Rwanda's Disabled Community Praises Project for Empowerment and Inclusion

People with disabilities in Rwanda have expressed gratitude for the 'Turengere Abafite Ubumuga' project, which has enabled them to become self-reliant and participate in development activities. The project, which began in 2023, aims to improve the lives of people with disabilities, increase their capacity, and help them contribute to national development. Beneficiaries of the project have reported significant improvements in their lives, including increased financial independence and social inclusion.

Prior to the project, people with disabilities in Rwanda faced numerous challenges, including lack of access to financial services, social isolation, and limited economic opportunities. However, through the project's support and training, they have been able to form groups, engage in income-generating activities, and improve their overall well-being. One beneficiary noted that the project had helped him to become more confident and self-sufficient, saying "Mbere nari umuntu waheranywe n’agahinda kubera ubumuga, nkaba aho ntazwi, ariko ubu twagiye ahabona, tujya mu matsinda."

The project has also established and supported groups of parents with children with disabilities, aiming to empower them to care for their families and participate in development activities. According to Dr. Nicodème Hakizimana, Executive Director of the Rwanda Association of People with Disabilities (OIPPA), 139 parents, including 111 women and 28 men, have been organized into four groups that engage in income-generating activities. These groups have enabled parents to support each other and improve their socio-economic status.

One of the project's notable achievements is the establishment of the Tubakunde group, which operates in the Cyeza sector of Muhanga district. The group, which has 43 members, engages in pig farming and has enabled its members to save money and improve their livelihoods. The project has also focused on strengthening organizations that advocate for the rights of people with disabilities and promoting their inclusion in development initiatives.

The project was implemented with funding from the European Union (EU) and in partnership with various organizations, including AIMPO, OIPPA, HIHD, and ISDO. Dr. Vanessa Mupenzi, representing the Ministry of Health, praised the organizations involved in the project, saying that every Rwandan has the right to good health and access to healthcare services, regardless of their abilities.

Dr. Mupenzi also highlighted recent changes to the country's health insurance scheme, which now covers services related to prosthetics and orthotics. She noted that these changes aim to improve access to healthcare for people with disabilities and reduce the financial burden on those who need these services. According to Dr. Mupenzi, people with disabilities who face challenges accessing healthcare can now seek support from relevant authorities.

Beneficiaries of the project have expressed their commitment to continuing their development initiatives and promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in national development. They emphasized that having a disability does not prevent them from working, learning, and contributing to the country's growth. The project's impact is expected to be sustained, with beneficiaries continuing to benefit from the skills and knowledge gained during the project.

Key points

• The 'Turengere Abafite Ubumuga' project has empowered people with disabilities in Rwanda to become self-reliant and participate in development activities.
• The project has established groups of parents with children with disabilities, enabling them to care for their families and improve their socio-economic status.
• The project's impact is expected to be sustained, with beneficiaries continuing to benefit from the skills and knowledge gained during the project.