The University of Rwanda (UR) has, on Friday 20th December 2024, celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at the University of Rwanda; organized in in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda.
The event brought together students with disabilities from all UR campuses, along with other members of the university community, to recognize UR achievements in promoting inclusion of students with disabilities, raise awareness, and reaffirm the university’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment.
Partnering with the University of Rwanda to celebrate this day demonstrates the commitment of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Rwanda to supporting persons with disabilities, as 25% of its scholars at UR are also students with disabilities.
The celebration of the International Day of Persons with disabilities was officiated by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in Charge of Strategic Planning and Administration at the University of Rwanda Dr. Raymond Ndikumana. “This day is a global call to recognize the immense value and potential of students with disabilities not as beneficiaries of inclusion, but as leaders of change who contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of our university, country, and the world at large,” said the Deputy Vice chancellor while addressing participants.
He highlighted that the celebration is an opportunity to honor the remarkable achievements of persons with disabilities, who continue to defy stereotypes and inspire meaningful change. “ The resilience and contribution of Persons with disabilities are a testament to what is possible when inclusion and equity are prioritized,” he added.
The celebration was also attended by the Vice Mayor in charge of Socio-Economic Affairs at the City of Kigali, Ms. Urujeni Martine. In her address, she reiterated that achieving an inclusive and sustainable future requires collaboration and a collective commitment to removing barriers, enhancing systems, and fostering an environment that supports students with disabilities to thrive and achieve their dreams.
Reflecting on the significance of the International day of Persons with disabilities, Ms. Regine Umuhoza, a representative for students with disabilities at UR, said that the celebration is reminder that disability is not inability. “It is a moment for us to demonstrate that, with the right support, we can break barriers, achieve our dreams, and inspire others to do the same,” she added.
Adding to this, Godfrey Rukimbira, a student with a disability and also a Mastercard Foundation Scholar at the University of Rwanda, said that the celebration of the day reinforces the message that people with disabilities are just as capable as anyone else when provided with the opportunity and support to succeed.
The event featured a variety of activities, including panel discussions, public addresses on the importance of inclusive education, art performances, and interactive networking sessions aimed at fostering solidarity and building empowering relationships.
Proclaimed by the United Nations in 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed globally every 3rd of December. Its aim is to promote understanding of disability issues, uphold the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities, enhance their well-being, and raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity in all aspects of life.
UR achievements in promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The University of Rwanda (UR) has made significant strides in fostering inclusion of persons with disability across its campuses. Currently, there are188 students with disabilities at UR, most of whom have physical disabilities, while others face challenges such as hearing impairments and mental health issues.
To support these students, UR has invested in inclusive infrastructure. Three campuses namely Huye, Rukara, and Nyagatare are equipped with resource rooms designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UR, the university has provided assistive resources valued at USD 137,000. This aims to upgrade resource rooms across five campuses namely Huye, Nyarugenge, Busogo, Rukara, and Nyagatare.
UR is also one of the few higher learning institutions in the region to adopt disability inclusion policy guidelines, which have been in place since 2015. The University of Rwanda has further demonstrated leadership through training and capacity-building programs in this field. Since 2000, UR has offered short courses in disability inclusion through its College of Medicine and Health Sciences (formerly KHI) and the College of Education (formerly KIE).
Currently, UR offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in Special Needs Education at the College of Education, as well as programs in Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS). Additionally, a new program in Speech and Language Therapy is under development at CMHS.
Celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been an opportunity to raise awareness about disability inclusion
The celebration was officiated by Dr. Raymond Ndikumana, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Rwanda
The Vice Mayor in charge of Socio-Economic Affairs at the City of Kigali, Ms. Urujeni Martine, speaking at the event
Ms. Regine Umuhoza, a representative for students with disabilities at UR
Students with disabilities performing a song at the celebration, raising awareness of the importance of inclusion
The event brought together students with disabilities from all UR campuses, along with other members of the university community