Uruhare rw'itorero mu kwimakaza imikoreshereze y’imvugo iboneye y’ururimi rw'Ikinyarwanda mu kiciro cya kabiri cy’amashuri yisumbuye mu burezi bw’ibanze bw’u Rwanda

Abstract

This study examined how Itorero programs may enhance Kinyarwanda language expression in Advanced-level students in Rwanda’s basic education system in some selected schools of Nyanza district. It was prompted by concerns over the frequent misuse and lack of proficiency in Kinyarwanda among secondary school learners. Like all languages globally, Kinyarwanda has established norms for proper usage. Rooted in Rwandan tradition, Itorero is a unique civic and cultural education program and was seen as a valuable platform for promoting correct language use and fostering responsible citizenship. The research was carried out in selected schools within the Nyanza District of the Southern Province at College du Christ roi Nyanza and GS HVP Gatagara, using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Participants included students, teachers, school administrators, especially Itorero facilitators under Minubumwe and Mineduc. Itorero facilitators, who provided data through questionnaires and interviews. In total, 102 students and 65 leaders, teachers, and Itorero facilitators contributed to the study. The research sought to examine how Itorero supports the use of appropriate language, understand facilitators' approaches to teaching Kinyarwanda, and highlight the importance of language proficiency in Rwanda’s advanced secondary education. The study also emphasized the role of Rwandan culture, which encompasses beliefs, clothing, dances, language use in shaping Kinyarwanda language use, national identity and unity, and development. It pointed out that Kinyarwanda is not limited to Rwanda but is also spoken in neighboring regions impacted by colonial-era boundaries. However, the growing influence of foreign languages and the neglect of linguistic traditions have weakened the authenticity of Kinyarwanda communication. Kinyarwanda can be a global language. Therefore, the research centered on the relationship between language and Itorero as a way to revive and strengthen the proper use of Kinyarwanda among today’s students.