sky or children grooving to traditional tunes in library courtyards, it’s a full sensory experience of language and culture.

What’s Been Happening?

Each month, a new school or venue hosts a wave of color, sound, and imagination. From Kigali Public Library in October 2023 to Trinity International Academy in November and Ecole les Tourterelles in Gahanga in December, the festival keeps growing and glowing.

Here’s what went down:

• Little ones read short stories in Kinyarwanda with local authors by their side
• Parents got involved with literacy games and cultural storytelling
• Schools showcased their own books written by students

What People Are Saying

Ange, a longtime volunteer, summed it up perfectly:

“This isn’t just reading—this is a cultural celebration. Watching children discover the magic of Kinyarwanda stories is the highlight of my month.”

Jean Bosco from eKitabu shared his pride in the partnership:

“Our work with Wikendi na TOTA helps ensure every child sees their language reflected in joyful storytelling.”

And of course, the kids say it best:

“I read a story about a talking frog and laughed so much! I want to write my own book someday,” said Amina, age 9.

Why It Matters

Wikendi na TOTA is helping build a community where literacy isn’t a chore—it’s an adventure. Children leave not only with new stories but also with a stronger sense of pride in their language and heritage. In a world dominated by foreign content, this festival gently reminds us: our stories are beautiful, too.