On the evening of Friday, Father Professor Fidèle Dushimimana, the Vice Chancellor of Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), officially unveiled his new book entitled Ubuzima mu myaka y’ubukure (Life in Adulthood).
The book offers a comprehensive exploration of human life from the age of 20 through senior adulthood, delving into the key phases and transformations experienced during these years.
The launch ceremony took place at Hotel Lucerna Kabgayi, Muhanga District. It was attended by Bishop Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa of the Diocese of Kabgayi who serves also as the Chancellor of ICK; Father Vedaste Kayisabe, Secretary General of the Episcopal Conference of Rwanda; members of the clergy; relatives of Father Prof. Dushimimana; members of the ICK academic community; and other invited guests and friends.
Ubuzima mu myaka y’ubukure follows Father Dushimimana’s earlier publication, Kura ujye juru, released in 2021, which focused on child development from conception through adolescence.
This latest volume shifts focus to adulthood, highlighting the unique features, responsibilities, and psychological and social changes that define this stage of life.
“That’s why, after publishing a book on child development, I found it necessary to write about adulthood as well—to contribute to a fuller understanding of the human journey, based on research,” Father Prof. Dushimimana explained.
He noted that the book addresses the changes that individuals undergo in body, mind, behavior, and social interactions:
“These transformations include physical function, cognitive development, behavior, and relationships with others. There is even a section dedicated to death, how people deal with it, and the emotional support needed by the bereaved.”
Father Prof. Dushimimana emphasized that Ubuzima mu myaka y’ubukure is a product of scholarly research carried out at ICK, aimed at enhancing knowledge and improving the well-being of Rwandans, “The objective is to help people at all stages of adulthood live well and coexist peacefully. That means helping individuals achieve long, meaningful, and fulfilling lives.”
Although primarily written for adults engaged in various professions, from energetic youth to the elderly, the book provides valuable insights into physical health, reproductive well-being, interpersonal relationships, and common challenges that arise in adulthood.
The author stated that readers will find relevant guidance for decision-making according to their age and life context, choices that significantly affect their personal and social lives.
He said “Some readers will also gain clarity about their psychological state and find ways to maintain a balanced outlook.”
Additionally, the book provides insights into responsibilities related to work, marriage, parenting, caregiving, and how to face unique difficulties encountered in older age.
Father Prof. Dushimimana recommended that professionals across different sectors use the book, including mental health counselors, geriatric caregivers, employers, students, teachers, and others concerned with human development.
A notable feature of Ubuzima mu myaka y’ubukure, like his earlier work, is its accessible language. Written in clear and simple Kinyarwanda, it effectively communicates scientific knowledge about human behavior to a wide audience.
“This gives value to our language and proves that science can indeed be expressed in Kinyarwanda and understood by Rwandans in an accessible way,” said the author.
Bishop Balthazar Ntivuguruzwa commended Father Prof. Dushimimana both for the quality of the book and for his decision to write it in Kinyarwanda:
“We have a responsibility to place Kinyarwanda at the heart of knowledge, expertise, and innovation. The research we do and the insights we gain can be delivered through our own language,” he said.
“We must not shy away from speaking and using Kinyarwanda, even in highly intellectual circles.”
The book ‘Ubuzima mu myaka y’ubukure‘ is now available for purchase at ICK, at Lumina Bookstore, Librairie Caritas, and will soon be distributed in other locations to be announced.
Father Professor Fidèle Dushimimana is a priest of the Diocese of Kabgayi and has served as Vice Chancellor of ICK since 2023. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and Human Behavior from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, Italy.
