This year, as the Kigali Public Library (KPL) launched its fifth annual Writing Competition under the theme “Money Matters,” eKitabu reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every child in Rwanda, regardless of ability, had an equal opportunity to participate, compete, and be heard. The partnership between eKitabu and KPL continues to demonstrate how collaboration can transform access to education and creative expression.

Season 5 marked a historic milestone: over 5,000 submissions were received, including 323 from learners with disabilities — the highest number yet. Thirty-two winners were selected, among them eight learners with disabilities: three deaf and five blind. At the awarding ceremony on 29 May 2026, attended by the Minister of State from the Ministry of Education and partners such as the Business Development Fund and Bank of Kigali, winners received tablets, computers, and bicycles. In a fitting tribute to the theme, each winner also received a bank account with a cash prize, reinforcing the importance of financial empowerment.

The KPL Annual Writing Competition, launched in 2021, engages both public and private schools across Rwanda, inviting students from primary and secondary levels to sharpen their creative writing skills while addressing social issues. This year’s theme encouraged participants to explore financial topics through their own perspectives — from a young learner discovering 500 RWF on the ground to an advanced student reflecting on how financial literacy shapes leadership. Entries were accepted in Kinyarwanda, English, and French, across fiction, poetry, essay, and article formats, making the competition a truly inclusive literary platform.

eKitabu’s role extended far beyond sponsorship. From the start of Season 5, the organization translated all competition guidelines and topics into Rwandan Sign Language, led by its own deaf staff members to ensure authenticity and accessibility. These videos, shared with special and inclusive schools nationwide, enabled learners with disabilities to engage fully. eKitabu staff supported schools throughout the submission process and participated in the evaluation and marking of entries, bringing an inclusive lens to the judging. The organization also provided financial support, continuing a partnership that has grown stronger since the competition’s inception.

Among the winners was Divine Abayikunda, a deaf student from Musanze District who placed second runner-up in the Advanced Level English category. Her mother’s words captured the heart of the event: “I was abandoned by her father because she is deaf. Now seeing her getting prizes from this competition is a big milestone to me. I am just giving a lot of glory to God.” Divine’s story embodies what eKitabu stands for — breaking barriers and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard. As eKitabu continues to champion inclusive education, its message remains clear: every child’s story matters, and every voice deserves a place on the page.