Civics and Governance
Primary 4 · Social and Religious Studies
Civics and Governance
Lesson 2 of 5
14 min
Mugisha's father receives a letter from the district office. At the top is a round picture with a sun, a basket and two shields. "What is that?" asks Mugisha. "That is the seal of the Republic," says his father. "When you see it, you know the letter is official: it comes from Rwanda's government."
The seal of the Republic, often called the coat of arms, is a national symbol used on official papers and government offices. Look at the picture and find each part:
| Part | What it stands for |
|---|---|
| Green ring and knot | Development through hard work, and people tied together |
| Shields | Patriotism, defending the country, and justice |
| Sorghum and coffee | Farming: sorghum is a food crop, and coffee is sold to other countries |
| Agaseke basket | Rwandan culture, sharing and friendship. Baskets are given as gifts to friends and families. |
| Cogwheel | Industry: factories and machines that help the country develop |
| Sun | Light and knowledge for the people, as on the flag |
A motto is a short saying that tells what a group believes in. Rwanda's motto is:
Ubumwe, Umurimo, Gukunda Igihugu
(Unity, Work, Patriotism)
Tip
The motto is a recipe: Unity + Work + Love for the country = a strong Rwanda. Leave out one ingredient and the recipe does not work.
Answer: Ubumwe, Umurimo, Gukunda Igihugu: Unity, Work, Patriotism.
Answer: Any four of: the sun, sorghum, coffee, an agaseke basket, a cogwheel, two shields, a green ring with a knot, the words Repubulika y'u Rwanda, the motto.
Answer: Industry: factories and machines that help the country develop.
Answer: Loving your country and serving it.
Answer: Any two of: they show Rwanda is independent, identify Rwanda among other countries, unite Rwandans, remind us of our values, give us pride, show that something is official.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
The meanings of the green ring and knot, the shields and the basket follow the Government of Rwanda's description of the national symbols, as quoted by Flags of the World (link only, no text copied). The meanings of the sorghum, coffee, cogwheel and sun are the ones commonly taught. The rest of the lesson is written by Ganzaa.
This lesson adapts CC BY-SA material and is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Quick check
Match each part of the coat of arms to what it stands for.
Tap one on the left, then its partner on the right.
