THE BEATFUL RWANDAN CULTURE AND CUSTOMS
Dear Friends of Rwanda,
My name is Remy UGIRASE MUJIGITI ,A Translator and Interpreter in Rwanda and I am happy to share with you our beautiful culture and let you discover much more about Rwanda . I hope you will find this interesting and helpful while adapting yourself in Rwandan community during your stay .
Rwanda is a safe country. You should feel free to move around on foot or by public transport, even in the evenings. If you ask for directions people will always do their best to help you.
Many people, especially in Kigali, understand English and French. Many older people, especially outside Kigali, are able to speak French. Try and learn one or two greetings in Kinyarwanda. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated wherever you go.
Rwanda is largely a homogenous society in which most of its population shares the same language and culture with only slight differences from one province to another. However over its history many Rwandans have lived out of Rwanda and been exposed to different cultures. This has enhanced the richness and diversity of Rwandan culture.
This diversity of experience amongst the Rwandan population means that there is a good understanding about the cultures of many of the foreign visitors to Rwanda. Rwandans likeand welcome all who come and visit. Rwandans are tolerant and interested in newcomers to their country.
In Rwanda every one is free within the law, to express and maintain their own culture and their own religious traditions all visitors are invited to participate as a member of Rwandan society. We are a predominantly Christian community and we respect the views and traditions of other religious communities.
If you are open and respectful towards the ideas and traditions of others you are likely to fit into our society, enjoy and be successful in your new life.
Rwanda does not tolerate corruption of any kind. Do not, ever, offer a bribe or try and obtain preferential treatment for public services. You are most unlikely to come across any corruption in Rwanda, and you will insult people (and embarrass yourself) if you seem to expect it.
Rwandans work long hours. In government departments the working day begins for everybody at 7.00 am. Most businesses are at work by 8.00 am.
Like anywhere else in the World be cautions before taking photographs of people who you do not know. Often people are willing to be photographed, but some prefer not to be. Always ask permission to avoid causing any inconvenience.
Children will often approach visitors to Rwanda and ask for money or gifts. This behavior is discouraged. As you will notice Rwanda is embarked on universal nine years basic education (9YBE). If you give them money then the children will be encouraged in this behavior, so please do not give anything. The government of
Rwanda’s stand on this is that they should be no children on the street asking for money. The government of Rwanda has created rehabilitation and vocational skills development centre so that those street children and beggars could learn vocational skills, become employable and leave the street. Rather Rwanda is known to be the country where visitors are welcomed with enthusiasm, smile, and affectionate hospitality. So please wherever you find children begging be aware that that is not our culture.
In Rwanda there no clear principles regarding leaving a tip in Restaurant, Bar or Hotel. However the tendency is that because customers visiting Rwanda have been giving tips to staffs servicing them, in bigger hotels and restaurant it has became a culture. On how much to give in tip, there is no fixed amount; it depends on who is giving it.
Welcome in our beautiful country and hope you will enjoy our translation and interpretation service during your stay in Rwanda
Kind Regards,
Remy UGIRASE MUJIGITI
TRANSLATOR / INTERPRETER IN RWANDA
E-mail: ugiremy@gmail.com
Phone: +250783128219
Address:
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF RWANDA or
MATAR SUPERMARKET, South Province, Huye,Butare , Rwanda
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