Good Values We Are Taught

1What is a value?

A value is a good way of behaving that we choose because it is right. Our parents teach us values at home. Our religions teach us values too. And a good value is good for everyone, whatever religion you follow.

Here are the big ones. Read each one and think of a time you have seen it.

• Honesty — telling the truth and not cheating, even when it is hard. Gatete returning the purse was honesty.
• Kindness — being gentle and helping others, especially the small, the sick or the sad.
• Sharing — giving some of what you have to someone who has less.
• Respect — treating other people, and their things, with care. We greet our elders and listen when they speak.
• Forgiveness — when someone does you wrong and says sorry, you let the anger go instead of paying them back.
• Hard work — doing your job well, at school and at home, without being pushed.

2Values in real life

Values are not just words. They show up in what you do. Let's work through some real moments. This is our worked example.

• Keza breaks a cup by mistake. She could hide it, but she tells her mother the truth. → That is honesty.
• Ishimwe has an avocado and his friend has no food, so he shares half. → That is sharing.
• A small child falls down and cries. Umutoni helps her up and carries her books. → That is kindness.
• Byiringiro's friend stepped on his toe by accident and said sorry. Byiringiro smiled and let it go. → That is forgiveness.
• Mugisha greets his grandmother and listens quietly while she speaks. → That is respect.

See how each value is shown by an action? When you know the action, you can name the value.

Try it yourself

Name the value, then tap Show answer to check.