On October 1st, 2025, CJSM (Centre de Jeunes Sourds Muets) deaf school in the Huye district became a center for inclusion and learning. More than 400 deaf and hearing students, teachers, and community leaders gathered to celebrate International Deaf Awareness Week with an event called Soma Mumuganda—a reading initiative organized by eKitabu as part of the “Scaling Inclusive Early Learning with Deaf Children” KIX project.
The school hall was transformed into a welcoming space for storytelling, where adapted books in Rwandan Sign Language brought together learners and teachers in joyful discovery. This event highlighted the importance of sign language and inclusive reading materials. Children read books in sign language, learned new signs from a glossary, and eagerly answered questions.
This event addressed a critical challenge: the lack of adapted learning materials for deaf learners. By showcasing inclusive books published by Rwandan authors and adapted by eKitabu, Soma Mumuganda demonstrated the impact of publishing—promoting literacy, inspiring a love for reading, and empowering every child to learn in their own language.
The head teacher reminded everyone of the week’s theme: “No human right without sign language.” The Executive Director of the Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD) emphasized the significance of Deaf Awareness Week. Additionally, Nadia and Pascasie from eKitabu introduced inclusive digital materials that captivated the audience.
“These books teach both deaf and hearing learners how to easily learn sign language,” one teacher commented.
Ange, a P3 deaf learner, expressed, “The book is understandable and enjoyable—better than what we’re used to. We want many more like these.”
Partners such as RNUD, the National Council of People with Disabilities, and the Catholic Diocese played essential roles by offering speeches and media coverage to amplify the message. Together, we showcased what inclusion looks like in practice: shared stories, shared language, and shared hope.On October 1st, 2025, the Centre de Jeunes Sourds Muets (CJSM) deaf school in the Huye district hosted a significant event, "Soma Mumuganda," to celebrate International Deaf Awareness Week. This reading initiative, organized by eKitabu as part of the “Scaling Inclusive Early Learning with Deaf Children” KIX project, brought together over 400 deaf and hearing students, teachers, and community leaders, transforming the school into a hub of inclusion and learning.
The school hall became a vibrant storytelling space, where adapted books in Rwandan Sign Language fostered joyful discovery among learners and teachers. This event underscored the crucial role of sign language and accessible reading materials. Children actively engaged by reading books in sign language, learning new signs from a glossary, and eagerly participating in question-and-answer sessions.
Key figures delivered impactful messages, reinforcing the week's theme: “No human right without sign language,” as highlighted by the head teacher. The Executive Director of the Rwanda National Union of the Deaf (RNUD) emphasized the importance of Deaf Awareness Week, while Nadia and Pascasie from eKitabu showcased captivating inclusive digital materials.
Soma Mumuganda effectively addressed the pressing need for adapted learning materials for deaf learners. By featuring inclusive books from Rwandan authors, adapted by eKitabu, the event demonstrated the power of publishing in promoting literacy, cultivating a love for reading, and empowering every child to learn in their own language.
A teacher noted, “These books teach both deaf and hearing learners how to easily learn sign language.” Ange, a P3 deaf learner, enthusiastically shared, “The book is understandable and enjoyable—better than what we’re used to. We want many more like these.”
Partners such as RNUD, the National Council of People with Disabilities, and the Catholic Diocese were instrumental, providing speeches and media coverage that amplified the message of inclusion. Together, they showcased a practical vision of inclusion: shared stories, shared language, and shared hope.