Abstract
This article explores John Rusimbi's novels and their role in promoting national reconciliation and patriotism in Rwanda. As a pioneering Rwandan novelist writing in English, Rusimbi's works reflect the country's post-colonial history and conditions. His novels, By the Time She Returned and The Hyena's Wedding, are analysed for their value as pedagogical texts, providing insight into themes such as exile, genocide, and reconstruction. The article argues that these novels should be included in school curricula to educate Rwandan children about their country's history and promote national unity. The study adopts a social history approach, viewing literature as a product of human experience that can shape society. An Afrocentric approach is also employed, affirming African cultural values and resisting colonialism and neocolonialism. The article stresses the value of written literature in Rwanda and its capacity to foster patriotism and national healing by analysing Rusimbi's works of literature.
Keywords: Sociopolitical; Afrocentric, pedagogical texts, school curricula; patriotism; national reconciliation.
DOI: 10.36349/alqajolls.2025.v01i01.011
author/Abdullahi Dahiru Umar & Musa Ahmad Sani
journal/AL-QALAM JLLS 1(1) | December 2025
