The Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement (MINUBUMWE), on February 18, 2025, in partnership with the National Commission for the Promotion of Culture, launched a new mobile app called “Tumenye Ikinyarwanda” to help people learn and improve their Kinyarwanda language skills.
The app is designed to be easy to use, allowing anyone with a smartphone or computer to access lessons in Kinyarwanda. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, you can simply download the app from Google Play or any other platform and start learning.
“Tumenye Ikinyarwanda” offers a variety of lessons, including traditional proverbs, idioms, riddles, and common phrases in Kinyarwanda. These lessons aim to help users not only learn new words but also understand the deeper meanings behind them, making the language more accessible and enjoyable.
Robert Masozera, the Director General of the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, shared the vision behind the app. “Our goal is to help people improve their Kinyarwanda skills, and to make sure they use the language correctly. This app will also help people correct the mistakes they often make while speaking,” he explained. “It’s a great way to learn the language on your own and share your knowledge with others, spreading Kinyarwanda across Rwanda and beyond.”
The app is powered by modern technology called React Native, which allows it to interact with users in a fun and engaging way. Users can ask questions and get answers, or even take quizzes to test their knowledge and receive scores to track their progress. It’s like having a language tutor right on your phone!
With 407 lessons split into six categories, “Tumenye Ikinyarwanda” is designed for all learners—whether you’re just starting or looking to perfect your language skills. The app comes at a time when many, especially young people, struggle with using Kinyarwanda correctly. This initiative aims to improve that, helping people speak the language more confidently and accurately.
By making learning Kinyarwanda accessible and fun, the app hopes to strengthen the use of Rwanda’s native language, connecting people to their culture and to each other. Whether you’re in Rwanda or anywhere around the world, “Tumenye Ikinyarwanda” is a great way to dive deeper into the language and culture of Rwanda.
